The Best Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
This Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is a game-changer, delivering rich, creamy, and authentic Indian flavors with minimal fuss. Perfect for a weeknight meal, it brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Unsalted butter
- Store-bought ginger-garlic paste
- Canned crushed tomatoes or tomato purée
- Heavy cream (whipping cream)
- Plain, full-fat yogurt
- Garam Masala
- Turmeric Powder
- Cumin Powder
- Coriander Powder
- Kashmiri Chili Powder
- Sugar, honey, or maple syrup
- Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine cubed chicken with 2 tbsp plain yogurt, 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste, and a pinch each of turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well. Marinate for 15-20 minutes if time allows, or proceed directly.
- Heat 1 tbsp butter/oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken pieces in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. They don't need to be cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add another 1 tbsp butter. Sauté 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and Kashmiri chili powder. Cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Pour in canned crushed tomatoes or purée. Stir well, scraping pan. Add about ½ cup water or chicken broth, sugar, and salt to taste. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Return seared chicken to the sauce. Stir to coat. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from heat. Stir in heavy cream and remaining butter (cut into small pieces). If using kasuri methi, crush a teaspoon between palms and stir in. Taste and adjust seasoning; a squeeze of lemon juice can add brightness.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan, basmati rice, or your favorite side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Don't overcook the chicken; sear briefly and finish cooking in the sauce. Adjust heat with Kashmiri chili powder or cayenne for more spice. For a smoother sauce, blend before adding chicken and cream.