Butter Chicken Recipe: 30-Minute Quick & Easy Homemade Meal

Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken
• Ingredients for Butter Chicken
  • For the Chicken Marinade
  • For the Butter Chicken Sauce
• How to Make Butter Chicken – Step by Step
  • Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
  • Step 2: Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce
  • Step 3: Cook the Chicken
  • Step 4: Combine and Finish
• Pro Tips for Making the Best Butter Chicken
• Best Ways to Serve Butter Chicken
• Nutritional Information for Butter Chicken
• Storage & Leftovers
• FAQs for Butter Chicken
• Related Recipes for Butter Chicken
• Conclusion & Call to Action

Are you craving the rich, creamy flavors of authentic Indian cuisine but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen? Look no further than this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe! This beloved dish combines tender chicken pieces in a velvety tomato-based sauce that’s infused with aromatic spices and finished with a generous helping of butter for that signature richness. Perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for weekend entertaining, this butter chicken recipe has been simplified without sacrificing any of the traditional flavor profiles that make this dish a worldwide favorite.

As someone who has perfected this butter chicken recipe through countless testing sessions, I’m excited to share my foolproof method that delivers restaurant-quality butter chicken right in your home kitchen. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or looking to add another reliable butter chicken recipe to your collection, this homemade butter chicken will quickly become a family favorite that everyone requests again and again..

Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken

Ingredients for Butter Chicken

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1.5 pounds (680g) boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup (120g) plain yogurt
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, divided
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (14 oz/400g) tomato sauce or puree
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for deeper flavor)
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, balances the acidity)
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

For a healthier version: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt.

For a dairy-free option: Use coconut oil instead of butter and full-fat coconut milk instead of cream.

Essential spices for butter chicken: The combination of garam masala, cumin, and turmeric creates the signature flavor profile that makes this butter chicken recipe truly authentic.

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How to Make Butter Chicken – Step by Step

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, minced garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, ground cumin, turmeric, salt, and red chili powder.
2. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well to coat evenly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 2-4 hours (overnight works best for maximum flavor development).

Step 2: Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in garam masala, cumin, coriander, and red chili powder. Cook for 30 seconds until spices become aromatic.
5. Pour in tomato sauce and tomato paste, mixing well. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth (or use an immersion blender). Return the sauce to the pan.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. While the sauce is simmering, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a separate pan over medium-high heat.
2. Remove chicken from the marinade (discard extra marinade) and add to the hot pan in a single layer, working in batches if necessary.
3. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).

Step 4: Combine and Finish

1. Add the cooked chicken pieces to the pureed sauce and bring to a gentle simmer.
2. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and optional sugar to balance flavors.
4. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Butter Chicken

• Use chicken thighs instead of breast – they stay more tender and absorb more flavor from the marinade
• Don’t skip the marinating time – even 30 minutes makes a huge difference in flavor and tenderness
• Blend the sauce for that signature smooth, velvety texture that defines authentic butter chicken
• Adjust thickness by simmering longer for a thicker sauce or adding a splash of water or chicken broth for a thinner consistency
• Balance acidity with a touch of sugar if your tomatoes are particularly tart
• Make it ahead – butter chicken actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld together overnight
• Add kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) in the final minute of cooking for an extra layer of authentic flavor (optional but highly recommended)
• What is the secret to the best butter chicken? The perfect balance of tangy tomato, cream, and warming spices, along with properly marinated chicken

Best Ways to Serve Butter Chicken

Butter chicken shines when served with the right accompaniments. Here are some excellent pairing options:

• Steamed basmati rice is the classic choice – its fragrant, fluffy texture is perfect for soaking up the rich sauce
• Naan bread – use it to scoop up that delicious butter chicken sauce
• For a lower-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or alongside roasted vegetables
• Complete your Indian feast with side dishes like cucumber raita, pickled onions, or a simple green salad
• For beverages, pair with a mango lassi, cold beer, or a light white wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer

The best way to serve butter chicken is family-style, with the sauce in a large serving bowl surrounded by various sides, allowing everyone to create their perfect plate.

Nutritional Information for Butter Chicken

Per Serving (approximately 1 cup, based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 490 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 21g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 680mg

This butter chicken recipe is naturally low-carb and gluten-free. For a lighter version, use light cream instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of butter by half.

Storage & Leftovers

Butter chicken is one of those magical dishes that often tastes even better the next day! Here’s how to properly store any leftovers:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making each reheated serving more delicious.
• Freezing: This butter chicken recipe freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the sauce and chicken separately from any rice or bread.
• Reheating: Gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened too much during storage. Microwave on 70% power, stirring halfway through, to prevent the sauce from separating.

How long does butter chicken last in the fridge? When properly stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

FAQs for Butter Chicken

Can I freeze butter chicken?

Yes, butter chicken freezes exceptionally well! Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore the creamy texture.

What can I use instead of heavy cream in butter chicken?

You have several options to substitute heavy cream in this butter chicken recipe. Coconut milk creates a delicious variation with a subtle tropical flavor. Greek yogurt (added off-heat to prevent curdling) provides tanginess and protein. For a richer alternative, try cashew cream made by blending soaked cashews with water until smooth.

Can I make butter chicken in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! For slow cooker butter chicken, skip the separate marinating step and add all marinade ingredients directly with the chicken to your slow cooker. Prepare the sauce as directed, then pour over the chicken. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Stir in cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. Always follow proper food safety guidelines when using a slow cooker.

Is butter chicken spicy?

Traditional butter chicken is mild to moderately spiced, focusing more on aromatic flavors than heat. This quick and easy butter chicken recipe allows you to customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili powder. For a spicier version, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a chopped green chili to the sauce.

Related Recipes for Butter Chicken

If you love this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe, try these other delicious Indian-inspired dishes:

• Chicken Tikka Masala – A close cousin to butter chicken with a slightly tangier flavor profile
• Easy Vegetable Biryani – A fragrant rice dish that pairs perfectly with butter chicken
• Homemade Garlic Naan – Learn to make this essential Indian bread at home
• Quick Chana Masala – A protein-packed chickpea curry that makes a wonderful side dish
• Cucumber Raita – A cooling yogurt condiment that balances the rich flavors of butter chicken
• Best Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe – Easy & Delicious

Conclusion & Call to Action

Now that you know how to make the best Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken, you can enjoy restaurant-quality Indian cuisine any night of the week! This simplified yet authentic recipe delivers all the rich, creamy flavors you love without the complexity or long cooking time. The velvety sauce, tender chicken, and perfect balance of spices make this butter chicken recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Have you tried making this homemade butter chicken? I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? Share your thoughts, questions, or variations in the comments below. Don’t forget to rate this recipe and share it with friends and family who appreciate delicious, easy-to-make meals.

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