Craving restaurant-style butter chicken but want something simple at home? This quick and easy homemade butter chicken is creamy, flavorful, and ready in under an hour. Tender chicken is simmered in a rich, buttery tomato sauce spiced with warm Indian flavors. Served with fluffy basmati rice or naan, this dish is comforting, hearty, and perfect for family dinners.
how to make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
The process is straightforward. First, onions, garlic, and ginger are sautéed to build flavor. Next, tomato puree and spices simmer into a rich sauce. Cream is stirred in for a silky texture, then the chicken cooks gently in the sauce until tender. Finish with fresh cilantro, and your butter chicken is ready to serve.
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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
A quick and easy homemade butter chicken with tender chicken cubes simmered in a buttery, spiced tomato cream sauce. Perfect with rice or naan.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (halal-certified), cut into cubes
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp ginger paste
1 ½ cups tomato puree (or canned crushed tomatoes)
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
2 tsp garam masala
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp turmeric
½ tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
In a skillet, heat butter and olive oil. Add onions and sauté until golden.
Stir in garlic and ginger paste, cooking until fragrant.
Add tomato puree, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, and salt. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Stir in cream and mix until sauce is smooth and creamy.
Add chicken cubes and cook on medium heat until fully cooked and tender (about 15 minutes).
Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Serve hot with basmati rice or naan.
Notes
Cut chicken into even cubes for consistent cooking. Use coconut cream for a dairy-free variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
why you’ll love Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
This recipe brings the authentic taste of butter chicken into your kitchen with everyday ingredients. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and versatile enough to serve for weeknights or special occasions. The sauce is creamy but not heavy, with a balance of aromatic spices and a hint of warmth from chili powder if you like it spicy. It’s also adaptable swap cream for coconut cream to make it dairy-free.
tips for success
- Cut chicken into evenly sized cubes for even cooking.
- Simmer the sauce gently so it develops deep flavor without burning.
- Adjust spices to your taste add more chili for heat or more cream for mildness.
creative variations
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream for a lighter, slightly sweet flavor.
- Veggie Twist: Add spinach, peas, or cauliflower to bulk up the dish.
serving suggestions
- Pair with warm garlic naan or roti for dipping into the sauce.
- Serve with fluffy basmati rice or jeera rice for a traditional touch.
- Add a cucumber raita or simple salad to balance the richness.
storing leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. You can also freeze butter chicken for up to 2 months thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.