Flavorful Butter Chicken Made Easy – A Comforting Homemade Favorite
This quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe delivers bold, creamy Indian flavor in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken is simmered in a rich tomato and spice sauce for a comforting, restaurant-style meal at home.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, chopped
2 tbsp unsalted butter (plus 1 tbsp for finishing)
1 tbsp neutral oil
1 small onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
1½ tsp garam masala
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
1½ cups tomato purée
¾ cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet and cook chicken for 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add butter to the same pan. Sauté onion until soft, 3–4 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger. Cook 30 seconds.
- Add garam masala, cumin, paprika, and cayenne. Stir 30 seconds.
- Stir in tomato purée. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Add cream and simmer 3–4 minutes more.
- Return chicken to pan. Simmer 5 minutes until warmed through.
- Stir in 1 tbsp butter and garnish with cilantro. Serve hot.
Notes
Use coconut milk for dairy-free option. Adjust cayenne to control heat. Sauce thickens as it sits.