Description
This quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe brings rich, creamy flavor to your dinner table in just 30 minutes. A perfect weeknight Indian-inspired dish!
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-size pieces)
1 tablespoon butter or oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
¼ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
1 cup tomato puree (or crushed tomatoes)
½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving
Instructions
1. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
2. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add garam masala, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder. Stir to coat the onions.
4. Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
5. Pour in the tomato puree and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Lower heat and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer another 5–8 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
7. Season with salt to taste. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with rice or naan.
Notes
For extra richness, add a small knob of butter at the end before serving.
Use coconut cream for a dairy-free version with subtle sweetness.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; flavors deepen overnight.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: butter chicken, easy chicken dinner, Indian chicken recipe, creamy curry