Name: Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger; 2 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp turmeric; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/4 cup water; Fresh cilantro for garnish

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If you’re on the hunt for a creamy, dreamy dinner that feels like a hug from your kitchen, Easy Butter Chicken is pure gold. Tender chicken thighs bathed in a velvety, spice-kissed tomato sauce come together in just about half an hour. This dish is perfect for weeknights but flavorful enough to impress anyone who pops by. Trust me, one bite of Easy Butter Chicken and you’ll see why this dish has magic powers to convert casual dinner into an unforgettable event.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Butter Chicken is how everyday ingredients work together to create something extraordinary. Each item plays its part to bring those irresistible depths of flavor, richness, and gorgeous color to your plate.

Chicken Thighs: These are the absolute best for staying juicy and full of flavor in a creamy sauce.
Vegetable Oil: Gets everything sizzling and is neutral so the spices truly shine.
Yellow Onion: The humble base, adding a gentle sweetness and irresistible aroma.
Garlic: Three cloves bring the essential punch of flavor every curry needs.
Fresh Ginger: A little grated ginger brightens up the whole dish.
Garam Masala: The star spice blend, adding warmth and complexity.
Ground Cumin: Builds that earthy undertone you expect from Indian-inspired recipes.
Paprika: For a subtle smokiness and beautiful color.
Turmeric: Just a pinch brings that unmistakable golden hue.
Salt: Punches up all the other flavors—no bland bites here!
Cayenne Pepper (optional): Love some heat? Add this for extra kick.
Tomato Paste: Thick, tangy, and the base for your luxuriously creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce luscious beyond belief.
Butter: Of course! For that signature richness and silky texture.
Water: Just enough to bring everything together without thinning your sauce.
Fresh Cilantro: The perfect herbal finish for both pop of color and brightness.

How to Make Easy Butter Chicken

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it shimmers, toss in the finely chopped onion and cook until it softens and turns golden, about five minutes. This is your foundation; don’t rush it! Once the onions are ready, add in the minced garlic and that fragrant fresh ginger. Sauté them for just a minute, until your kitchen smells incredible and everyone starts wandering in to ask, “What’s cooking?”

Step 2: Spice it Up

Now’s the time for your spices to shine. Sprinkle in the garam masala, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, and cayenne pepper if you like things a tad fiery. Let them cook for 30 seconds—this blooming unlocks their full flavor and gives your Easy Butter Chicken its signature color and irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Add the diced chicken thighs right into your fragrant spice mix. Stir well so every bite gets coated in those lovely flavors. Cook the chicken until it’s lightly browned on all sides, about five to six minutes. You’re not looking for a deep sear, just enough to lock in those juicy flavors.

Step 4: Simmer in Tomato Sauce

Stir in your tomato paste and a splash of water. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken bubble away in its new tomato bath for ten minutes. This gentle simmer lets everything meld together into a thick, savory sauce—pure comfort in the making.

Step 5: Add the Cream and Butter

Time for the magic: add in the unsalted butter and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until the sauce turns silky-smooth and the butter melts right in. Let everything simmer for another five minutes on low so the flavors combine and the chicken turns perfectly tender.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Your Easy Butter Chicken is ready for its grand finale. Scatter chopped fresh cilantro over the top for a pop of color and an extra hit of freshness. Serve it hot—with rice or naan—to catch every last drop of that irresistible sauce.

How to Serve Easy Butter Chicken

Garnishes

A dollop of extra cream or yogurt, a generous shower of fresh chopped cilantro, and even a squeeze of lime can elevate your Easy Butter Chicken with bright flavor and color. Don’t be shy with the garnishes; they make every bowl look and taste like restaurant fare.

Side Dishes

This sauce begs for something to soak it up! Steamed basmati rice or fluffy naan are classics, but don’t overlook a side of roasted veggies or a simple cucumber salad to keep things fresh and balanced. If you’re entertaining, offer them all and let guests mix and match.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning Easy Butter Chicken into mini bowls as appetizers, or load it into lettuce cups for a playful, gluten-free twist. Leftovers make epic wraps or grain bowls, and if you’re feeling fancy, serve it family-style with a big platter of garnishes so everyone can build their own perfect bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, refrigerate your Easy Butter Chicken in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making tomorrow’s lunch even more irresistible than dinner.

Freezing

Easy Butter Chicken freezes like a champ! Portion some into freezer-safe containers and it’ll keep for up to two months. When you’re ready for a treat, just thaw overnight in the fridge—it’s meal-prep heaven.

Reheating

Warm your Easy Butter Chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to bring back its silky texture. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—use a lower power setting and give it a good stir halfway through to keep the sauce smooth.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works perfectly well if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep an eye on cook time and don’t overdo it—breasts cook faster than thighs and can dry out more easily.

Is Easy Butter Chicken very spicy?

Not at all! The base recipe keeps things mild and creamy, relying on warming—not burning—spices. Feel free to dial up the heat by adding a bit more cayenne if you want a spicier kick.

Can I make Easy Butter Chicken dairy-free?

You sure can. Swap the butter for your favorite plant-based substitute, and use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for the sauce. It’ll still be delightfully rich and flavorful.

How do I make this ahead for a party?

Prepare the Easy Butter Chicken a day in advance and gently reheat before serving. If you’re doubling the recipe, use a large pot and just increase all ingredients proportionately. It tastes amazing reheated!

What if I don’t have garam masala?

No worries! Try blending equal parts ground cumin, coriander, and allspice for a quick stand-in. While it won’t be exactly the same, it will keep your Easy Butter Chicken loaded with flavor.

Final Thoughts

Once you taste the creamy, comforting magic of Easy Butter Chicken, it might just become your most-requested weeknight meal. It’s quick, fuss-free, and out-of-this-world delicious. Grab a skillet, gather your ingredients, and give this recipe a try—you’ll be coming back to it again and again!

Easy Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This easy butter chicken recipe is a creamy and flavorful Indian dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. Tender chicken cooked in a rich tomato and cream sauce, seasoned with aromatic spices, and served with rice or naan.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce:

1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
2 tsp garam masala
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup water

Garnish:

Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: Heat oil in a skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger. Add spices and cook. Add chicken and brown. Stir in tomato paste and water, then simmer.
Finish the Dish: Add butter and cream, simmer until chicken is tender. Garnish with cilantro.