Easy Butter Chicken

Why Make This Recipe

Butter chicken is a classic Indian dish that offers rich flavors and a creamy texture. It is loved by many for its mild spices, making it suitable for all palates. This easy butter chicken recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal in no time!

How to Make Easy Butter Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lb chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cubed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons garam masala, divided
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 large yellow onion, grated
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon garlic, grated
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions:

1. Start by seasoning cubed chicken breasts with salt, pepper, chili powder, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, paprika, and 1 teaspoon of garam masala. Mix in Greek yogurt and let sit for 10 minutes.
2. In a large pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, add grated onions, and cook until translucent. Add remaining garam masala and cook until aromatic.
3. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mix in ginger and garlic.
4. Pour in tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Then add chicken broth and heavy cream, simmering for another 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, and adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

How to Serve Easy Butter Chicken

Serve this easy butter chicken with fluffy basmati rice, naan bread, or roti to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also pair it with a side of cucumber raita or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How to Store Easy Butter Chicken

To store leftover butter chicken, let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container, and it can last for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make Easy Butter Chicken

• Marinating the chicken for longer than 10 minutes can help enhance the flavors. If you have time, marinate for 30 minutes to a few hours.
• Use a mix of chicken thighs and breasts for a juicier dish.
• Adjust the spices according to your taste. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add more chili powder or fresh chilies.
• Adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors.

Variation

You can make a vegetarian version by replacing chicken with paneer or chickpeas. Simply follow the same steps, adjusting the cooking time as needed for the substitute ingredients.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before marinating and cooking.

2. Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the butter, or substitute it with a dairy-free butter alternative.

3. How spicy is this butter chicken?
This recipe is mild, but you can increase the spice level by adding more chili powder or fresh chili peppers to suit your taste.

Easy Butter Chicken

This easy butter chicken recipe features rich flavors and a creamy texture, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1.5 lb chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cubed Cut into cubes for even cooking.
• 1 tsp salt To taste.
• 0.5 tsp pepper Black pepper.
• 1 tsp chili powder Adjust for more spice if desired.
• 1 tsp turmeric Adds color and flavor.
• 1 tsp cumin Gives an earthy flavor.
• 1 tsp cinnamon For warmth.
• 1 tsp paprika Mild tasting.
• 2 tsp garam masala, divided Use half for marinade, half for later.
• 0.5 cup Greek yogurt For marinating the chicken.

For the Sauce

• 4 tbsp butter, divided Use 2 tbsp for sautéing and 2 tbsp to finish.
• 1 large yellow onion, grated Sauté until translucent.
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated Adds freshness.
• 1 tbsp garlic, grated For depth of flavor.
• 1 cup tomato sauce Base for the sauce.
• 1 cup chicken broth Enhances the sauce flavor.
• 1 cup heavy cream Makes the dish creamy.
• Fresh cilantro for garnish Adds color and freshness.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Season cubed chicken with salt, pepper, chili powder, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, paprika, and 1 teaspoon of garam masala. Mix in Greek yogurt and let sit for 10 minutes.

Cooking

1. In a large pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, add grated onions, and cook until translucent.
2. Add the remaining garam masala and cook until aromatic.
3. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Mix in ginger and garlic.
5. Pour in tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Add chicken broth and heavy cream, simmering for another 5 minutes.
7. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and adjust seasoning to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Marinating the chicken for longer than 10 minutes can enhance the flavors. Adjust spices according to your taste. Adding lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors.

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