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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Rich, creamy, and full of flavor, this homemade butter chicken is a quick version of the Indian classic that’s ready in under 40 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 390
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp butter divided
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
  • 0.5 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp salt to taste
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Skillet or deep pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Heat oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add remaining butter, sauté onions until golden, then add garlic and ginger.
  3. Stir in garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, chili powder, and turmeric. Cook 1 minute.
  4. Add tomato puree and cook 5 minutes. Reduce heat and stir in yogurt and cream until smooth.
  5. Return chicken to the pan. Simmer 10–15 minutes until tender and sauce thickens.
  6. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with naan or rice.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate chicken in yogurt and spices for 1–2 hours before cooking, but this step is optional.