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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Creamy and flavorful butter chicken made quickly at home, perfect for weeknight dinners with rice or naan.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Indian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken Marinade
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • salt to taste
Butter Chicken Sauce
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 inch ginger minced
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder adjust to taste
  • salt to taste
  • fresh cilantro for garnish

Equipment

  • Skillet or sauté pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, combine chicken, yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, and salt. Mix well and marinate for 15–30 minutes.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until lightly browned but not fully cooked, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until golden and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
  4. Stir in tomato puree, garam masala, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Add partially cooked chicken to the sauce. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and flavors meld.
  6. Stir in heavy cream and cook for 2–3 minutes until sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice or naan.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juicier meat. Adjust chili powder for preferred heat. Can prepare ahead and refrigerate before finishing sauce.