If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with rich, creamy flavors and just the right touch of warmth, this Easy Butter Chicken Recipe is going to become your new go-to comfort food. It’s a delightful blend of tender chicken bathed in a luscious tomato-based sauce made silky smooth with butter and cream, and seasoned with a careful balance of aromatic spices. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing friends, this recipe takes minimal time yet delivers on depth of taste, making dinner feel like a special occasion any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Butter Chicken Recipe lies in its simple, accessible ingredients that come together to create a dish full of flavor and texture. Each component plays an essential role, from the spices that give it warmth and complexity, to the creamy elements that coat the chicken in luscious sauce.
- Chicken: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and maximum tenderness.
- Butter: Adds rich, velvety flavor and helps sauté the aromatics to perfection.
- Onion: Provides a sweet, savory base when softened until translucent.
- Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced to infuse the dish with a fragrant, zesty kick.
- Chili Powder: Brings a mild heat that can be adjusted to your preference.
- Cumin, Turmeric, and Coriander: A trio of warming spices that create a beautifully layered flavor profile.
- Tomato Sauce: Forms the tangy, vibrant core of the sauce, balancing richness.
- Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its signature creamy texture and mellow sweetness.
- Salt and Pepper: To enhance and bring all the flavors together.
- Fresh Cilantro: Added at the end for a pop of fresh, herbal brightness.
How to Make Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and absorb the sauce deeply. Preparing the chicken this way ensures every mouthful is tender and perfectly coated in the luscious sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook gently until they turn soft and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step builds a sweet, savory foundation that’s essential for the depth of flavor in your butter chicken.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger
Next, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Let them cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until they release their fragrant aromas, which gives the dish its signature warm, fresh zing.
Step 4: Toast the Spices
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, turmeric, and coriander. Cooking these spices for 1 to 2 minutes unlocks their full potential, infusing the oil and aromatics with rich, complex flavors that will define your sauce.
Step 5: Brown the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, stirring occasionally until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through, which usually takes about 7 to 8 minutes. The browning adds a delicious caramelized note and seals in the juices.
Step 6: Simmer with Tomato Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and let everything come to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, blending beautifully with the spices and chicken.
Step 7: Finish with Cream
Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 3 to 5 minutes so it thickens to a rich, creamy consistency that coats each piece of chicken perfectly.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finally, garnish your dish with freshly chopped cilantro for a lovely herbal contrast. Now your Easy Butter Chicken Recipe is ready to impress with its creamy sauce and balanced spices.
How to Serve Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top brightens the dish visually and delivers a fresh herbal note that complements the creamy spices beautifully. A dollop of yogurt or a squeeze of lime can also add an exciting dimension if you want to experiment.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread, which help soak up every bit of the delectable sauce. For a lighter option, steamed vegetables or a crisp salad provide fresh textures that balance the richness of the butter chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your butter chicken in a vibrant, shallow bowl to showcase the glossy sauce and colorful garnish. For a fun twist, use it as a filling for wraps or stuffed into warm pita bread alongside fresh greens for a fusion-inspired meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Easy Butter Chicken Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Storing it properly ensures the sauce remains creamy and the chicken juicy when you reheat your leftovers.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When thawed, the flavors meld even more, making for a convenient ready-to-go meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to redistribute the sauce and prevent scorching. Adding a splash of cream or water can help revive the sauce’s original silkiness if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Butter Chicken Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter and heavy cream with coconut oil and coconut milk to keep the creamy texture but dairy-free. You’ll still enjoy rich flavors with a slight tropical twist.
How can I make the dish spicier?
To turn up the heat, simply add more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper during the spice step. Adjust gradually to suit your preference to keep the balance of flavors intact.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Definitely! With just about 30 minutes from start to finish, this Easy Butter Chicken Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and the best texture. Cooking frozen chicken might lead to unevenly cooked pieces and affect the sauce consistency.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the chicken?
Reheat over low heat, adding a little cream, milk, or water to keep the sauce creamy and prevent the chicken from drying out. Stir gently and heat until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Butter Chicken Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its simplicity, quick preparation, and luxurious flavors make it a winner any day of the week. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and experience the perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and satisfying that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Print
Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This Easy Butter Chicken recipe offers a creamy and flavorful Indian-inspired dish that can be prepared in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich tomato and butter sauce, spiced with chili, cumin, turmeric, and coriander, make for a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Spices and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
Liquids and Fats
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick and even cooking.
- Sauté onion: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes, which creates a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Add garlic and ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant to enhance the aromatic profile of the dish.
- Cook spices: Add chili powder, cumin, turmeric, and coriander. Cook the spices for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to release their essential oils and deepen the flavors.
- Brown chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until well browned and cooked through, approximately 7-8 minutes, which seals in the juices.
- Simmer with tomato sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
- Add cream and season: Stir in the heavy cream and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Continue simmering for another 3-5 minutes until the sauce is thick and creamy.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the butter chicken and serve hot with basmati rice, naan bread, or your preferred side dish.
Notes
- Adjust the heat level by adding more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra spiciness.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and heavy cream with coconut milk.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
