If you’ve ever wanted to whip up a restaurant-worthy Indian curry right in your own kitchen—without spending hours at the stove—this Easy Butter Chicken is your dream come true. Lusciously creamy, deeply aromatic, and bursting with vibrant spices, it’s one of those rare dishes that tastes like you poured your heart into it, when really, it’s shockingly simple. Each bite offers tender pieces of chicken swimming in a silky, flavor-packed sauce that’ll have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds). Trust me, once you try this Easy Butter Chicken, it’ll become your go-to comfort meal!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Butter Chicken lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Each component brings its own magic—whether it’s the warm spices, the cozy cream, or the juicy chicken. Here’s everything you need for that unbeatable flavor and gorgeous color:
- Chicken Thighs: For tenderness and rich flavor, use boneless, skinless thighs cut into bite-sized pieces—they stay juicy even after simmering.
- Greek Yogurt: Acts as the base for marinating, infusing the chicken with tanginess and helping it become irresistibly tender.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a fresh brightness and helps the spices soak into the chicken.
- Garam Masala: This essential Indian spice blend gives the dish its signature warmth and complexity.
- Cumin: Deepens the earthy undertones and brings a toasty aroma.
- Coriander: Lends subtle citrus notes that keep the sauce balanced.
- Turmeric: A pinch of this sunny spice not only colors the sauce gold but also adds gentle depth.
- Paprika: For smoky sweetness and an extra pop of color.
- Salt: Never underestimate how crucial salt is in elevating every flavor here.
- Unsalted Butter: A must for that velvety rich sauce—don’t skimp on it!
- Onion: Sautéed until golden, onions give the sauce a sweet, caramelized foundation.
- Garlic: Adds sharpness and fragrance that fills your kitchen as it cooks.
- Ginger: Freshly grated for a spicy kick that wakes up the palate.
- Tomato Paste: Intensifies the flavor and creates a deeper, richer sauce.
- Tomato Puree: Or crushed tomatoes, for that smooth, classic curry sauce base.
- Heavy Cream: Brings luxurious creaminess—you can also substitute coconut milk for a lighter twist.
- Water: Just enough to thin the sauce and help everything meld together.
- Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle at the end elevates the whole dish with color and herbal freshness.
How to Make Easy Butter Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by whisking together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and salt in a large bowl. Add in the chicken pieces, making sure every bit is coated with that spice-infused yogurt. This quick marinade unlocks loads of flavor and tenderness, and if you have time, letting it chill overnight only makes it better.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s sizzling and fragrant. Add the chopped onions and sauté, stirring often, until they turn soft and golden—about 5 to 7 minutes. This is the base of your Easy Butter Chicken, so let those onions fully caramelize to bring out their natural sweetness.
Step 3: Add Garlic, Ginger, and Tomato Paste
Next, stir in the minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and tomato paste. Cook them together for a minute or two, just until everything is super fragrant and the tomato paste deepens in color. This step adds layers of depth that really make the sauce sing.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Raise the heat to medium-high if needed, then add the marinated chicken (yogurt marinade included) straight into the pan. Let the chicken cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the pieces are no longer pink and the spices have begun to build flavor on the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Simmer in Tomato and Cream
Pour in your tomato puree and a splash of water, scraping up any browned bits from the pan with a wooden spoon. Lower the heat, cover, and let everything simmer for 10 minutes—this is where the magic happens and the flavors meld. Finish it off by stirring in the heavy cream, letting it simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes so the sauce thickens to that silky, scoopable consistency. Take a quick taste and season if needed!
How to Serve Easy Butter Chicken
Garnishes
Garnishing is more than just a pretty touch. A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro makes the Easy Butter Chicken pop with color and brings a lovely herbal freshness that brightens every bite. If you’re feeling fancy, try a swirl of extra cream or a little drizzle of ghee right before serving for that restaurant-style finish.
Side Dishes
I’ll be honest: this dish begs for something to soak up all that dreamy sauce! Classic, fluffy basmati rice is a winning choice that soaks up every drop, but warm, buttery naan is practically made for scooping. A side of cucumber raita or a crisp green salad can balance out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, dish the Easy Butter Chicken in a shallow serving bowl, scatter extra cilantro on top, and serve it with little bowls of chutney, pickled onions, or spiced yogurt on the side. For gatherings, try making mini butter chicken sliders on toasted buns, or stuff it inside warm pita or flatbreads with fresh veggies for a fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Butter Chicken is a true gift—you’ll thank yourself the next day! Simply transfer any cooled curry to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or dinner repeats.
Freezing
Butter chicken actually freezes beautifully. Portion cooled leftovers into suitable freezer containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight for easy meal prep.
Reheating
To reheat your Easy Butter Chicken, gently warm it in a covered pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also use the microwave—just be sure to stir halfway and heat until steaming hot. Either way, it’s just as delicious as when you first made it!
FAQs
Can I make Easy Butter Chicken with chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs stay juicier and more tender, you can substitute chicken breast if you prefer. Just be careful not to overcook, as breast meat can dry out more quickly.
Is there a dairy-free option for Easy Butter Chicken?
Yes! Swap the Greek yogurt for a non-dairy yogurt (like coconut yogurt), and use coconut milk in place of heavy cream. This not only makes the dish dairy-free but gives a subtle coconut undertone that’s truly delicious.
How spicy is Easy Butter Chicken?
This recipe is mild and family-friendly, relying more on warm spices than heat. If you love a kick, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or sliced green chili to the sauce when cooking.
What if I don’t have garam masala?
If you’re out of garam masala, you can mix equal parts ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and a bit of cloves or allspice as a quick and tasty substitute.
Can I double this Easy Butter Chicken recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! You can easily double (or even triple) the ingredients and use a larger pot. It’s a wonderful make-ahead dish for gatherings since the flavors deepen even more after sitting for a day.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dinner that’s both soul-satisfying and easy on the clock, you need to try this Easy Butter Chicken. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together and leaves everyone asking for the recipe. So grab your skillet and give it a go—your taste buds will be so glad you did!
Print
Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and creamy Easy Butter Chicken recipe that brings the authentic taste of Indian cuisine to your table. Tender chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, cooked in a rich tomato and cream sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
Butter Chicken:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup tomato puree (or canned crushed tomatoes)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup water
- fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, spices, and salt. Add chicken, coat evenly, cover, and marinate.
- Cook Butter Chicken: Melt butter in a skillet, sauté onion, add garlic, ginger, tomato paste, then chicken. Cook, add tomato puree, simmer, stir in cream, and simmer more. Adjust seasoning, garnish, and serve.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use coconut milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Thighs are recommended for more tender and flavorful results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
