Name: Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 3/4 cup Full-fat Greek yogurt; 4 cloves Garlic (minced); 1 tsp Garam masala; 1 tsp Cumin (optional; or more garam masala); 1 tsp Sea salt; 1/2 tsp Ground ginger; 1/2 tsp Chili powder; 2 lb Boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1/4 cup Unsalted butter; 1/2 large Onion (sliced thinly); 2 cloves Garlic (minced); 1 (29-oz) can Tomato sauce; 1/2 cup Heavy cream; 1 tbsp Garam masala; 1 tsp Cumin (optional; or more garam masala); 1 tsp Ground ginger; 1 tsp Chili powder; 3/4 tsp Sea salt (to taste); Cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If you have ever dreamed of capturing the rich, creamy, and aromatic flavors of Indian food right in your own kitchen, this Easy Butter Chicken Recipe is your perfect gateway. It blends tender, juicy chicken thighs with a luscious tomato and cream sauce, infused with warm spices like garam masala and ground ginger. Whether you are a seasoned home cook or a curious newbie, this recipe is incredibly approachable yet delivers all the satisfying depth and comfort of classic butter chicken. Let’s dive into this dish that never fails to impress at dinner time!

Easy Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Easy Butter Chicken Recipe is refreshingly straightforward. Each item is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, from the tangy yogurt that tenderizes the chicken to the vivid spices that create warmth and richness.

3/4 cup Full-fat Greek yogurt: Acts as the perfect marinade base, tenderizing the chicken and adding subtle creaminess.
4 cloves Garlic (minced): Imparts a fragrant punch essential for that signature savory depth.
1 tsp Garam masala: A warm spice blend bringing aromatic complexity and earthiness.
1 tsp Cumin (optional; or more garam masala): Adds a nutty, slightly peppery note, enhancing the overall spice profile.
1 tsp Sea salt: Balances and elevates all the flavors to perfection.
1/2 tsp Ground ginger: Introduces a fresh, zesty warmth that brightens the dish.
1/2 tsp Chili powder: Provides a gentle heat that awakens your taste buds.
2 lb Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, perfect for absorbing the marinade and sauce.
1/4 cup Unsalted butter: The heart of the dish, delivering richness and silky texture.
1/2 large Onion (sliced thinly): Slowly caramelized to bring natural sweetness and body to the sauce.
2 cloves Garlic (minced): Added again during cooking for a double layer of garlicky goodness.
1 29-oz can Tomato sauce: The delicious base for the creamy, tangy sauce that envelops the chicken.
1/2 cup Heavy cream: Crafted into the sauce for that indulgent, silky finish.
1 tbsp Garam masala: Reinforces the warm spice notes in the sauce.
1 tsp Cumin (optional; or more garam masala): Supports the deep, earthy profile of the dish.
1 tsp Ground ginger: Ensures a hint of spicy brightness throughout the sauce.
1 tsp Chili powder: Adds just enough heat to keep things lively.
3/4 tsp Sea salt (to taste): Essential for balancing richness and boldness.
Cilantro (optional, for garnish): Fresh herbaceousness to top it all off beautifully.

How to Make Easy Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, garam masala, cumin, sea salt, ground ginger, and chili powder in a large bowl. This marinade is key because it tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavors that will shine through once cooked. Add the boneless chicken thighs and coat every piece evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill for at least an hour, but overnight will yield the best taste and tenderness.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Pieces

Once marinated, take the chicken out of the fridge and, using kitchen shears, cut each thigh into bite-sized pieces. Don’t worry about wiping off excess marinade—it will melt into the sauce later and deepen the flavor. This step ensures each bite of chicken is perfectly portioned and ready to soak up sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In a large sauté pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook them low and slow for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want them soft and golden brown because their natural sweetness provides the flavor backbone of your sauce. Make a small well in the center, add the minced garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds just until it wakes up your senses without burning.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Now, stir in the tomato sauce and heavy cream, creating a luscious base. Sprinkle in the garam masala, cumin, ground ginger, chili powder, and sea salt. Give it a good stir so all those spices meld together and taste the sauce adjusting the salt if needed. This sauce is what makes your butter chicken so creamy and irresistible.

Step 5: Simmer the Chicken in Sauce

Nestle the chicken pieces in a single layer in the sauce, spooning more sauce on top to cover. Turn the heat up to high and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Then let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the sauce will thicken slightly while the chicken cooks through, making every bite delectably tender and coated in that vibrant sauce.

How to Serve Easy Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a fresh garnish. Chopped cilantro sprinkled on top adds a burst of color and herbal brightness that beautifully balances the richness of the sauce. You can also add a drizzle of cream or a squeeze of lemon for an extra layer of freshness if you like.

Side Dishes

Butter chicken loves company! Serve it over fluffy basmati rice to soak up every last bit of sauce or pair it with warm naan bread for delightful scooping action. For a lighter option, steamed veggies or a simple cucumber raita salad provide fresh contrast and texture to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling fancy, plate your butter chicken in a shallow bowl with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of toasted cumin seeds on top. For parties, consider making mini pita sandwiches filled with butter chicken and cooling yogurt sauce—these bite-size treats always disappear fast and bring a bit of wow to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Butter Chicken Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen over time, making your next meal even more delicious!

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When thawed, the creamy sauce stays rich and comforting, so it’s a great way to have a quick homemade meal ready anytime.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftover butter chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating or sticking. Adding a splash of cream or water can help restore the silky texture. Microwave works too—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring often.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor, chicken breasts can be used. Just be careful not to overcook them as they dry out more easily than thighs.

Is this Easy Butter Chicken Recipe spicy?

The recipe offers a gentle warmth from chili powder and spices but isn’t overly spicy. You can adjust the chili powder quantity to dial the heat up or down according to your preference.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The yogurt can be replaced with a non-dairy yogurt that has a similar tang.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

While one hour is the minimum, marinating overnight really allows the yogurt and spices to tenderize and flavor the chicken deeply, making the dish taste even better.

What’s the best way to warm naan bread to serve with this dish?

Wrap naan in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. For a quicker method, toast it lightly on a skillet until it’s warm and slightly crispy on the edges.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Butter Chicken Recipe has truly earned its place as a beloved classic in home kitchens everywhere, combining simplicity and sensational flavor in one pot. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing friends, it’s a rich, comforting meal that’s always met with smiles and second helpings. So go ahead—try making this dish and unlock a world of cozy, delicious dining with just a handful of easy steps.

Easy Butter Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 4 reviews

Author: Harper
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including marinating time)
Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This easy Butter Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken thighs simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with aromatic Indian spices. Marinated in yogurt and spices overnight, the chicken absorbs deep flavors, making this dish a comforting and delicious meal perfect for any night of the week.

Instructions

Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, stir together all the marinade ingredients including yogurt, minced garlic, garam masala, cumin, sea salt, ground ginger, and chili powder. Add the chicken thighs, stirring well to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to let the flavors develop.
Prepare the chicken pieces: Remove the chicken from the marinade and cut into bite-sized pieces using kitchen shears. There is no need to remove the marinade; leave any excess marinade stuck to the chicken as it adds flavor during cooking.
Sauté onions: Melt the unsalted butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook for 8-10 minutes until soft, caramelized, and golden brown, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Add garlic: Create a well in the center of the pan and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then mix the garlic well with the onions.
Make the sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, heavy cream, garam masala, cumin, ground ginger, chili powder, and sea salt. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Allow the sauce to develop flavors as it cooks.
Cook the chicken in the sauce: Add the chicken pieces to the pan, nestling them in a single layer within the sauce. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken to ensure it is fully coated. Raise the heat to high and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is fully cooked through.
Garnish and serve: Adjust salt to taste. Optionally garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy with rice or naan bread.

Notes

Marinate the chicken overnight for more tender and flavorful results.
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier meat that holds up well in the sauce.
Adjust chili powder to your preferred spice level.
Leftover butter chicken tastes great reheated and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This recipe pairs well with basmati rice or warm naan bread.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: Indian