Easy Butter Chicken Recipe: A Creamy Delight in 30 Minutes

Name: Easy Butter Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs); 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 1 can (14 oz) whole peeled tomatoes; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 tbsp butter; 2 tsp cumin; 2 tsp coriander; 2 tsp garam masala; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Recipe By:

Ruth

Posted:

February 5, 2026

Updated:

February 5, 2026

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Butter chicken is a dish that can make your taste buds dance with joy, the rich aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking what’s cooking. Picture tender chicken pieces simmering in a creamy tomato sauce, infused with spices that make your heart sing and your stomach rumble. Trust me, the first bite is like a warm hug from the inside.

I remember the first time I made easy butter chicken; I had guests over who were skeptical about trying something new. But once they tasted it, their eyes lit up like children on Christmas morning. This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing friends at a gathering. Get ready for an explosion of flavor that will leave you coming back for seconds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Easy butter chicken offers incredible flavor without complex techniques that intimidate home cooks
You can customize spices to suit your taste preferences effortlessly
The vibrant color and aroma make it an eye-catching centerpiece on any dinner table
Perfect for weeknight meals but fancy enough for special occasions!

Everyone raved about how delicious it was, and I felt like a culinary genius even though it was incredibly simple to whip up.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use 3-4 breasts for juicy results; adjust according to your guest list.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; minced garlic adds that authentic touch.
Ginger: Freshly grated ginger gives a zesty kick; avoid powdered ginger for optimal flavor.
Onion: A medium onion, finely chopped will create a sweet base when sautéed.
Canned Tomatoes: Use whole peeled tomatoes or crushed ones for a rich sauce; both work well!
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce creamy and dreamy; you can also substitute coconut milk for a lighter version.
Butter: A generous amount brings richness and depth to the sauce; don’t skimp here!
Spices (Cumin, Coriander, Garam Masala): Essential for authentic flavor; feel free to adjust based on your spice tolerance.
Salt and Pepper: Taste as you go to enhance flavors perfectly.
Cilantro (for garnish): Fresh cilantro adds color and brightness as a finishing touch.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for easy butter chicken

How to Make easy butter chicken

Prep Your Chicken: Begin by cutting the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt and pepper, ensuring every piece gets its fair share of flavor.

Sauté Aromatics: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent and aromatic—about 5 minutes should do.

Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook until fragrant—around 1 minute—making sure not to burn these precious ingredients.

Create the Sauce Base: Pour in canned tomatoes and mix well. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes until everything melds together beautifully.

Spice It Up!: Now comes the fun part! Add cumin, coriander, garam masala, salt, and pepper into the mix while stirring continuously. Allow the spices to bloom in the heat for more depth of flavor—about 3 minutes should suffice.

Add Chicken & Cream: Toss in the seasoned chicken pieces and pour in heavy cream. Stir well until everything is coated evenly. Simmer gently on low heat until the chicken is cooked through—about 15-20 minutes—and serve hot!

This easy butter chicken recipe will not only satisfy your cravings but also bring smiles around your dinner table! Enjoy with rice or naan for dipping—the combination is pure bliss!

You Must Know

Easy butter chicken is not just a dish; it’s a hug in a bowl
The creamy sauce wraps around each piece of chicken, making it irresistible
You can whip this up quickly, giving you more time to enjoy with family and friends

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, then sear it before simmering in the sauce for optimal flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in your favorite proteins or add vegetables like spinach for extra color and nutrition in your easy butter chicken.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For an even richer flavor, use ghee instead of oil
Don’t skip marinating; it makes a world of difference
Pair with naan or rice to soak up that delicious sauce!

Cooking easy butter chicken reminds me of a dinner party where my friends couldn’t get enough, leaving me with an empty pot and their laughter echoing in my ears.

FAQ

What can I serve with easy butter chicken?

Easy butter chicken pairs beautifully with naan, basmati rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I make easy butter chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance; just reheat before serving for the best flavor.

How can I make easy butter chicken spicier?

Add more chili powder or fresh chilies to the marinade for an extra kick without losing flavor.

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