If you’ve ever craved a rich, creamy, and flavorful meal that’s surprisingly simple to make, then you’re in for a treat with The Ultimate Easy Butter Chicken Recipe. This dish captures the essence of classic Indian flavors blended into a luscious sauce that perfectly coats tender chunks of chicken. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for comfort food with a vibrant twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is carefully chosen to create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures, making The Ultimate Easy Butter Chicken Recipe both straightforward and irresistible. Simple pantry staples come together to deliver a dish bursting with warmth and color.
- 1 tablespoon oil: A neutral oil helps perfect searing for juicy chicken without overpowering the spices.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds creaminess and richness to elevate the sauce’s luxurious texture.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Provides a sweet base that softens beautifully in the cooking process.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely minced or grated: Delivers a fresh, zesty kick essential to authentic flavor depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses aromatic warmth that builds the sauce’s character.
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into ¾-inch chunks: The star of the dish, yielding tender, juicy bites with every forkful.
- 4 tablespoons tomato purée: Provides tangy richness and vibrant color that balances the creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon garam masala: A fragrant spice blend that adds warmth and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder or paprika: Offers a gentle heat and smoky undertone complementing the sauce perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Brings earthy notes that round out the spice profile.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making each bite pop.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half or yogurt for lighter version): Creates the signature creamy sauce that clings to each chicken piece.
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional): Adds a bright, herbal finish that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce.
How to Make The Ultimate Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by cutting your chicken into bite-sized chunks, about ¾ inch each. Season generously with salt and black pepper to ensure your chicken is bursting with flavor even before it hits the pan. This simple step is key to creating juicy, well-seasoned pieces that soak up the sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the oil and butter in a large pan over medium-high heat until sizzling. Working in batches, sear the chicken pieces until they develop a golden crust on all sides. This caramelization locks in the juices and adds a depth of flavor that makes The Ultimate Easy Butter Chicken Recipe taste truly special. Set the browned chicken aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, toss in the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent — this forms the sweet, savory foundation of your sauce. Add the freshly minced ginger and garlic, stirring for about a minute until their fragrance fills the kitchen. These aromatics are the heart of vibrant Indian cooking and bring that authentic essence to your dish.
Step 4: Bloom the Spices and Add Tomato
Turn the heat down low to gently toast your spices — garam masala, chili powder or paprika, and cumin. Toasting them for about 30 to 60 seconds unlocks their full aromatic potential without burning. Then, stir in the tomato purée and cook for a few minutes, letting it thicken and deepen in flavor. This step builds the rich, tangy base that perfectly complements your chicken.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
Return the seared chicken to the pan, coating each piece lovingly in the spiced tomato mixture. Pour in the heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let the chicken cook through for 10 to 15 minutes while the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency. This slow simmer marries all the flavors together, producing the creamy, comforting sauce that makes The Ultimate Easy Butter Chicken Recipe a standout.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Give the sauce a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of brightness, then serve immediately while warm. Pair it with fluffy basmati rice or soft naan bread to soak up every last bit of that incredible sauce.
How to Serve The Ultimate Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro, finely chopped, adds a pop of color and a refreshing herbal note that cuts through the richness of the sauce beautifully. For a bit more texture and flavor, consider toasted fenugreek leaves or a drizzle of lemon juice just before serving.
Side Dishes
This butter chicken shines alongside jasmine or basmati rice that soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly. Alternatively, serve it with warm, fluffy naan or garlic naan bread to scoop up every savory bite. A simple cucumber raita or a crisp salad with cooling yogurt dressing balances the meal nicely too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner party, serve The Ultimate Easy Butter Chicken Recipe in small bowls placed on wooden trays lined with colorful Indian fabrics. Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for extra flair. You could even transform leftovers into a butter chicken wrap by adding some fresh greens and a dollop of cooling yogurt.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover butter chicken stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors benefit from a little time to meld, making reheated portions even tastier the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to 2 months, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy weeks when you need comforting dinner fast.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the butter chicken in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent splitting and ensure even heating. You can add a splash of cream or water if the sauce thickens too much during storage. Avoid microwaving at high power to maintain that luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually perfect for The Ultimate Easy Butter Chicken Recipe because they stay juicy and tender during simmering. Just cut them into similar-sized chunks for even cooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative to keep the sauce creamy while maintaining good flavor. Just be sure to adjust seasoning as needed.
How spicy is this butter chicken?
This recipe offers a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the chili powder or paprika. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more chili, or keep it mild for kids by reducing the chili powder.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make the sauce up to 24 hours in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat it gently before adding freshly cooked chicken. This makes meal prep quicker on the day you want to serve.
What’s the best way to serve leftover butter chicken?
Leftovers are fantastic the next day, served with warm naan or over rice. You can also get creative by shredding the chicken and turning it into a butter chicken pizza topping or filling it into wraps.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about The Ultimate Easy Butter Chicken Recipe that keeps you coming back for more. Its combination of rich, creamy sauce and perfectly spiced chicken is a winning formula for any occasion. I encourage you to dive into the kitchen, give this recipe a try, and experience the joy of making a beloved dish that’s as simple as it is delicious.
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The Ultimate Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Ultimate Easy Butter Chicken recipe brings the rich, creamy flavors of classic Indian cuisine to your home kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Tender chunks of chicken are seared and simmered in a fragrant tomato and cream sauce infused with garam masala and other warming spices, making for a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Spices
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into ¾-inch chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chili powder or paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Aromatics and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely minced or grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons tomato purée
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half or yogurt for lighter version)
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken into ¾-inch chunks. Season the chicken pieces evenly with 1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in batches so they brown nicely on all sides without overcrowding the pan. Cook until each piece develops a golden crust. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the diced onion and cook until it softens and turns translucent. Then add the finely minced fresh ginger and minced garlic cloves, sautéing for about one minute until fragrant, which builds the flavor base for the sauce.
- Bloom Spices & Add Tomato: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the garam masala, chili powder or paprika, and ground cumin. Cook the spices for 30 to 60 seconds to release their aroma. Next, add the tomato purée and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to deepen its flavor and thicken the sauce slightly.
- Simmer Sauce: Return the seared chicken to the pan, stirring well to coat the pieces with the spices and tomato mixture. Pour in the heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency.
- Finish & Serve: Taste the butter chicken and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired. Serve hot alongside fragrant basmati rice or warm naan bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half & half or yogurt.
- To enhance spiciness, increase chili powder according to your preference.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat compared to breasts.
- Searing the chicken in batches ensures even browning and prevents steaming.
- Butter chicken sauce can be made a day ahead and reheated; flavors will deepen over time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
