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
Scale
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
