Easy Butter Chicken

Few dishes offer the creamy, cozy, comforting hug in a bowl quite like Easy Butter Chicken. With its velvety, spiced tomato sauce and tender chicken pieces, this dish is a weeknight favorite that delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the stress. Serve it over a pile of fluffy rice and you’ve got a meal that feels both indulgent and effortless.

Behind the Recipe

I still remember the first time I made butter chicken at home. I had just come back from a long day, craving something bold and comforting, but I wasn’t in the mood for takeout or a complicated meal. After a bit of experimenting, I found a way to simplify the traditional recipe without losing the magic. The result was rich, creamy, perfectly spiced butter chicken in just one pan. Since then, it’s become a go-to dish in my kitchen — something that feels special every time I make it.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, originated in Delhi in the 1950s. It was born from a clever idea at the legendary Moti Mahal restaurant, where leftover tandoori chicken was simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce. This culinary twist became an instant hit, blending smoky flavors with the richness of cream and spices. Today, it’s one of the most popular Indian dishes globally, known for its silky texture, warm spice profile, and comforting, aromatic appeal.

Why You’ll Love Easy Butter Chicken

This dish is truly irresistible, and here’s exactly why it’ll become a staple in your home.

Versatile: Pairs beautifully with rice, naan, or even stuffed into wraps.

Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry ingredients and affordable cuts of chicken.

Quick and Easy: Simple steps with bold results — ready in under an hour.

Customizable: Adjust the heat, swap the cream, or make it dairy-free.

Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike will be wiping the plate clean.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day.

Great for Leftovers: Reheat for lunch or reinvent into tacos, bowls, or flatbreads.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Let me help you bring out the very best in every saucy bite:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Even 30 minutes in yogurt and spices helps tenderize and infuse flavor.
2. Sear for Flavor: Brown the chicken well before simmering to develop deeper taste.
3. Use Tomato Paste: It gives the sauce body and richness without needing to reduce for ages.
4. Add Cream Last: Stir it in after simmering to keep the sauce smooth and luscious.
5. Don’t Rush the Butter: Let it melt slowly to enhance the velvety mouthfeel.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

No fancy tools, just a few dependable kitchen staples:

Large Skillet or Pan: Wide enough for searing and simmering in one go.

Mixing Bowls: For marinating and prepping ingredients.

Knife & Cutting Board: For slicing chicken and prepping aromatics.

Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To stir without scraping your pan.

Measuring Spoons & Cups: To balance the spices and liquids just right.

Ingredients in Easy Butter Chicken

Every ingredient plays a flavorful role — together, they create that signature creamy warmth.

1. Boneless Chicken Thighs: 1 1/2 pounds, cut into bite-sized pieces. Juicy and flavorful, perfect for soaking up sauce.
2. Plain Yogurt: 1/2 cup. Tenderizes the chicken during marination.
3. Garlic Cloves: 4, minced. Adds bold, aromatic depth.
4. Fresh Ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated. Bright, zesty balance to the creaminess.
5. Onion: 1 large, finely chopped. Caramelizes to build the base of the sauce.
6. Tomato Paste: 3 tablespoons. Rich, concentrated flavor and color.
7. Heavy Cream: 3/4 cup. Brings the luxurious silky texture.
8. Butter: 4 tablespoons. The namesake and the base of richness.
9. Garam Masala: 1 1/2 teaspoons. Warm, sweet-spicy backbone.
10. Cumin: 1 teaspoon. Adds an earthy note that enhances every bite.
11. Paprika: 1 teaspoon. For color and gentle smoky sweetness.
12. Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste. Enhances all the flavors.
13. Fresh Cilantro: For garnish. Brightens and freshens each serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Short on something? Here’s how to make it work anyway.

Chicken Thighs: Chicken breasts or paneer for a lighter version.

Yogurt: Buttermilk or sour cream.

Heavy Cream: Coconut cream or cashew cream for dairy-free.

Tomato Paste: Use tomato puree, but simmer longer to thicken.

Garam Masala: A mix of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves if needed.

Ingredient Spotlight

Garam Masala: This complex spice blend is essential to butter chicken. It adds warmth, depth, and a little sweetness that pulls the sauce together beautifully.

Chicken Thighs: Their rich flavor and juicy texture hold up well in the simmering sauce and are far less likely to dry out than chicken breast.

Instructions for Making Easy Butter Chicken

Let’s get cooking — this dish will fill your kitchen with the most mouthwatering aroma.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a bowl, mix chicken with yogurt, half the garlic, half the ginger, and salt. Let marinate for 30 minutes if possible.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Add marinated chicken to the skillet and sear until golden on all sides, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add onions, the rest of the garlic and ginger. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, garam masala, cumin, and paprika.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Let spices bloom for 1–2 minutes, then add the seared chicken back in. Stir to coat and simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Stir in heavy cream and simmer 5 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve hot with basmati rice or naan, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The chicken is tender and juicy, surrounded by a sauce that’s both silky and bold. The tomato paste brings umami, the cream softens the spice, and the butter pulls it all together. The flavors are warm and complex without being too heavy, and the texture is smooth with just the right balance of richness and heat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Boost your butter chicken skills with these quick tips:

• Marinate longer for more depth — overnight is ideal.
• Add a pinch of sugar to the sauce if your tomatoes taste too acidic.
• Want it spicier? Add chili powder or cayenne to taste.

What to Avoid

A few things to steer clear of for the best results:

• Don’t use low-fat cream — it may split when heated.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing chicken — do it in batches if needed.
• Avoid rushing the sauce — let it simmer to deepen flavors.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 480

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This butter chicken stores and reheats like a dream. Make it the day before and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully — just let it cool fully before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve Easy Butter Chicken

Serve it hot over fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan to soak up every bit of sauce. You can also serve it with roti, pita, or even wrapped in a flatbread for a butter chicken taco twist. A side of cucumber raita or pickled onions brings a refreshing balance.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Here’s how to reimagine them:

• Butter Chicken Tacos: Serve in tortillas with shredded lettuce and yogurt.
• Butter Chicken Pizza: Use as a topping with mozzarella on naan bread.
• Rice Bowls: Layer with grains, greens, and a soft-boiled egg.

Additional Tips

• Toast spices before adding wet ingredients for a deeper flavor.
• Add a splash of lemon juice before serving to brighten the dish.
• A sprinkle of crushed fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) gives a beautiful authentic aroma.

Make It a Showstopper

For a stunning presentation, serve in shallow bowls with a swirl of cream on top, fresh cilantro, and a wedge of lime. Use a garnish of thinly sliced chili or pickled onions for that final gourmet touch.

Variations to Try

• Paneer Butter Masala: Swap chicken for cubed paneer for a vegetarian version.
• Spicy Version: Add chili flakes and garam masala for an extra kick.
• Butter Chicken Pasta: Toss the sauce with pasta for a creamy fusion dish.
• Lightened-Up: Use Greek yogurt and coconut cream to reduce richness.
• Cashew Base: Blend soaked cashews with cream for a nutty depth.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

A1: Yes, but thighs are juicier and more flavorful. Just don’t overcook breast meat.

Q2: Is this dish spicy?

A2: It’s mild to medium. Add chili powder if you like heat.

Q3: Can I make it dairy-free?

A3: Yes, use coconut cream and plant-based butter.

Q4: Do I need to marinate the chicken?

A4: It’s recommended for flavor, but you can skip it if short on time.

Q5: What can I use instead of garam masala?

A5: A mix of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves can mimic the flavor.

Q6: Can I freeze butter chicken?

A6: Absolutely. It freezes well and reheats beautifully.

Q7: How do I prevent cream from curdling?

A7: Add cream on low heat and avoid boiling after adding.

Q8: Can I add vegetables?

A8: Sure! Peas, spinach, or bell peppers work well.

Q9: How can I make it richer?

A9: Add a spoon of cashew paste or extra butter.

Q10: Is this recipe authentic?

A10: It’s a simplified version inspired by the classic Indian dish, made for quick home cooking.

Conclusion

Easy Butter Chicken is the kind of dish that turns dinner into something special without a ton of effort. It’s creamy, comforting, and full of bold, spiced flavor that lingers in the best way. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. Trust me, this one’s worth every single spoonful.

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