Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Name: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 inch ginger, grated; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp cumin; Salt to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Savor the rich, creamy goodness of this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe. Perfectly tender chicken simmered in a luscious tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices, this dish is a delightful weeknight dinner that brings the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine straight to your home. Serve it with fluffy rice or warm naan for a comforting meal that friends and family will love.

Created by

Summer Blake

Last updated on 2025-12-01T15:55:38.859Z

This recipe brings a simple yet delicious take on classic Indian butter chicken.

A Taste of Indian Tradition

Butter chicken, or 'Murgh Makhani', originated from Delhi and has become a staple in Indian restaurants worldwide. This dish is a fantastic representation of Indian cuisine's complexity, combining spice blends with creaminess to create a unique flavor profile. The historical roots of butter chicken trace back to the Moti Mahal restaurant in the 1940s, where it was first crafted to utilize leftover chicken. Its rich, savory sauce paired with tender chicken makes it a beloved choice for many.

What sets this recipe apart is its ability to bring traditional flavors into a quick and easy format, making it suitable for busy weeknights. The blend of spices, including garam masala, cumin, and turmeric, infuses the chicken with warmth and depth, while the heavy cream adds richness that perfectly balances the spiciness. This is a dish that is not merely about food; it's about sharing experiences and creating cherished memories with loved ones.

The Perfect Pairings

Butter chicken is traditionally served with warm naan or fluffy basmati rice, both of which encourage you to savor every last drop of the delicious sauce. Naan, a soft Indian flatbread, is perfect for scooping up the chicken and sauce, while rice serves as a wonderful neutral base that complements the rich flavors of the dish. You can even add a side of cucumber raita—yogurt mixed with cucumber and spices—to refresh your palate between bites.

For those looking to up their dinner game, consider serving butter chicken alongside vegetable samosas or a fresh green salad for additional texture and flavor. The crunch of a salad or the warm, flaky pastry of samosas provides an exciting contrast to the creamy consistency of butter chicken, creating a complete meal that will impress your guests.

Tips for the Best Butter Chicken

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp butter
2 tsp garam masala
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cumin
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Use fresh spices for the best flavor!

Steps

Cook the Chicken

In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft. Then add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.

Add the chicken cubes and cook until browned on all sides.

Make the Sauce

Stir in the diced tomatoes, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and salt. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes.

Finish the Dish

Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Cook for another 5 minutes until heated through. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Serve with rice or naan.

Storing and Reheating

If you find yourself with leftovers, you’re in luck! Butter chicken stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to prevent drying out. The flavors will continue to deepen, making it taste even better the next day—a perfect solution for meal prep enthusiasts.

For longer storage, butter chicken can be frozen for up to three months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently. This way, you can always have a delicious, homemade meal on hand for those busy nights!

Variations to Try

While this recipe celebrates the classic flavors of butter chicken, there are endless ways to customize it. For a vegetarian alternative, substitute the chicken with paneer or a mix of seasonal vegetables such as cauliflower, bell peppers, and peas. These options can absorb the sauce wonderfully, making them a satisfying choice for meatless Mondays.

Additionally, experimenting with spices can lead to exciting new versions of butter chicken. Consider adding coconut milk for a slightly sweeter, tropical twist. You could also introduce elements like cashew or almond paste for an extra layer of richness. Each variation can bring its own charm to your dining table while still being rooted in the essence of traditional butter chicken.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, just ensure it's fully thawed before cooking.

→ How can I make it spicier?

Add red chili powder or sliced green chilies when cooking.