Description
Homemade Butter Chicken: a quick, 5-ingredient, restaurant-style curry that’s creamy, rich, and perfect for weeknights. Tender chicken simmered in a silky tomato-butter sauce with garam masala, garlic, and ginger. Serve with naan or basmati rice for a comforting, family-favorite dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
- 1 cup tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 2 tbsp plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and onion. Cook until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add tomato puree and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in cream and yogurt, then return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce thickens.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan or rice.
Notes
- Can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free variation.
- For extra richness, add a tablespoon more butter at the start.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat, if preferred.
- Leftovers refrigerate well for up to 3 days; Reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Homemade Butter Chicken, Butter Chicken, Indian curry, 5-ingredient recipe, quick dinner, restaurant-style curry, chicken curry