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A close-up of homemade butter chicken served with steamed rice and fresh cilantro on a vibrant plate.

Homemade Butter Chicken: Your New Flavorful Weeknight Favorite

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Discover the ultimate homemade butter chicken recipe that transforms your weeknights with rich flavors and tender chicken. This easy, flavorful dish features a creamy tomato sauce and succulent pieces of chicken, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Make restaurant-quality butter chicken at home with simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.
  3. Add garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and paprika. Stir to coat, then pour in crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavor.
  4. Push sauce to one side of skillet and add chicken. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Mix with sauce.
  5. Stir in heavy cream or coconut cream and remaining butter. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce is creamy. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot over rice or naan.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, marinate chicken with spices before cooking.
  • Use coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
  • Cook chicken thighs for more juiciness and flavor.
  • Serve with basmati rice or naan bread for a complete meal.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 460 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 730mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg