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A plate of creamy butter chicken served with steaming rice and garnished with fresh coriander, showcasing a rich, flavorful sauce.

Quick and Creamy Butter Chicken Bliss: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal

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Quick and Creamy Butter Chicken Bliss is your new go-to weeknight dinner! This flavorful Indian-inspired recipe combines tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with aromatic spices, offering a comforting and quick meal that feels indulgent yet effortless to prepare. Perfect for busy evenings, this butter chicken recipe delivers authentic taste with simple ingredients, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or entertaining guests.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons butter or ghee
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce or pureed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free version
  • Fresh cilantro for garnishing

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes — or up to overnight for more flavor.
  2. In a large skillet or pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the chopped onion until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.
  4. Stir in the tomato sauce, bringing it to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. Return the seared chicken to the pan. Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream or coconut milk. Simmer everything for an additional 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
  6. Garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot with rice or naan bread.

Notes

  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper.
  • For an extra rich flavor, sauté a tablespoon of tomato paste before adding the tomato sauce.
  • Serve over steamed rice or naan bread for a complete meal.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian-inspired
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 520 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 45 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg