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Easy 30-Minute Creamy Homemade Butter Chicken

Close-up of tender chicken pieces swimming in a vibrant orange, creamy sauce of butter chicken, garnished with herbs.
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Make restaurant-quality Butter Chicken at home in just 30 minutes. This quick recipe delivers rich, velvety flavor that beats takeout every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook the spices for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  6. Pour in the tomato sauce and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Cover and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and absorb the flavors.
  8. Stir in the heavy cream, Greek yogurt, and sugar. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Do not boil after adding the cream and yogurt.
  9. Taste the sauce and adjust salt if needed. Simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  10. Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving hot with rice or naan bread.

Notes

  • For an extra smooth sauce, you can blend the sauce mixture (before adding cream/yogurt) using an immersion blender.
  • If you prefer using chicken thighs, they stay more tender during the quick cooking time.
  • Serve this Indian comfort food immediately with basmati rice or warm naan bread for a complete family friendly chicken curry experience.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/easy-butter-chicken-recipe-quick-homemade/