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A bowl of creamy homemade butter chicken garnished with cilantro, served with steaming basmati rice and naan bread on a rustic wooden table.

Effortless Homemade Butter Chicken: A Flavorful Weeknight Delight

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Effortless Homemade Butter Chicken is a quick and flavorful weeknight delight perfect for those craving a rich, creamy Indian-inspired meal. Made with tender chicken simmered in a luscious tomato-based sauce with butter and aromatic spices, this recipe offers an authentic taste with minimal effort. Serve it over rice or naan for a satisfying dinner that comes together in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Begin by combining the chicken pieces with yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and spices. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent. Stir in garlic and ginger until fragrant.
  3. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Pour in crushed tomatoes and spices. Let it simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk for creaminess.
  5. Adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over rice or naan.

Notes

  • For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of spices or use less garam masala.
  • You can substitute coconut milk for heavy cream to make it dairy-free.
  • Cooked chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Nut-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg