Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat olive oil or ghee in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, garam masala, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the heavy cream and butter until melted and well combined. If desired, blend a portion of the sauce with an immersion blender for a smoother consistency, or carefully transfer to a regular blender and blend until smooth, then return to the pan.
- Stir in sugar (if using) and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve hot.
Full Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil or ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, for balance)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Shopping List
- Produce: Large onion, garlic, ginger, fresh cilantro
- Dairy & Eggs: Heavy cream, unsalted butter
- Pantry: Olive oil or ghee, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, garam masala, cayenne pepper, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, sugar, salt, black pepper
- Meat: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender (optional, for smoother sauce)
Variations & Serving Ideas
This incredible Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is truly a complete meal, but its irresistible sauce begs to be paired with perfect accompaniments. Traditionally, it’s a dream with fluffy basmati rice, which gracefully soaks up every last drop of the rich, aromatic sauce. Don’t forget a side of warm naan bread, perfect for scooping and dipping – garlic naan takes it to another level! To balance the richness, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed green beans or asparagus makes for a refreshing contrast. When presenting, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro not only adds vibrant color but also a burst of fresh flavor. Leftovers are fantastic and often taste even better the next day! Allow the butter chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep. For longer storage, it freezes wonderfully for up to 2-3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to restore its creamy consistency.
We hope this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen, proving that delicious, comforting meals don’t have to be complicated. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor, perfect for any day of the week. Give it a try soon, and please share your experiences and any clever twists you add in the comments below – we love hearing from you! Happy cooking! #ComfortingDinnerRecipes #QuickAndEasyButterChicken #SaturdayMeals #BakeRecipesDinner #EasyButterChickenDish #EasyButterChickenSimple #CozyChickenRecipes #DinnerBakes #EasyLargeFamilyMeals
