Easy Indian Butter Chicken

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Rich, creamy, and packed with deep, warm spices, Easy Indian Butter Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that brings restaurant-style flavor right to your home kitchen. Tender chunks of chicken are simmered in a luscious tomato-based sauce enriched with butter, cream, and aromatic spices, making it a meal that’s both indulgent and deeply satisfying. Paired perfectly with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread, this dish is a favorite for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

This butter chicken recipe is simplified for home cooks who want all the flavor without the long prep. The magic lies in the balance — the mild heat of garam masala, the tang of tomatoes, the richness of butter and cream — all coming together to create a smooth, bold sauce that wraps the chicken like velvet. It’s a comforting classic you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Indian Butter Chicken

• Ready in under an hour with simple, accessible ingredients.
• Family-friendly and mild enough for all palates, yet packed with flavor.
• Perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully.
• No tandoor or hard-to-find spices needed — just pantry staples.
• A versatile dish that pairs well with rice, naan, or even cauliflower rice.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Easy Indian Butter Chicken seamless and fuss-free, start by gathering the right tools. A large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven is ideal for evenly cooking the chicken and simmering the sauce without scorching. A sharp chef’s knife makes slicing the chicken quick and efficient, while a wooden spoon or silicone spatula helps stir without damaging your cookware. A blender (or immersion blender) is optional but useful for creating a silky-smooth sauce.

Having a few prep bowls on hand also helps keep your spice mixes and sauce ingredients organized and ready to go. Good prep and the right tools are key to a smooth cooking experience, especially when dealing with a layered dish like this one.

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Preparation Tips

Marinate the chicken if you have time — even 15-30 minutes in yogurt and spices will tenderize the meat and deepen the flavor. Don’t skip the sauté step for the spices and aromatics; it brings out the full depth of flavor and is essential to creating that signature butter chicken taste. Use tomato puree rather than fresh tomatoes for a smoother texture and richer base. If using cream, add it toward the end of cooking to avoid curdling, and always taste as you go. Butter chicken is forgiving, but a little attention to these details makes it truly exceptional.

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Ingredients for Easy Indian Butter Chicken

• 1 ½ lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tbsp plain yogurt (for optional marinade)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (for optional marinade)
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 2 tsp garam masala (divided)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• Salt, to taste
• 3 tbsp butter (unsalted preferred)
• 1 tbsp oil (vegetable or neutral)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 cup tomato puree (or passata)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
• 1 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Cooked basmati rice or naan bread, to serve

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Step 1: Marinate the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)

In a bowl, mix the chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, 1 teaspoon garam masala, and a pinch of salt. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes (or up to 8 hours in the fridge) for extra tenderness and flavor.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in batches, searing until lightly golden but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside. This locks in the juices and adds depth.

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Step 3: Cook the Aromatics

In the same pan, melt another tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped onions and cook until soft and golden. Stir in the garlic and ginger, sautéing for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

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Step 4: Add the Spices

Lower the heat to medium. Sprinkle in the remaining 1 teaspoon of garam masala, along with the cumin, paprika, coriander, and a pinch of salt. Toast the spices for 30–60 seconds to awaken their aroma.

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Step 5: Build the Sauce

Pour in the tomato puree and stir well. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce deepens in color and thickens slightly. Add sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

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Step 6: Blend the Sauce (Optional for Smooth Texture)

For an ultra-creamy sauce, transfer it to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the pan. Blend until silky smooth. Return the sauce to the skillet.

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Step 7: Finish the Chicken

Add the partially cooked chicken back into the pan. Simmer for another 8–10 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

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Step 8: Add the Cream and Final Butter

Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Cook on low heat for 2–3 more minutes, allowing the sauce to become rich and velvety.

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Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Top with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot over steamed basmati rice or with warm naan for the ultimate butter chicken experience.

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Notes

For best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate longer if time allows — up to 8 hours. While marination is optional, it greatly enhances the texture and flavor. If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the cream with full-fat coconut milk and use oil instead of butter. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, though thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. If you like more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to taste.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the chicken: It can become dry and tough. Always simmer gently and avoid high heat once the sauce is added.
• Skipping the spice bloom: Don’t just toss in the spices; toast them briefly in the butter and onion mixture to develop full flavor.
• Adding cream too early: Cream can curdle if cooked on high heat for too long. Always reduce the heat and add it at the end.
• Using raw tomato instead of puree: Puree ensures a smoother texture and more concentrated flavor.
• Neglecting to taste as you go: Balance is key — adjust salt, sugar, or spice to your personal preference.

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Storage Instructions

Easy Indian Butter Chicken stores beautifully. Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. To freeze, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When reheating, do so gently over medium heat, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Calories: ~420 kcal per serving (without rice or naan)
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between butter chicken and tikka masala?

Butter chicken is creamier, sweeter, and less spicy. Tikka masala tends to be more tomato-forward and spicier.

Can I make butter chicken without cream?

Yes, use coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free option that still delivers richness.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

It’s not mandatory but highly recommended. Even 30 minutes enhances flavor and tenderness.

What type of chicken works best?

Chicken thighs are ideal for juiciness, but chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option.

Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Is butter chicken spicy?

Traditionally, it’s mild. You can adjust the heat by adding chili powder or cayenne.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of puree?

Yes, but blend them first and cook a bit longer to reduce the raw flavor.

What should I serve with butter chicken?

Steamed basmati rice, naan bread, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

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Conclusion

Easy Indian Butter Chicken is a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish that brings the taste of Indian cuisine to your home kitchen with minimal effort. With tender chicken, a rich buttery sauce, and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned food lovers. Serve it with rice or naan for a satisfying meal that feels like a restaurant night at home — minus the takeout wait.

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