Description
Looking for a quick weeknight dinner or new dinner ideas to spice up your usual routine? Easy Indian Butter Chicken is the answer. This rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful dish combines tender chicken simmered in a velvety tomato-butter sauce, finished with cream and aromatic spices. Whether you’re after a comforting easy recipe, a healthy-ish indulgence, or fresh food ideas to impress guests, this butter chicken fits perfectly. Great with fluffy basmati rice or pillowy naan, it’s a must-try in your list of easy dinner recipes.
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tbsp plain yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp ground turmeric
2 tsp garam masala
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground coriander
Salt, to taste
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 cup tomato puree
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp sugar
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Cooked basmati rice or naan bread, to serve
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, 1 tsp garam masala, and salt. Let marinate for 15–30 minutes (or up to 8 hours).
2. Heat 1 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet. Sear chicken until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
3. Melt another 1 tbsp butter. Add onions and cook until golden. Stir in garlic and ginger, sautéing for 1–2 minutes.
4. Add remaining 1 tsp garam masala, cumin, paprika, coriander, and salt. Toast spices for 30–60 seconds.
5. Pour in tomato puree and sugar. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until thickened.
6. Blend the sauce for smooth texture (optional). Return to skillet.
7. Add chicken back to sauce. Simmer 8–10 minutes until cooked through.
8. Stir in cream and remaining butter. Cook 2–3 minutes on low heat.
9. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.
Notes
Marinating the chicken, even briefly, enhances tenderness and flavor.
Always toast the spices in butter or oil for maximum aroma and depth.
Add the cream last and keep the heat low to prevent curdling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 480
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 28
- Cholesterol: 120