Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

There’s something truly magical about this Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe that always wins me over. The creamy tomato sauce, melded perfectly with fragrant spices and tender chicken, hits all the right notes every time. Whether I’m craving comfort food on a chilly evening or looking to impress friends with minimal fuss, this recipe is my go-to for genuine warmth and flavor.

I love how approachable this dish is—no need for hours of prep or hunting down obscure ingredients. Plus, it comes together quickly, making it just as perfect for weeknight dinners as it is for casual dinner parties. If you’ve ever found yourself intimidated by Indian cooking, this Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe will surprise you with its simplicity and richness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe are straightforward, but each plays a crucial role in creating that iconic depth of flavor. I always recommend using fresh garlic and quality tomato sauce to get the best results.

• Butter: Divided usage helps build flavor layers and richness in the sauce.
• Onion: Minced finely so it melts beautifully into the sauce without overpowering it.
• Garlic: Fresh and minced for that essential aromatic kick.
• Tomato sauce: Choose a good-quality, plain tomato sauce for a smooth, tangy base.
• Heavy cream: This adds luxurious creaminess that balances the spices perfectly.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning—start with less and adjust to taste.
• Cayenne pepper: Gives a subtle heat; adjust according to your spice tolerance.
• Garam masala: The star Indian spice blend here, providing warmth and depth.
• Chicken breast: Skinless and boneless, cut into bite-sized chunks for even cooking.
• Vegetable oil: Used alongside butter to cook the chicken evenly without burning.
• Tandoori masala: Adds that authentic smoky, tangy flavor to the chicken.

Variations

I like to tweak this recipe depending on my mood or dietary needs—you can easily personalize it to suit your taste, which is one of the best things about this dish.

• Make it creamier: Adding a dollop of Greek yogurt at the end gives it a nice tang and thicker texture, perfect when I want it extra luscious.
• Spice it up: Increasing cayenne or adding fresh green chilies kicks up the heat without changing the essential buttery flavor.
• For low-carb: Skip the heavy cream and blend soaked cashews into the tomato sauce for a dairy-free richness I swear by.
• Vegetarian twist: Swap chicken for roasted cauliflower chunks or paneer for a satisfying meatless version.

How to Make Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting half the butter in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Toss in your finely minced onion and cook until it softens and turns golden – this usually takes around 5 to 7 minutes. Then add your minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. This step builds the flavor base that will make your sauce irresistible.

Step 2: Build the Tomato Cream Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and stir everything together. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to deepen those flavors. Now, slowly stir in the heavy cream and the rest of the butter. The sauce will turn a rich pinkish-orange—you’ll know you’re on the right track! Season with salt, cayenne pepper, and garam masala. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

While the sauce simmers, heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your chicken pieces that have been coated with tandoori masala and sear them until golden on the outside and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan—it’s key to getting a nice crust on the chicken.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it into your creamy sauce and stir well to coat each piece. Let the whole dish simmer on low for another 10 to 15 minutes to let the flavors marry together perfectly. This slow melding is what transforms it from good to truly great.

How to Serve Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle some fresh chopped cilantro over my butter chicken—it adds a lovely burst of color and freshness. A drizzle of cream on top just before serving adds that extra little touch of indulgence I can’t resist.

Side Dishes

Steamed basmati rice or warm garlic naan are my favorite companions for this dish. I also love pairing it with some roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber raita to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve individual portions in small copper bowls with a sprinkle of toasted cumin seeds on top. It makes the presentation feel authentic and adds a bit of that rustic charm that guests always comment on.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and usually find the flavors deepen overnight. Just make sure to cool it before refrigerating to keep that texture silky and fresh.

Freezing

This Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe freezes well too. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers without the cream—add fresh cream when reheating for the best texture. It’s a lifesaver when you want a quick meal ready to go.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm it in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or cream to loosen it up if needed. Microwave works too, but slow reheating on the stove preserves the flavors and creaminess best.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe feels like a warm hug after a busy day, and it’s one of those dishes that never fails to impress with minimal effort. I can’t recommend it enough if you want that buttery, creamy flavor with just the right amount of spice. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your new favorite weeknight staple or a special dish for your next get-together.

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