Name: Easy Butter Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 teaspoon salt (for marinade); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon sweet paprika; 0.5 teaspoon curry powder (for marinade); 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 tablespoons butter (divided); 6 cloves garlic (minced); 1 medium onion (diced); 15 ounces tomato sauce (1 can); 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); 0.5 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups heavy cream; 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat); 1 teaspoon garam masala; 0.5 teaspoon curry powder (for sauce); 0.25 cup fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish); Naan bread (for serving); Steamed rice (for serving)

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

The tantalizing aroma of Easy Butter Chicken wafts through the kitchen, wrapping you in a warm, flavorful embrace. Imagine tender, succulent chicken thighs swimming in a luscious, creamy sauce, the vibrant hues of red and orange dancing in your pot. It’s one of those recipes that stirs up memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings at home, where everyone eagerly anticipates the first bite. As you stir, the rich spices mingle together, creating a fragrant symphony that beckons you to dig in. Perfect for a weeknight meal or impressing friends on the weekend, this dish is a delightful hug in a bowl.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Easy Butter Chicken
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Easy Butter Chicken

This recipe brings back memories of a potluck I attended years ago, where my friend’s mother served the best butter chicken I had ever tasted. The way she plated it, garnished with fresh parsley and accompanied by warm naan, made it a feast for the eyes as much as the palate. Now, I’m excited to share my Easy Butter Chicken recipe with you, one that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or warm naan. Gather your ingredients and let’s create some magic in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prepare this dish in just 45 minutes, making weeknight dinners a breeze!
Irresistible Flavor: The creamy tomato sauce is the perfect blend of spices, resulting in an explosion of taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: A beautiful orange color with a glossy finish, it’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests at gatherings.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjust with gluten-free or dairy-free substitutes to fit your dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, thighs hold moisture better than breasts, giving you a richer flavor. If you prefer white meat, feel free to substitute with chicken breast.
1 teaspoon salt (for marinade): Enhances the flavor of the chicken. Adjust to your taste preferences.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth to the chicken’s flavor. Fresh garlic can also be used, but the powder mixes smoothly with the marinade.
1 teaspoon sweet paprika: This contributes a mild sweetness and lovely color. Smoked paprika can be used for an extra smoky flavor kick.
0.5 teaspoon curry powder (for marinade): Introduces warm spice notes that meld beautifully with the chicken.
1 tablespoon Greek yogurt: Tenderizes the meat while adding a creaminess. Regular yogurt is also suitable as a substitute.
3 tablespoons vegetable oil: Used for frying the chicken to a golden perfection. You can substitute with canola or avocado oil if desired.
3 tablespoons butter (divided): Adds richness to the sauce; for a lighter option, you can use ghee or a dairy-free butter blend.
6 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic packs a punch, giving the dish a fragrant aroma and flavor that’s hard to resist.
1 medium onion (diced): Sweet onions provide a wonderful base flavor. Yellow or white onions work well if that’s what you have.
15 ounces tomato sauce (1 can): Forms the backbone of your sauce, contributing sweetness and acidity.
1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the overall flavor. Adjust according to your taste.
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): Essential for flavor balancing; start with the amount indicated but feel free to taste and adjust.
0.5 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to your dish.
2 cups heavy cream: This gives your sauce a luxurious, creamy texture. Milk or coconut cream can be used for a lighter version, though it will alter the richness.
0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat): Perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spice; skip it if you prefer a milder flavor.
1 teaspoon garam masala: A staple spice blend that adds warmth and complexity to the dish.
0.5 teaspoon curry powder (for sauce): Extra depth and a flavor profile that ties everything together.
0.25 cup fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish): A fresh touch that brightens the dish; cilantro can be substituted for a different flavor.
Naan bread (for serving): Perfect for scooping up that delicious sauce; you can also use pita bread or any preferred flatbread.
Steamed rice (for serving): A classic pairing that soaks up the sauce wonderfully, making every bite a treat.

How to Make Easy Butter Chicken

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken thighs with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix until all the pieces are well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes—this step not only enhances flavor but makes the chicken tender and juicy.

Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside, leaving that flavorful oil in the pan.

Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium, adding in just 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Scrape up any beautiful browned bits at the pan’s bottom (they hold a lot of flavor) while adding a splash of water if necessary. Toss in the minced garlic and diced onion, seasoning with a pinch of salt, and sauté until the onions turn translucent and fragrant, roughly 4 to 5 minutes.

Build the Sauce: Stir in the can of tomato sauce and a teaspoon of sugar. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes to combine the flavors beautifully before returning the chicken to the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream, watching as your sauce transforms into a stunning orange color.

Add the Spices: Sprinkle in cayenne pepper if you’re feeling adventurous, followed by garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for approximately 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the salt as necessary for your perfect dish.

Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter, swirling it into the sauce until it melts completely, creating that signature silky finish. If you’d like, garnish with chopped parsley for an added touch of freshness.

Serve and Enjoy!: Serve your Easy Butter Chicken hot, alongside warm naan bread and a side of steamed rice. Every bite should bring a smile to your face as you indulge in this creamy, dreamy dish!

Storing & Reheating

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store your Easy Butter Chicken in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two hours. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave in short bursts. If you decide to freeze it, place your dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that the sauce’s texture may change slightly upon reheating, but you can always refresh it with a splash of cream for that luscious finish.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking the chicken to ensure even browning.
Using room temperature chicken helps it cook more evenly and speeds up the marinating process.
Don’t skip the butter at the end; it transforms the sauce from good to amazing with that lovely richness.
Feel free to customize the spice levels – add more cayenne or curry powder for an extra kick.
If you’re prepping ahead, marinate the chicken a few hours in advance or even overnight for deeper flavors.

The delightful sweetness of the tomatoes combined with the warm spices creates a comforting dish that you’ll want to enjoy again and again. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own by playing with the ingredients until you find your perfect balance. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a gathering with friends, this Easy Butter Chicken will be your new go-to. Ready to savor every bite? Let’s cook!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs are my favorite for their juiciness, chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster. Aim for the same cooking time but check for doneness a couple of minutes earlier.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the heavy cream?

Yes! You can use coconut cream or a non-dairy heavy cream substitute to achieve that creamy texture without the dairy. Just be aware that coconut cream will add a slight coconut flavor, giving an interesting twist to the dish.

How can I adjust the spice level?

You can easily modify the spice level by reducing or omitting the cayenne pepper and adjusting the amount of curry powder based on your preference. For an extra mild flavor, stick with just the garam masala and leave out any additional heat.

What can I serve with Easy Butter Chicken?

Naan bread and steamed rice are traditional choices, but you can also serve it with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or side salads. Think about pairing it with any bread that can mop up that wonderfully rich sauce!