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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken - Chicken Recipes

If comfort had a flavor, I’m pretty sure it would taste like butter chicken. This dish is the one I reach for when I want something rich, cozy, and quick to whip up without making a giant mess. It’s that perfect middle ground between a takeout splurge and a homemade dinner win. Think tender chicken pieces bathed in a creamy tomato sauce that clings to every bite of rice or naan. Now, don’t let the words butter chicken scare you off. This easy butter chicken recipe is one of those quick chicken recipes that makes you look like you’ve been simmering sauce for hours, when really you had it done in less than 30 minutes. That’s right—it’s as weeknight-friendly as grilled cheese, but way fancier and more filling. I promise you, this chicken butter recipe is the kind of kitchen magic that’ll earn you repeat requests. And let’s be honest, we all need chicken easy recipes that are reliable. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a table of hungry friends, this one checks every box. Creamy, flavorful, simple, and quick—it deserves a spot on your short list of go-to recipes chicken lovers keep tucked away. Just wait until that sauce hits the table… you’ll see what I mean.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Keywords: chicken butter recipe, chicken easy recipes, chicken recipes, easy butter chicken recipe, quick chicken recipes, recipes chicken
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Lila

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Cooked rice or naan for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
  3. Stir in garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant.
  4. Add chicken pieces and cook until no longer pink.
  5. Mix in tomato puree and spices, letting it simmer for about 10 minutes.
  6. Pour in heavy cream, stir, and cook for another 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or more spices as needed.
  8. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.