Homemade Easy Butter Chicken in 55 Minutes!

Butter chicken is the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with warm, inviting aromas long before the first bite. Originating in Delhi in the 1950s, this rich, velvety curry became an instant classic by combining tender chicken chunks with a luscious tomato and butter-based sauce spiced just right.

What makes this recipe truly special is the perfect balance between creamy, buttery indulgence and a subtle heat from garam masala and cayenne pepper that tingles the palate without overwhelming it.

One cooking tip I’ve learned: don’t rush the butter and onion base. Slowly melting the butter and caramelizing the onions unlocks layers of flavor that make the sauce irresistibly smooth and fragrant. This patience makes all the difference.

This recipe is trending because it hits the comfort food sweet spot — creamy yet vibrant, easy enough for home cooks, and endlessly satisfying.

Plus, it’s great for meal prep and family dinners, offering 6 generous servings to share. Pair your butter chicken with fluffy Breakfast Naan or zingy Pink Pickled Onions to elevate your meal into a celebration of taste and texture.

It’s a dish that always leaves me feeling cozy and content. Try it yourself and share how you like to make it your own.

Why You Will Love This Dish?

• From Impressing Guests to Everyday Comfort: What began as a special recipe to wow my friends quickly turned into my favorite cozy weekend dinner — it’s that satisfying and comforting.
• Perfect for Busy Lives: The rich, creamy sauce is surprisingly simple to prep, and the leftovers freeze beautifully, making it a lifesaver for quick, delicious meals on hectic days.
• Tailored to Taste: Over time, I’ve adjusted the spice levels to perfectly suit my family’s preferences — less fiery but packed with flavor every single time.
• Versatile and Delicious Leftovers: I was pleasantly surprised to find that leftover butter chicken transforms wonderfully into wraps and sandwiches, adding a tasty twist to mealtime.
• Big Flavor, Simple Ingredients: This recipe proves you don’t need complicated steps or exotic ingredients to enjoy authentic, mouthwatering Indian cuisine right at home.

What To Serve With Butter Chicken Recipe!

• Asian Rice
• Crisp Cucumber Feta Salad
• Broccoli Apple Salad
• Pickled Beets
• Blood Orange Soda
• Mango Kiwi Smoothie

Butter Chicken Recipe

This buttery, creamy butter chicken features tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich tomato and spice sauce, delivering authentic Indian flavors in a simple, home-cooked meal everyone will love.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Servings 6

Calories 880 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet or deep pan
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula
• Knife and chopping board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Can Opener
• Mixing bowl (optional)

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup butter divided
• 1 onion minced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 15 ounce can tomato sauce
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons tandoori masala

Instructions

 

• Heat ½ cup butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced onion and sauté until golden.
  
• Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Add chicken chunks and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
  
• Mix in tandoori masala, salt, cayenne pepper, and garam masala; cook for 2 minutes.
  
• Pour in tomato sauce, stir well, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
  
• Add heavy cream and remaining butter; stir and cook for another 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through.
• Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed. Serve hot.
  

Nutrition Info:

Best Variations To Elevate Your Butter Chicken!

• Swap Heavy Cream for Cashew Cream: For a dairy-free twist that keeps the sauce luxuriously creamy, blend soaked cashews into a smooth paste and stir it in instead of heavy cream. It adds a subtle nutty richness.
• Add Smoked Paprika or Chipotle: To introduce a gentle smoky depth, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder along with the traditional spices. It enhances complexity without overpowering the classic flavor.
• Marinate Chicken Overnight: For even juicier, more flavorful chicken, marinate the pieces overnight in yogurt mixed with a bit of tandoori masala and lemon juice. This tenderizes the meat and deepens the spice profile.
• Finish with Kasuri Methi: Crushing dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) and sprinkling them into the sauce at the end adds that signature earthy aroma and elevates the dish to restaurant quality.
• Incorporate Roasted Garlic: For a mellow, sweet garlic note, roast the garlic before mincing it and adding to the butter and onions. It softens the sharpness and layers in a lovely aroma.
• Use Bone-in Chicken: If you want richer flavor and a heartier bite, swap the boneless chicken breasts for bone-in thighs or drumsticks, adjusting cooking time accordingly for tenderness.
• Balance Heat with Honey or Jaggery: For a subtle counterpoint to the spices, stir in a small amount of honey or jaggery towards the end of cooking. It enhances the sauce’s sweetness and complexity naturally.

If you want, I can help craft a similar section for serving suggestions or common challenges next!

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