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Creamy homemade butter chicken in a skillet, served with fluffy rice, warm naan, and fresh cilantro.

Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe: Quick & Easy Butter Chicken

Creamy, buttery, and tomato-rich butter chicken made with tender chicken pieces simmered in a warm spiced sauce. It’s a cozy, quick dinner that tastes restaurant-style but is easy to make at home.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ lbs boneless chicken breast or thighs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 onion
  • 3–4 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 cup tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey

Method
 

  1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, garam masala, and turmeric.
  2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 5–6 minutes until mostly cooked. Remove and set aside.
  3. Melt butter in the same pan, add onion, and cook 3–4 minutes until soft.
  4. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in cumin, garam masala, and chili powder. Cook for 20 seconds.
  6. Add tomato puree and simmer for 5 minutes.
  7. Lower heat and stir in cream slowly. Add sugar/honey if using. Adjust salt.
  8. Add chicken back in and simmer 5–7 minutes until fully cooked and sauce thickens.
  9. Serve hot over rice with naan, and top with cilantro if desired.

Notes

  • For a lighter option, use chicken breast and half-and-half or light cream instead of heavy cream.
  • Skip chili powder to keep it mild for kids.
  • Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce gets too thick.
  • Serve with rice, naan, or add veggies like spinach or peas for extra balance.