Easy Large Family Meal: Homemade Butter Chicken
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is a creamy, mildly spiced Indian-inspired dish with tender chicken in a rich tomato-butter sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
1 tbsp oil
2 tbsp butter, divided
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 cup tomato puree
1/2 cup heavy cream (or 1/3 cup yogurt or coconut milk)
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: cilantro, lemon juice, extra cream for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, cumin, and turmeric.
- Sear chicken in hot oil for 2–3 minutes per side; set aside.
- In same pan, melt 1 tbsp butter. Sauté onion until golden.
- Add garlic, ginger, and spices. Stir until fragrant.
- Add tomato puree. Simmer 5–7 minutes to thicken.
- Stir in cream and remaining butter. Simmer until smooth.
- Return chicken to pan. Simmer 8–10 minutes until fully cooked.
- Garnish and serve hot with rice or naan.
Notes
For dairy-free, use coconut milk and oil instead of cream and butter. Use yogurt for a lighter, tangy version. Adjust spice to preference.