Healthy Homemade Butter Chicken Made Simple
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is a rich, flavorful Indian-inspired dinner made in one skillet in just 30 minutes. Creamy, spiced, and deeply satisfying, it’s perfect for cozy nights or weeknight meals.
- 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
½ cup plain yogurt
1 tsp garam masala
½ tsp turmeric
½ tsp salt
3 tbsp butter (divided)
1 small onion, diced (optional)
1 tbsp grated garlic
1 tbsp grated ginger
1½ cups tomato puree
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
½ cup heavy cream
Chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Toss chicken with yogurt, garam masala, turmeric, and salt. Set aside.
- Heat 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken 2–3 mins per side. Remove.
- Add 1 tbsp butter to pan. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.
- Stir in spices and tomato puree. Add salt and sugar. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Return chicken and simmer 8–10 minutes until fully cooked.
- Reduce heat. Stir in cream and simmer 2–3 more minutes.
- Taste and adjust. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
For dairy-free, use coconut milk and oil. Serve with rice or naan. Sauce thickens as it cools—add water to loosen if reheating.