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The Ultimate Quick & Creamy Homemade Butter Chicken (Ready in 30 Minutes)

Close-up of tender chicken pieces coated in vibrant orange sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro, making a delicious butter chicken.
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Make rich, restaurant-style Butter Chicken at home quickly. This recipe delivers tender chicken in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon garam masala. Set aside.
  2. Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, remaining garam masala, and cayenne pepper. Cook the spices for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  6. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  7. Add the water or broth. Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  8. Stir in the heavy cream and sugar. Simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly to your liking. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  9. Remove from heat. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro before serving with naan or rice.

Notes

  • For a smoother sauce, blend the sauce mixture (before adding the cream) with an immersion blender or carefully transfer it to a regular blender. Return the sauce to the pan before adding the cream and chicken back in.
  • If you prefer a less sweet flavor, reduce the sugar to 1/2 tablespoon.
  • This recipe is great for meal prep; the flavors deepen overnight.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/quick-creamy-butter-chicken-recipe/