Need a quick, cozy dinner packed with flavor? This easy butter chicken recipe is everything your weeknight meals need—simple, creamy, comforting, and completely delicious. Whether you’re a home cook in a hurry or just craving a hearty meal without fuss, this butter chicken delivers restaurant-level flavor in under 45 minutes.
2. Why You’ll Love This Quick Butter Chicken
Butter chicken, or murgh makhani, is an iconic Indian dish known for its luxurious texture and rich tomato-cream sauce. Traditionally, it involves tandoor-cooked chicken and hours of simmering—but this version cuts corners without sacrificing flavor.
This butter chicken is designed for everyday cooks. No fancy techniques, no hard-to-find spices—just good, honest ingredients that come together beautifully. And if you’re new to Indian cooking, this is the perfect introduction.
Whether you’re making it with rotisserie chicken, fresh chicken thighs, or even meat substitutes, this dish becomes a comforting classic in every kitchen.
3. Ingredients That Make It Special
🐔 Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are best for juicy, flavorful results. Chicken breasts work too if you prefer a leaner option.
🧈 Butter
Use unsalted butter to control the salt level. Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce.
🍅 Tomato Sauce
Opt for plain canned tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes for the base of the curry. It provides body and acidity.
🧄 Garlic + Ginger
Fresh minced garlic and ginger are essential. They form the aromatic backbone of the dish.
🧅 Onions
Sautéed until golden, onions contribute sweetness and depth to the sauce.
🥣 Yogurt or Sour Cream (For Marinade)
Plain yogurt helps tenderize the chicken and adds a tangy depth. If you’re in a pinch, sour cream also works.
🥛 Heavy Cream or Coconut Milk
For the classic creamy texture. Coconut milk is an excellent dairy-free option.
🌿 Spices
You only need a few:
- Garam Masala – warm, balanced spice blend
- Cumin – earthy and grounding
- Turmeric – adds color and subtle bitterness
- Chili Powder – adjustable heat
- Paprika – smoky and sweet
- Salt – brings it all together
4. How to Make Butter Chicken (Step-by-Step)
🔪 Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the chicken with:
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin, turmeric, paprika, and chili powder
- Salt to taste
Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. Overnight is even better for deep flavor.
🍳 Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large pan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken pieces and sear until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
🧅 Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
In the same pan, add more butter if needed. Sauté diced onion until golden, then stir in minced garlic and ginger. Cook until fragrant—about 2 minutes.
🍅 Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Add the tomato sauce and remaining spices. Stir well and simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens and deepens in color.
🥛 Step 5: Add Cream and Chicken
Reduce heat. Return chicken to the pan and pour in heavy cream or coconut milk. Stir gently and let everything simmer for another 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is creamy.
🌿 Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve hot with basmati rice, naan, or roti.
5. Expert Tips for Perfect Results
- Don’t Skip the Marinade – Even 20 minutes improves flavor.
- Use Chicken Thighs – They stay juicy and absorb more spice.
- Balance the Heat – Start mild, then adjust chili powder to taste.
- Low and Slow – Keep heat low when adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Deglaze the Pan – Add a splash of water or broth to lift flavorful bits off the pan.
6. Variations to Suit Your Diet
| Diet | Modification |
|---|---|
| Dairy-Free | Use coconut milk and dairy-free butter |
| Low Carb/Keto | Skip rice and pair with cauliflower rice or grilled veggies |
| Vegetarian | Replace chicken with paneer or tofu |
| Paleo | Use ghee instead of butter and skip cream or use coconut cream |
7. Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce a day early. Store in the fridge and reheat before serving.
- Storage: Keeps well for 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
- Freezing: Freeze before adding cream. When reheating, add cream after it’s warmed through.
🧊 Pro Tip:
Use silicone freezer trays or zip-lock bags to portion for quick defrosting.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Skip the marinating and searing—just shred the chicken and stir it into the simmered sauce until heated through.
❓ Is butter chicken spicy?
It’s generally mild. For more heat, add green chilies or increase chili powder. For zero spice, reduce chili powder and paprika.
❓ Can I make this in the slow cooker?
Yes! Combine all ingredients except cream in the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 hours. Add cream just before serving.
❓ What if I don’t have garam masala?
Use a mix of cinnamon, cumin, cloves, and a dash of nutmeg in a pinch. But for authenticity, garam masala is worth keeping in the pantry.
9. What to Serve with Butter Chicken
- Rice: Steamed basmati, jasmine, or even brown rice
- Breads: Naan, garlic naan, roti, paratha
- Sides: Cucumber raita, mango chutney, lentil dal
- Drinks: Sweet lassi or chilled sparkling water with lime
10. More Easy Chicken Recipes to Try
- 🌶️ Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken – Sweet, sticky, and finger-licking good
- 🥢 Sesame Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry – 20-minute Asian-style dinner
- 🍗 Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs – Crispy, juicy, and incredibly easy
- 🥘 Creamy Tuscan Chicken – With spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan
11. Printable Recipe Card
Quick and Easy Butter Chicken
Creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs
- ½ cup yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric, cumin, paprika, chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Cooked rice or naan, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in yogurt, lemon, spices for 30+ minutes
- Sear chicken in butter until browned
- Cook onions, garlic, and ginger
- Stir in tomato sauce and simmer
- Add cream and return chicken to pan
- Simmer until cooked through; garnish with cilantro
12. Final Thoughts
This butter chicken isn’t just another “easy recipe”—it’s a celebration of flavor made accessible for anyone. It bridges the gap between traditional Indian cuisine and busy home kitchens everywhere.
If you’ve been intimidated by butter chicken before, don’t be. This version is designed to be forgiving, flexible, and full of flavor. And best of all—it’s made with love and ready in under an hour.
