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Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe You Can Whip Up Tonight - Featured Image

Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe You Can Whip Up Tonight

Learn how to make delicious Easy Homemade Butter Chicken. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients, especially fresh spices and quality dairy. I always reach for full-fat yogurt and cream to get that luscious texture, and I grind whole spices at home when I can. It’s these little touches that make the butter chicken taste homemade rather than store-bought. If you’re short on time, pre-ground spices work just fine — just be sure they’re fresh. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup plain full-fat yogurt (for marinating)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Optional substitute: Greek yogurt can replace plain yogurt; coconut cream can be used instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Add the chicken pieces and stir well to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight for deeper flavor.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden and soft, about 8 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add the marinated chicken (including any excess marinade) to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken starts to brown but isn’t fully cooked through.
  4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  5. Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let the sauce simmer gently for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  6. Season with salt to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Keywords: Easy Homemade Butter Chicken, recipe, cooking, food