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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken – Creamy, Flavorful Dinner in 30 Minutes

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

This creamy, flavorful butter chicken is your weeknight hero meal—ready in 30 minutes and packed with comfort. With pantry spices and juicy chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce, it’s a fast, satisfying dish for the whole family.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 500 g chicken breast or thighs cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp ginger grated
  • 1 tsp garam masala
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric
  • salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, combine yogurt, garlic, ginger, and garam masala. Add chicken and marinate for 10–15 minutes.
  2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add more butter (if needed), garlic, and tomato puree. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the cream and remaining spices. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce is rich and fragrant.
  5. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken.
  6. Serve hot with rice, naan, or roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of cream if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of cream or coconut milk to restore the sauce's texture.