Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat olive oil or ghee in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, garam masala, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the heavy cream and butter until melted and well combined. If desired, blend a portion of the sauce with an immersion blender for a smoother consistency, or carefully transfer to a regular blender and blend until smooth, then return to the pan.
- Stir in sugar (if using) and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve hot.
Full Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil or ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, for balance)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Shopping List
- Produce: Large onion, garlic, ginger, fresh cilantro
- Dairy & Eggs: Heavy cream, unsalted butter
- Pantry: Olive oil or ghee, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, garam masala, cayenne pepper, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, sugar, salt, black pepper
- Meat: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender (optional, for smoother sauce)
Variations & Serving Ideas
This incredibly flavorful Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is a star on its own, but its true potential unfolds with the right accompaniments. For the ultimate experience, serve it alongside steaming basmati rice – its delicate fragrance and fluffy texture are perfect for soaking up every drop of that luscious sauce. Warm, pillowy naan bread is an absolute essential for dipping and scooping! To balance the richness, consider a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette or some vibrant steamed green beans or broccoli. For presentation, a sprinkle of extra fresh cilantro and perhaps a dollop of plain yogurt or a swirl of cream can add a beautiful finish. Any glorious leftovers should be cooled completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep. This butter chicken also freezes exceptionally well for up to 2-3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed, or warm in the microwave.
We truly hope this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken becomes a cherished staple in your home, bringing delicious warmth and effortless joy to your dinner table. It’s a testament to how simple and incredibly flavorful homemade cooking can be, even on the busiest of days. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a whirl this week – we promise you won’t be disappointed! We’d love to hear your thoughts and see your culinary creations in the comments below. Happy and delicious cooking from our kitchen to yours! #ComfortingDinnerRecipes #QuickAndEasyButterChicken #SaturdayMeals #BakeRecipesDinner #EasyButterChickenDish #EasyButterChickenSimple #CozyChickenRecipes #DinnerBakes #EasyLargeFamilyMeals
