Easy butter chicken recipe

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Easy Butter Chicken that you can whip up in about 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, blended)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free version)
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, salt, garlic, and ginger.
- Add the chicken pieces and mix until well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 15-30 minutes (or up to overnight for more flavor).
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter.
- Add the chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, garam masala, cumin, and paprika. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the heavy cream and water (or chicken broth) to the sauce, stir well, and simmer for another 5-10 minutes, until the sauce is creamy and the flavors meld together.
4. Combine the Chicken with the Sauce:
- Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce, stirring to coat the chicken evenly.
- Simmer for 5 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or spices as needed.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, naan bread, or a side of vegetables.
Enjoy your Easy Butter Chicken! It’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick, comforting meal. Let me know if you’d like any variations or additional tips!
How long does Easy butter chicken recipe last
Easy Butter Chicken can last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly.
To store:
- Allow the butter chicken to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer the butter chicken to an airtight container.
- Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat:
- Microwave: Reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing:
If you’d like to keep it for longer, you can freeze the butter chicken:
- Let it cool completely.
- Transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
- Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat from frozen:
- Thaw the butter chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until thoroughly heated.
Enjoy your leftovers! Let me know if you need more tips!