Easy Butter Chicken Recipe

Name: Easy Butter Chicken
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 cup Plain Yogurt; 2 tbsp Lemon Juice; 1 tsp Turmeric Powder; 1 tbsp Garam Masala; 0.5 tsp Chili Powder or Cayenne Pepper Powder; 1 tsp Ground Cumin; 1 tbsp Fresh Grated Ginger; 2 cloves Garlic (Crushed); 1 lb Chicken Thigh Fillets; 3 tbsp Ghee or Butter; 1 cup Tomato Passata (or Tomato Puree); 0.5 cup Heavy Cream; 1 tbsp Sugar; 1 tsp Salt; 2 cups Basmati Rice (to Serve); Coriander/Cilantro (Optional for Garnish)

Posted on October 30, 2025

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This creamy Butter Chicken comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the chicken for tofu or even shrimp to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of those odds and ends you have lying around! Don’t you just love it when a recipe is as versatile as it is delicious?

The Ingredients You’ll Need

Plain Yogurt

Plain yogurt is a key ingredient in this recipe because it not only tenderizes the chicken, making it luscious and flavorful, but it also adds a creamy texture to the overall dish. I prefer full-fat yogurt for this because it enhances the creaminess of the sauce. If you’re in a pinch, Greek yogurt works wonderfully too!

Lemon Juice

A tablespoon of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors and balances the richness of the dish. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can also do the trick, just use slightly less since it’s more concentrated.

Turmeric Powder

Ah, turmeric, the golden spice that not only gives this dish a beautiful color but also packs a healthy punch! This spice is aromatic and adds an earthy flavor. You can substitute it with curry powder if you’re out, but the flavor will be a bit different.

Garam Masala

Garam masala is a blend of spices that really brings everything together in Butter Chicken. It’s warm, slightly sweet, and adds tons of flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, any curry blend will work in a pinch, though it won’t be quite the same, of course!

Chili Powder or Cayenne Pepper Powder

For those of you who like a little heat, a half-teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper will do just that! Feel free to adjust this based on your spice tolerance. If you’re cooking for kids, you can even leave it out entirely or add a pinch for just a hint of heat.

Ground Cumin

Cumin adds a warm, nutty base note to the sauce. It’s one of those spices that gives the dish depth. If you don’t have cumin, coriander can serve as a nice alternative, though the flavor will shift a bit.

Fresh Grated Ginger

Nothing beats the taste of fresh ginger! It adds a zing that brightens the sauce. You can use ground ginger if that’s all you have, but fresh is always best, especially if you’re able to use the real stuff from your local farmer’s market!

Garlic (Crushed)

Garlic is, without a doubt, a must-have ingredient here. It makes everything better! I usually use about two cloves, but I can be a bit obsessed with garlic, so feel free to start with one if you’re more sensitive to its strong flavor.

Chicken Thigh Fillets

Using chicken thighs keeps this Butter Chicken super juicy and tender, which is essential for the dish. You can also use chicken breast, but keep in mind they’d need a little less cooking time. Perfect for those busy families!

Ghee or Butter

The buttery flavor of ghee is truly amazing in this dish, but if you don’t have it, regular butter works just as well. I like to stick to unsalted butter so I can keep control over the saltiness.

Tomato Passata (or Tomato Puree)

This is the base of your sauce, and it adds a nice sweetness and depth of flavor. If you’re in a pinch, crushed tomatoes can work too, but you might want to add a little sugar to balance the acidity.

Heavy Cream

The magic ingredient! This is what gives your Butter Chicken that creamy texture and luxurious mouthfeel. If you want a lighter version, coconut milk is a fun substitute, adding a slightly different flavor.

Sugar

A tablespoon of sugar helps balance the acidity from the tomatoes and is essential for a perfectly balanced Butter Chicken. If you’re trying to cut sugar, honey or maple syrup can also work in a pinch, albeit with a subtle flavor difference.

Salt

This is essential for enhancing all those fabulous flavors! Just a little salt goes a long way. Feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences.

Basmati Rice (to Serve)

Traditionally, Butter Chicken is served over fluffy Basmati rice, which soaks up all that incredible sauce! But you could substitute quinoa, or serve it with naan or over a salad if you’re trying to keep it light.

Coriander/Cilantro (Optional for Garnish)

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top adds a lovely freshness and is a beautiful addition to the dish. If you’re not a fan, feel free to omit it.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

First things first, let’s give the chicken some love! In a medium bowl, combine the plain yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric powder, garam masala, chili powder, cumin, ginger, and garlic. Whisk it up until smooth, and then coat your chicken pieces in this dreamy marinade. Ideally, refrigerate it for at least 3 hours or, if you can, overnight. The longer it sits, the better it will taste!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Once your chicken is marinated, it’s time to get cooking! Heat the ghee or butter in a large frying pan (a deep skillet works too) over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken, making sure each piece has some room to brown nicely. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn white. Mmm, the smell is already amazing!

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Now for the magic! Add the tomato passata, heavy cream, sugar, and salt to the pan. Stir everything well and let it simmer, bringing it to a gentle bubble. Lower the heat and let it work its magic for about 20 minutes. You’ll want to stir occasionally to scrape the yummy bits off the bottom of the pan. Trust me, it just adds to the flavor!

Step 4: Finish and Serve

After about 20 minutes, give it a taste and adjust seasonings if needed, maybe a couple pinches of salt and pepper. If you feel fancy, garnish it with some chopped coriander or cilantro! Serve this beauty warm over your fluffy basmati rice, and enjoy every creamy mouthful!

Why I Love This Butter Chicken Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I need comfort food that feels a bit special but still comes together quickly on a busy weeknight. I’m a real sucker for all the flavors in this dish from the tangy yogurt to the aromatic spices! Plus, the best part is how versatile it is; you can create your own versions based on what you have on hand. The kids might even ask for seconds, seriously, mine do!

If you loved this Butter Chicken, be sure to check out coconut chicken curry.

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This creamy Butter Chicken comes together in under 30 minutes and is perfect for weeknight meals. Prep and cooking is all done in one pot, which means minimal mess and maximum flavor in a short time!

Comfort Food

With its rich, creamy sauce and aromatic spices, this dish is truly a hug in a bowl. The whole family will love it, and it’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you need something warm and filling!

Customizable

You can easily switch up the proteins, or even use veggies for a meatless option! I’ve made it with shrimp, and it’s phenomenal, plus you can use what you have in your fridge. Got a few wilting veggies? Throw them in!

Make-Ahead Friendly

If you’re a meal prepper like me, this Butter Chicken is great for planning ahead! You can marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor, and it’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Perfect for a quick reheat on a busy night!

Serving and Storage Tips

When it comes to serving this delicious Butter Chicken, I recommend a generous scoop of fluffy basmati rice to soak up all that creamy sauce. You can also serve it with naan bread for a fun twist!

As for storage, this dish will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container, and the flavors actually get better as it sits! When it’s time to reheat, just pop it back in a pan over medium heat and stir occasionally until heated through. If you find the sauce thickening too much, just add a splash of water or extra cream.

And yes, Butter Chicken is freezer-friendly! You can store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before freezing. It’s a lifesaver for busy nights; just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above.

So there you have it! An easy, nourishing Butter Chicken recipe that’s guaranteed to win over the hearts and stomachs of your family. You’ll absolutely want to make it again and again! Happy cooking!

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