Easy Butter Chicken Simple and Flavorful Recipe

October 8, 2025September 23, 2025 by Isabella

If you crave a rich, creamy dish that’s easy to make, you’re in the right place! This Easy Butter Chicken recipe is simple yet packed with flavor. I’ll guide you step-by-step through the process, ensuring your dish turns out perfect every time. With handy tips, variations, and storage info, you’ll be ready to enjoy this Indian classic at home. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!

Why I Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses common pantry staples and fresh ingredients, making it easy to whip up a delicious meal without a trip to the store.
Rich Flavor: The combination of spices creates a deep, rich flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying, perfect for any occasion.
Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether served over rice or with naan, this butter chicken can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a hit for everyone at the table.

Ingredients

List of Required Ingredients

To make Easy Butter Chicken, gather these key ingredients:

– 500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

– 2 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter

– 1 large onion, finely chopped

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 inch ginger, grated

– 2 teaspoons garam masala

– 1 teaspoon ground cumin

– 1 teaspoon ground coriander

– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

– 400g canned crushed tomatoes

– 250ml heavy cream

– Salt to taste

– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Measurements and Substitutions

You can swap some ingredients if needed. Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option. Light cream can replace heavy cream for a lower-fat version. If you lack ghee, unsalted butter works well. For a milder dish, reduce cayenne pepper. You can also use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones. Just chop them finely, and add more cooking time.

Suggested Garnishes

Garnishes add a nice touch to your butter chicken. Here are some ideas:

– Chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor

– A drizzle of cream to make it look fancy

– Serve with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread

– Lime wedges for a zesty kick

These garnishes enhance both taste and presentation, making your meal more enjoyable.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Ingredients

First, gather all your ingredients. You need 500g of boneless chicken thighs. Cut them into small pieces. Chop one large onion finely. Mince three cloves of garlic and grate one inch of ginger. Get your spices ready. You will need garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper. Measure two teaspoons of garam masala, one teaspoon each of cumin and coriander, and one teaspoon of cayenne. If you prefer less heat, use less cayenne. Open a can of crushed tomatoes and measure 250ml of heavy cream. This makes a rich sauce. Lastly, have some salt and fresh cilantro for garnish.

Cooking Process

Heat two tablespoons of ghee or unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the chopped onion. Sauté it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it turns golden brown. Next, mix in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook them for 1 to 2 minutes until they smell great. Add the garam masala, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Stir well and cook for one more minute. This toasts the spices and brings out their flavor.

Now, add the chicken pieces. Stir them to coat with the spice mix. Cook for about 5 minutes. The chicken should no longer be pink. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir. Bring this mixture to a simmer. After that, lower the heat and cover the skillet. Let it cook for 15 minutes. This step allows the chicken to soak up all the flavors.

Adjusting Seasoning and Cream Incorporation

After 15 minutes, check the chicken. It should be cooked through. Now, stir in the heavy cream. This makes the sauce creamy and smooth. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes. Taste the sauce and add salt to your liking. For the final touch, chop some fresh cilantro and sprinkle it on top. This adds color and freshness. Serve your butter chicken hot over basmati rice or with warm naan. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Tips & Tricks

How to Avoid Common Mistakes

To make great butter chicken, pay attention to your heat. Use medium heat for sautéing. If it’s too high, your spices may burn. This can make your dish taste bitter. Also, don’t skip the marination step. Marinating the chicken helps it soak up flavors. If you rush this step, you lose taste.

Best Practices for Cooking Chicken

Always use boneless chicken thighs. They stay tender and juicy while cooking. Cut the chicken into even pieces. This helps them cook at the same rate. When you add chicken to the pan, don’t overcrowd it. Give each piece space to brown. This adds more flavor to your dish.

Enhancing Flavor and Texture

For a richer taste, use ghee instead of butter. Ghee adds depth and a hint of nuttiness. You can also play with spices. Try adding cardamom or cinnamon for warmth. If you want more texture, add peas or bell peppers. They will add color and crunch. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro. It brightens up the dish and adds freshness.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices can elevate the flavors significantly compared to pre-ground ones. Consider grinding whole spices just before use for a more aromatic dish.
Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder butter chicken, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. You can always add more spice later, but it’s hard to tone it down once added.
Marinate the Chicken: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This not only adds taste but also tenderizes the meat.
Serve with Accompaniments: Butter chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan. Consider adding a side of cucumber raita for a refreshing balance to the rich dish.

Variations

Spicy Butter Chicken Recipe

To turn up the heat, add more cayenne pepper. Start with 1 teaspoon. If you crave extra spice, mix in diced green chilies. You can also use chili powder for a different flavor. Adjust the spices to fit your taste. For a smoky kick, add a bit of smoked paprika. The key is to taste as you go and find your perfect spice level.

Vegetarian or Paneer Alternatives

If you want a meatless option, try paneer cheese. Cut 400g of paneer into cubes. Cook it in the same way as chicken. Or swap chicken for chickpeas. Use one can of drained chickpeas instead. These options keep the dish rich and creamy, making it a fun twist. Serve it with rice or naan for a filling meal.

Healthy Modifications

To make a lighter version of butter chicken, use skinless chicken breasts. They have less fat than thighs. You can also replace heavy cream with coconut milk. This keeps the sauce creamy but reduces calories. Another tip is to use low-fat yogurt instead of cream. It adds a tangy flavor without the extra fat. Pair these changes with lots of veggies for a nutritious boost.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Tips

Once your butter chicken is cool, store it in an airtight container. Refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh for three to four days. When you want to reheat it, just add a little water if it seems thick. This keeps the sauce creamy.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze butter chicken, let it cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Make sure to leave some space in the container for the sauce to expand. For best results, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating Methods

You can reheat butter chicken in several ways. The best method is on the stove over low heat. Stir it often to warm it evenly. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid hot spots. Adding a splash of cream can restore its rich flavor.

FAQs

What other dishes pair well with Butter Chicken?

Butter chicken is rich and creamy. It goes well with fluffy basmati rice. You can also serve it with warm naan bread. Other good sides include steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. These options balance the flavors and add variety to your meal.

Can I make Butter Chicken in advance?

Yes, you can make butter chicken ahead of time. Prepare it and let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. When ready to eat, just reheat it gently on the stove. This will help the flavors deepen.

How do I adjust the spice level?

To adjust the spice level, start with less cayenne pepper. You can add more as it cooks. Taste it before serving. If it’s too spicy, stir in more cream or yogurt. This will help tone it down. Enjoy your butter chicken just the way you like it!

This blog post covered all you need for making perfect Butter Chicken. We detailed essential ingredients, offered tips for cooking, and shared tasty variations. Remember to adjust flavors and follow storage tips for the best results. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. With these steps, you can impress your friends and family. Enjoy your cooking journey and experiment with different styles. Every dish tells a story, and your Butter Chicken can be the next great tale. Happy cookin

$To make Easy Butter Chicken, gather these key ingredients: - 500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch ginger, grated - 2 teaspoons garam masala - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - 400g canned crushed tomatoes - 250ml heavy cream - Salt to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) You can swap some ingredients if needed. Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option. Light cream can replace heavy cream for a lower-fat version. If you lack ghee, unsalted butter works well. For a milder dish, reduce cayenne pepper. You can also use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones. Just chop them finely, and add more cooking time. Garnishes add a nice touch to your butter chicken. Here are some ideas: - Chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor - A drizzle of cream to make it look fancy - Serve with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread - Lime wedges for a zesty kick These garnishes enhance both taste and presentation, making your meal more enjoyable. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather all your ingredients. You need 500g of boneless chicken thighs. Cut them into small pieces. Chop one large onion finely. Mince three cloves of garlic and grate one inch of ginger. Get your spices ready. You will need garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper. Measure two teaspoons of garam masala, one teaspoon each of cumin and coriander, and one teaspoon of cayenne. If you prefer less heat, use less cayenne. Open a can of crushed tomatoes and measure 250ml of heavy cream. This makes a rich sauce. Lastly, have some salt and fresh cilantro for garnish. Heat two tablespoons of ghee or unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the chopped onion. Sauté it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it turns golden brown. Next, mix in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook them for 1 to 2 minutes until they smell great. Add the garam masala, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Stir well and cook for one more minute. This toasts the spices and brings out their flavor. Now, add the chicken pieces. Stir them to coat with the spice mix. Cook for about 5 minutes. The chicken should no longer be pink. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir. Bring this mixture to a simmer. After that, lower the heat and cover the skillet. Let it cook for 15 minutes. This step allows the chicken to soak up all the flavors. After 15 minutes, check the chicken. It should be cooked through. Now, stir in the heavy cream. This makes the sauce creamy and smooth. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes. Taste the sauce and add salt to your liking. For the final touch, chop some fresh cilantro and sprinkle it on top. This adds color and freshness. Serve your butter chicken hot over basmati rice or with warm naan. Enjoy your delicious meal! To make great butter chicken, pay attention to your heat. Use medium heat for sautéing. If it's too high, your spices may burn. This can make your dish taste bitter. Also, don't skip the marination step. Marinating the chicken helps it soak up flavors. If you rush this step, you lose taste. Always use boneless chicken thighs. They stay tender and juicy while cooking. Cut the chicken into even pieces. This helps them cook at the same rate. When you add chicken to the pan, don’t overcrowd it. Give each piece space to brown. This adds more flavor to your dish. For a richer taste, use ghee instead of butter. Ghee adds depth and a hint of nuttiness. You can also play with spices. Try adding cardamom or cinnamon for warmth. If you want more texture, add peas or bell peppers. They will add color and crunch. Don't forget to garnish with fresh cilantro. It brightens up the dish and adds freshness. Pro Tips Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices can elevate the flavors significantly compared to pre-ground ones. Consider grinding whole spices just before use for a more aromatic dish. Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder butter chicken, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. You can always add more spice later, but it’s hard to tone it down once added. Marinate the Chicken: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This not only adds taste but also tenderizes the meat. Serve with Accompaniments: Butter chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan. Consider adding a side of cucumber raita for a refreshing balance to the rich dish. {{image_2}} To turn up the heat, add more cayenne pepper. Start with 1 teaspoon. If you crave extra spice, mix in diced green chilies. You can also use chili powder for a different flavor. Adjust the spices to fit your taste. For a smoky kick, add a bit of smoked paprika. The key is to taste as you go and find your perfect spice level. If you want a meatless option, try paneer cheese. Cut 400g of paneer into cubes. Cook it in the same way as chicken. Or swap chicken for chickpeas. Use one can of drained chickpeas instead. These options keep the dish rich and creamy, making it a fun twist. Serve it with rice or naan for a filling meal. To make a lighter version of butter chicken, use skinless chicken breasts. They have less fat than thighs. You can also replace heavy cream with coconut milk. This keeps the sauce creamy but reduces calories. Another tip is to use low-fat yogurt instead of cream. It adds a tangy flavor without the extra fat. Pair these changes with lots of veggies for a nutritious boost. Once your butter chicken is cool, store it in an airtight container. Refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh for three to four days. When you want to reheat it, just add a little water if it seems thick. This keeps the sauce creamy. To freeze butter chicken, let it cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Make sure to leave some space in the container for the sauce to expand. For best results, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can reheat butter chicken in several ways. The best method is on the stove over low heat. Stir it often to warm it evenly. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid hot spots. Adding a splash of cream can restore its rich flavor. Butter chicken is rich and creamy. It goes well with fluffy basmati rice. You can also serve it with warm naan bread. Other good sides include steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. These options balance the flavors and add variety to your meal. Yes, you can make butter chicken ahead of time. Prepare it and let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. When ready to eat, just reheat it gently on the stove. This will help the flavors deepen. To adjust the spice level, start with less cayenne pepper. You can add more as it cooks. Taste it before serving. If it’s too spicy, stir in more cream or yogurt. This will help tone it down. Enjoy your butter chicken just the way you like it! This blog post covered all you need for making perfect Butter Chicken. We detailed essential ingredients, offered tips for cooking, and shared tasty variations. Remember to adjust flavors and follow storage tips for the best results. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. With these steps, you can impress your friends and family. Enjoy your cooking journey and experiment with different styles. Every dish tells a story, and your Butter Chicken can be the next great tale. Happy cooking!$