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A vibrant plate of homemade butter chicken garnished with fresh cilantro, served with saffron rice and naan bread on a rustic wooden table.

Speedy Homemade Butter Chicken: A Weeknight Culinary Gem!

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Speedy Homemade Butter Chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken in a rich, buttery tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices. This quick butter chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in less than 30 minutes, making it a culinary gem for busy families and home cooks alike.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free version
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce or pureed tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the tomato sauce, spices (cumin, turmeric, paprika, garam masala), and stir well. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream or coconut milk, stirring constantly. Simmer for an additional 5-8 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve over steamed rice, warm naan, or your favorite grain for a complete and delicious meal.

Notes

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken for tender, quick-cooking results.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding more or less garam masala and chili powder.
  • For a richer flavor, simmer the sauce a bit longer or add a tablespoon of cream at the end.
  • Want to make it dairy-free? Substitute the cream with coconut milk.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 450 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg