Name: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken – Better Than Takeout!
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Ingredients: For the Chicken:; 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or regular yogurt); 2 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp salt; For the Sauce:; 3 tbsp butter (unsalted); 1 large onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 2 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste); 1 (14 oz) can tomato puree (or crushed tomatoes); 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free); 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity); Salt & black pepper, to taste; Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Description

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is rich, creamy, and full of bold Indian-inspired flavors. Tender marinated chicken is simmered in a spiced tomato cream sauce for a comforting dish that’s better than takeout and ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or regular yogurt)
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp garam masala
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
For the Sauce:
3 tbsp butter (unsalted)
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 tsp garam masala
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 (14 oz) can tomato puree (or crushed tomatoes)
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

In a bowl, combine chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and salt. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight).
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt butter, then add onion and cook until soft and golden.
Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook briefly to toast spices.
Add tomato puree and simmer for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add marinated chicken and cook until fully done and tender, about 10–12 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream and sugar (if using). Simmer for another 5 minutes.
Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm with rice or naan.

Notes

For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
Adjust spice level by reducing or increasing chili powder.
Serve with basmati rice or warm naan bread.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Indian-Inspired