Name: Easy Indian Butter Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; ½ cup Greek yogurt; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1½ teaspoons garam masala; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons oil (for searing); 3 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons tomato paste or ½ cup tomato puree; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

If comfort food had a passport, Indian Butter Chicken would be stamped front and center. This dish is rich, velvety, and bursting with layers of spice that don’t overwhelm but embrace you with warmth. Tender chunks of chicken are simmered in a buttery tomato cream sauce that’s deeply aromatic and satisfyingly smooth, perfect for spooning over fluffy basmati rice or scooping up with warm naan bread.

Whether you’re craving something exotic but not too complicated or need a flavorful fix for a weeknight dinner, this easy Indian Butter Chicken hits the spot. It takes less effort than you think to create something so restaurant-worthy at home, and the payoff is absolutely worth it.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Indian Butter Chicken

Restaurant-quality at home: Get that same creamy, deeply spiced flavor without needing a tandoor oven.
Simple, everyday ingredients: You likely have most of these in your pantry already.
One-pan magic: Less mess, less fuss, more flavor.
Family-friendly: It’s not too spicy, so kids can enjoy it too. Add heat if you want to kick things up.
Meal-prep approved: Tastes even better the next day!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large Skillet or Deep Sauté Pan: This is where the magic happens. You need a wide surface for searing the chicken and reducing the sauce evenly.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For prepping your chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision matters when working with spices and cream.
Mixing Bowl: For marinating the chicken.
Silicone Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Helps stir the sauce without scratching your pan.
Lid (optional): To keep the sauce from splattering during simmering.

Ingredients for the Easy Indian Butter Chicken

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in delivering flavor, texture, and depth:

Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Boneless, skinless pieces work best as they cook quickly and soak up the marinade beautifully.
Greek Yogurt: Used in the marinade to tenderize the chicken while adding tang.
Garlic & Ginger (fresh minced): These aromatics are the base of almost all Indian dishes for a reason—intense flavor!
Garam Masala: A fragrant blend of warming spices that gives this dish its signature taste.
Turmeric & Chili Powder: For earthiness and a mild kick.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for balance.
Butter: The star of the sauce—adds richness and that classic silkiness.
Tomato Paste or Puree: Creates the body and tangy base of the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce ultra-creamy and luxurious.
Cilantro (optional): For a burst of freshness to garnish.

How To Make the Easy Indian Butter Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with Greek yogurt, garlic, ginger, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and a teaspoon of garam masala. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the fridge for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of oil and sear the marinated chicken pieces until lightly browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter and add more garlic and ginger. Stir in the tomato paste and remaining spices, cooking until fragrant. This step is where the flavors deepen.

Step 4: Simmer with Cream

Pour in the heavy cream and stir until a smooth, rich sauce forms. Return the seared chicken to the pan, cover, and let it simmer gently until cooked through and tender.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or warm naan.

Serving and Storing Easy Indian Butter Chicken

Serving Tips

Serve this dish warm, ladled generously over basmati rice or with soft garlic naan to mop up every bit of that golden sauce. A side of cucumber raita or lightly pickled onions adds a cool contrast. Don’t forget fresh cilantro or even a squeeze of lime for brightness.

Storing Instructions

Let leftovers cool to room temperature before storing. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 2 months—just thaw and reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is butter chicken?

It’s generally mild and creamy, but you can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the chili powder. Want more kick? Add cayenne or red chili flakes.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the yogurt and cream with coconut milk or dairy-free yogurt. Use a plant-based butter for the same velvety texture.

What’s the best chicken cut to use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving, but chicken breast works if you prefer leaner meat.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely! The flavors deepen overnight. Just reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream.

Is this freezer friendly?

Absolutely. Portion it out in freezer-safe containers for quick future meals.

Can I add vegetables?

Sure! Peas, spinach, or even cauliflower can be stirred into the sauce toward the end of cooking.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If this Easy Indian Butter Chicken made your night, you’ll love these other chicken-inspired recipes too:

Try these flavor-packed Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for a bold bite.
Explore a comforting bowl of Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce.
Looking for fusion? The Tzatziki Chicken Veggie Naan Pizza blends fresh Mediterranean flair with hearty bites.
Spice things up with Bang Bang Chicken coated in a creamy chili sauce.
Don’t miss Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese for a sweet and savory comfort classic.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go heavy on the spices? Add extra cream? Maybe even throw in some spinach? I love seeing the little twists everyone brings to the table.

Questions welcome too—let’s make dinnertime easier and more flavorful together.

➡️ Find even more easy weeknight dinners and global flavors on my Pinterest board: Kitchen By Kate – American Recipes By Heart