Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a creamy and flavorful dish that originates from Indian cuisine. It features tender pieces of chicken cooked in a rich and aromatic sauce made with butter, spices, and cream. This dish is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile, making it a perfect meal for both weeknights and special occasions. The combination of spices like cumin, turmeric, and coriander, balanced with the creamy richness of butter and heavy cream, creates a dish that’s both savory and slightly sweet. Paired with rice or naan bread, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and ease of preparation. Despite its complex flavors, it’s made with everyday ingredients and can be cooked in under 30 minutes. The chicken is cooked in a sauce that’s perfectly spiced and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for anyone who enjoys hearty and flavorful dishes. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or an experienced chef, this easy butter chicken recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and only 30 minutes of cooking time, this butter chicken recipe is quick and hassle-free.

2. Rich and Flavorful Sauce

The combination of butter, heavy cream, and spices creates a creamy, savory sauce that’s rich in flavor.

3. Kid-Friendly

The mild heat and creamy texture make this a great dish for families, even for kids who are sensitive to spice.

4. Perfectly Balanced Spices

The recipe offers the perfect balance of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, giving the dish complexity without overwhelming the palate.

5. Versatile

Serve this dish with rice, naan, or even as a wrap for a versatile meal that’s great for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup butter
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, grated
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground coriander
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Variations

Add Vegetables: To make this dish more hearty, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach to the sauce.
Use Chicken Thighs: Swap the boneless, skinless chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a more tender, juicy result.
Make it Spicier: Increase the amount of chili powder or add red pepper flakes to make the dish spicier.
Make it Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or a non-dairy cream substitute to make this dish dairy-free.
Add Cashews or Almonds: For extra texture and flavor, add a handful of crushed cashews or almonds to the sauce.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Ginger

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and grated ginger. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Spices

Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, ground turmeric, and ground coriander. Let the spices cook for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Add Tomato Sauce and Simmer

Stir in the tomato sauce and bring it to a simmer. Let the chicken cook in the sauce for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Add Cream and Season

Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice, naan, or your favorite side.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices give the best flavor, so try to use freshly ground cumin, coriander, and turmeric when possible.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken tender and juicy, avoid overcooking it. Once browned on all sides, simmer it in the sauce until fully cooked through.
Control the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder based on your preference for spice. Start with a smaller amount and increase it if you like a bit of heat.
Make it Creamier: For a richer sauce, you can add more heavy cream or even a tablespoon of cream cheese for extra creaminess.

How to Serve

This Easy Butter Chicken is perfect when served with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. This dish makes a great main course for dinner parties or family meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will continue to thicken, but the flavor will remain delicious.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop over low heat.

Reheating

To reheat butter chicken, gently heat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a little extra cream or a splash of water to loosen the sauce if necessary.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless chicken?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but be sure to cook it for longer and remove the bones before serving.

2. Can I use a different type of cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or half-and-half for a lighter version of the sauce.

3. Is this recipe spicy?

The level of spice can be adjusted by varying the amount of chili powder. It is mildly spiced, but you can make it spicier if desired.

4. Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Yes, vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers can be added to make this dish more hearty.

5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or ghee and use coconut milk instead of cream to make it dairy-free.

6. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in a slow cooker with the spices and tomato sauce for 4 hours on low. Stir in the cream just before serving.

7. How do I thicken the sauce?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer the dish longer or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water.

8. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe and will provide extra juiciness and flavor.

9. Can I serve this with something other than rice or naan?

This dish also pairs well with quinoa, couscous, or even a simple green salad for a lighter meal.

10. Can I make this in advance?

Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may develop even more as it sits.

Conclusion

Easy Butter Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s quick to make and loved by all. With its creamy sauce, perfectly spiced chicken, and rich flavors, it’s a dish that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends for a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. Serve it with rice or naan, and enjoy a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.