Description
This Easy Butter Chicken Recipe is a flavorful, creamy Indian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breast pieces simmered in a fragrant blend of spices, garlic, ginger, tomato sauce, and butter, finished with a touch of cream. Perfectly paired with rice or naan, it offers a comforting and rich meal in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 2 pounds chicken breasts (skinless, boneless, diced into bite-size pieces)
- 5 cloves garlic (about 5 teaspoons, minced)
- 2 inch fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 15 ounce can tomato sauce (or passata)
- ½ cup heavy cream
To Serve
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, mint, or cilantro (for garnish)
- Cooked rice
- Naan bread
Instructions
- Brown the chicken: In a frying pan, heat vegetable oil and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until golden brown on all sides. Push the chicken pieces to one side of the pan and melt the remaining tablespoon of butter on the other side.
- Sauté aromatics and spices: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the butter side of the pan and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then add ground cumin, garam masala, chili powder (if using), smoked paprika, turmeric, and salt. Stir well and cook the spices for about one minute to release their flavors.
- Add tomato sauce and simmer: Pour in the tomato sauce or passata and stir everything together to combine. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer on medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Finish with cream and garnish: Remove the lid carefully and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce reduce slightly over medium heat until it thickens to your preferred consistency. Serve the butter chicken warm over cooked rice or with naan bread, garnished with freshly chopped parsley, mint, or cilantro.
Notes
- You can adjust the chili powder or omit it entirely for a milder dish.
- Ensure the chicken is diced into bite-size pieces for even cooking.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for the most vibrant flavor.
- If you prefer a richer sauce, add a little more butter or cream.
- Garam masala is key for authentic flavor; substitute with curry powder if unavailable, but it will alter the taste.
- Serve with basmati rice or warm naan to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Indian
