Who doesn’t love a warm, tantalizing bowl of butter chicken? This creamy, flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting yet quick. Picture tender chicken bathed in a smooth, spiced sauce, with hints of ginger and warmth from garam masala. All of this can be on your table in just 30 minutes! Not to mention, it’s a one-pan wonder, meaning less cleanup for you!

Let’s dive into this culinary adventure where endless customization possibilities await. Whether you enjoy extra veggies or need a dairy-free alternative, this Butter Chicken recipe is your go-to for a fuss-free family favorite.

What is the Butter Chicken?

Butter Chicken is a classic Indian dish known for its creamy, spicy sauce–a delightful combination of tender chicken pieces, aromatic spices, and rich tomato and cream sauce. This one-pan method gives you crispy veggies tossed in a luscious sauce, served over fluffy rice or with warm naan, making for a speedy and satisfying meal with minimal prep.

Why You’ll Love Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken is not just a dish; it’s a delightful experience! Here’s why you’ll want to whip this up tonight:

• Quick/Effortless: You can make this Butter Chicken recipe in just 20 minutes flat! Perfect for the hustle and bustle of any weeknight.
• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The smooth butter sauce paired with a hint of spice tickles your taste buds just right! Much like how Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe elevates dishes with freshness.
• Minimal Cleanup: With only one pan used, you can focus on your meal rather than a mountain of dishes!
• Versatile for Any Night: Feel free to switch up your protein or add in whatever veggies you have on hand, making it an adaptable dinner solution like my Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewers Recipe.
• Ideal for Weeknight Wins: Impress your family or guests with a meal that tastes like it took hours, but actually didn’t!
• A Family Favorite Showstopper: Kids and adults alike will love this creamy marvel. You might even hear requests for “more, please!” reminiscent of my Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe.

And best of all? It’s a breeze to prepare, so you’ll be savoring every bite in no time!

Meta Info:

Fast, colorful Butter Chicken with a heavenly creamy sauce—perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or those cozy cravings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian
  (Ingredients format: clean bulleted checklist, grouped sections, toggle measurements, bold quantities.)
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Butter Chicken Ingredients

Let’s gather our fantastic, flavor-packed ingredients to craft this delectable Butter Chicken!

Chicken Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt

Veggies Ingredients:

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional)
• 1 cup spinach (optional, for added nutrition)

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt to taste
• Chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Time to bring those ingredients together with some simple steps:

1. Prep Ingredients: Chop and slice the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
2. Cook Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chicken and sprinkle with salt. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Sauté Veggies: In the same pan, add the onion, garlic, ginger, and bell pepper. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Make the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, garam masala, and cumin. Simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
5. Combine: Return the chicken to the pan, mixing well to coat. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro over rice or with naan.

Nutrition:

Serving Size: 1 serving
Did you make this recipe? Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see your glorious Butter Chicken!

How to Make Butter Chicken

Let’s break down these steps into even more detail to ensure perfect results every time!

1. Prep Ingredients: Start by chopping your chicken and veggies. This saves time during cooking!
2. Cook Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Toss in the chicken, season it with salt, and sauté for 5-6 minutes. Look for a nice golden brown.
3. Sauté Veggies: Add your onion, garlic, ginger, and bell pepper (if using) to the same pan and cook for 4-5 minutes until fragrant and softened.
4. Make the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and heavy cream. Add the garam masala and cumin, allowing the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes for that perfect thickness.
5. Combine: Reintroduce the chicken and mix thoroughly. Garnish and enjoy over rice or with naan!

How Long Will Butter Chicken Last?

Looking to meal prep or store some leftovers? Here’s the scoop:

How Long… in the Fridge?

• 3–4 days: Keep it in an airtight container. Cool quickly and reheat in a pan for best results.

Can You Freeze…?

• Yes, 2 months: For longer storage, freeze it in portioned bags. Much like storing leftovers in the Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewers Recipe, label well, and thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to use!

Signs… Gone Bad:

• Slimy texture
• Unpleasant smell
• Discoloration
• Visible mold

Which Chicken is Best for Butter Chicken?

Choosing the right chicken can elevate your dish’s flavor and texture. Here’s what to consider:

Best Type…

• Boneless Chicken Breast: Top pick for a lean and tender option.
• Boneless Thighs: For juiciness and richer flavor (feel free to switch it up!).

How to Prep…

• Slice thinly and pat dry for maximum tenderness.

Stabilizing…

• A quick coat of yogurt or marination can enhance tenderness. Check out my Yogurt Marinated Chicken Recipe for inspiration!

Other Chicken Options…

• Plant-Based Alternatives: Think tofu for a vegetarian twist!

Final Thoughts: Butter Chicken is not just a recipe; it’s a masterpiece that brings cozy vibes to your dinner table.

For more recipes, follow me on Pinterest and Facebook!

Conclusion

Wrap up your day with a bowl of rich, flavorful Butter Chicken that comes together in less than 30 minutes! Its creamy sauce and tender chicken create an effortless meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table. Give it a try and share the love with your family and friends—you’ll become their weeknight hero in no time!

Get ready to enjoy this fantastic Butter Chicken recipe and make dinner a delicious celebration!

Butter Chicken

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A creamy, flavorful Indian dish made with tender chicken and aromatic spices, perfect for busy weeknights.

• Author: jonatan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional)
• 1 cup spinach (optional, for added nutrition)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt to taste
• Chopped cilantro for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients: Chop and slice the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
2. Cook Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chicken and sprinkle with salt. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Sauté Veggies: In the same pan, add the onion, garlic, ginger, and bell pepper. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Make the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, garam masala, and cumin. Simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
5. Combine: Return the chicken to the pan, mixing well to coat. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro over rice or with naan.

Notes

This dish can be customized with extra vegetables or a dairy-free alternative. It can also be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 100mg