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The Ultimate Quick & Creamy Homemade Butter Chicken

Close-up of tender chicken pieces swimming in a vibrant orange, creamy sauce of butter chicken, garnished with fresh cilantro.
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Make restaurant-quality Butter Chicken at home quickly. This recipe delivers a rich, creamy sauce perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or comfort food meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and cayenne pepper. Cook the spices for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until aromatic.
  6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and water or broth. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld.
  8. Stir in the heavy cream, butter, and sugar. Cook gently for another 5 minutes until the butter is melted and the sauce is creamy. Do not boil after adding the cream.
  9. Taste the sauce and adjust salt if needed.
  10. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Serve this easy homemade butter chicken with basmati rice or warm naan bread for the best experience.

Notes

  • For an even richer flavor, marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Serve this creamy chicken curry over fluffy basmati rice or with fresh naan for dipping.
  • If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the sauce mixture with an immersion blender before adding the cream and butter.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://gourmetgaze.com/easy-butter-chicken-recipe-homemade/