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A plate of velvety butter chicken garnished with fresh cilantro, served alongside fluffy basmati rice and warm naan bread.

Velvety Butter Chicken: Your Ultimate Weeknight Delight!

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Discover how to make an easy and flavorful velvety butter chicken that is perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Creamy, tender, and aromatic, this homemade butter chicken recipe transforms ordinary nights into a gourmet experience with minimal effort.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tbsp butter or ghee
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce or pureed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free version
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the onions, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. This prep work makes cooking smoother and faster.
  2. In a large skillet or wok, melt 1 tablespoon of butter or ghee over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Sauté the onions until translucent, then add the garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant. This creates a flavorful base for your sauce.
  4. Add the tomato sauce, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk, then return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes on low heat, allowing the sauce to become silky and flavorful.
  6. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a dollop of butter for an extra layer of richness. Serve hot over steamed rice or warm naan bread.

Notes

  • Use full-fat heavy cream for a richer sauce, or coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
  • Adjust chili powder amount based on spice preference.
  • For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Vegetarian option: use tofu or paneer instead of chicken

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 480 Kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg