Creamy Butter Chicken at Home (Easy Recipe Hack)
Reid Quiggins (adapted by JojoM)
Rich, creamy, and full of flavor — this simplified butter chicken recipe is weeknight-friendly and tastes better than takeout. Serve with rice or naan!
Creamy Butter Chicken at Home 🍛✨
There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of butter chicken — rich, creamy, spiced just right, and perfect with fluffy rice or warm naan. The best part? This easy butter chicken hack brings restaurant-style flavor to your kitchen in just 30 minutes.
Instead of marinating overnight or firing up a tandoor, this recipe keeps things simple and weeknight-friendly while still delivering that deep garam masala warmth and silky, tomato-cream sauce. 🔥
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
- Quick & Easy – Ready in about half an hour.
- Flexible – Works with chicken breast, thighs, or even paneer.
- Rich & Creamy – A tomato-butter base balanced with warm Indian spices.
- Better Than Takeout – You’ll save money and customize the spice level.
The Secret Hack 🥄
Instead of making a complicated marinade, you’ll cook the chicken straight into the spice-infused tomato base. The cream ties everything together, making it silky smooth and rich without hours of prep. For an extra kick of authenticity, toss in kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) at the end. 🌿
How to Serve 🍚🥖
This butter chicken curry is best enjoyed with:
- Steamed basmati rice 🍚
- Fluffy garlic naan 🫓
- A side of cooling raita for balance 🥒
It’s hearty enough for a weeknight dinner, yet special enough for guests.
Pro Tips from the Kitchen 👩🍳
- Char it up: Grill or sear the chicken before adding to the sauce for a smoky restaurant-style flavor.
- Lighten it up: Replace half the cream with yogurt for a tangier, lower-fat version.
- Make it dairy-free: Swap in coconut cream and coconut oil.
Final Thoughts 💭
This creamy butter chicken is one of those recipes that proves you don’t need takeout to satisfy cravings for classic Indian comfort food. In just one pan and 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.
Serve it with rice, naan, or both — and watch it disappear fast. ⭐️
Creamy Butter Chicken at Home (Easy Recipe Hack)
Reid Quiggins (adapted by JojoM)Rich, creamy, and full of flavor — this simplified butter chicken recipe is weeknight-friendly and tastes better than takeout. Serve with rice or naan!
Chef's Tips
For extra flavor, grill or sear the chicken first for a smoky touch.
Substitute half the cream with yogurt for a lighter option.
Add kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) if available — it makes the flavor more authentic.
Tools Used
Wooden Spoon
Measuring Spoons
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Ingredients
Butter Chicken
Instructions
Make the Butter Chicken
- 1
Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- 2
Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until soft and golden.
- 3
Add ginger and garlic, cooking 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in chicken, tomato paste, garam masala, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and optional fenugreek. Cook 5–6 minutes until chicken is no longer pink.
- 5
Pour in the cream, reduce heat, and simmer for 8–10 minutes until thickened.
- 6
Serve hot with rice or naan, garnished with cilantro.
Comments & Reviews
Robbo
6/8/2025
Not searing or charring the chicken oh no — still looks tasty though.
Zonghxina
6/7/2025
You’re supposed to cook the chicken separately till it’s about 80% done and then finish it in the sauce.
Randy Schwaggins
6/7/2025
I'd happily eat this dish bro — but if you grilled the chicken first and added kasuri methi, you'd nail the authentic flavor.
Erica
6/7/2025
Your ziplock glove cracked me up 😂 whatever works! Recipe looks great.
Dre
6/8/2025
Butter Chicken is godlike but the way it’s made here is different from how I learnt it from my Indian friend. Still solid though.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 portion (with sauce only, no rice/naan)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
