Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Introduction

Butter Chicken—or Murgh Makhani—is a timeless favorite known for its irresistible creamy texture and rich blend of warm spices. What sets this dish apart is how it brilliantly balances luxurious flavor with kitchen simplicity, making it accessible on even the busiest weeknights. Skip the takeout and discover how easy it is to create restaurant-quality butter chicken in your own kitchen with minimal fuss.

This version keeps the prep quick, ensuring you can savor the deep flavors of Indian cuisine without hours at the stove—perfect for family dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.

What Makes This Butter Chicken Stand Out?

The magic in this butter chicken comes from fresh aromatics, the depth of garam masala, and a touch of cream, creating a rich-savory sauce that clings to every piece of tender chicken. Light tang from tomatoes and a hint of sweetness round out every bite, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

By streamlining the process—using easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps—you get maximum flavor in minimum time. Whether it’s for a comforting weeknight meal or a celebratory dinner, this dish doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.

How to Achieve That Silky, Balanced Sauce

The secret to a top-tier butter chicken is a velvety sauce with perfectly cooked chicken. Start by sautéing onions and garlic until they’re golden, then toss in rich spices to build depth. Blending the tomato base smooth is crucial for a restaurant-style finish—using a tool like the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, Black delivers a lusciously creamy sauce.

After simmering chicken pieces in this aromatic base, a splash of cream and a knob of butter transform the sauce into something truly indulgent. Serve over rice or fresh naan for the ultimate experience.

Effortless Prep with Smart Kitchen Tools

Speed up your butter chicken night with the right tools:

– Dice your onions and tomatoes in record time with the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, saving you from tedious chopping.
– Achieve even cooking and gorgeous caramelization with a reliable SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch, ensuring nothing sticks and clean-up is a breeze.
– For prepping your protein and veggies, a sturdy set of Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 keeps your ingredients organized and your workspace neat.
– Keep your counter spotless by lining it with a Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet sheet, perfect for safeguarding your space during prep.

Serving & Storing Your Butter Chicken

Taste is just the beginning—presentation and storage count, too. Butter chicken pairs brilliantly with steamed basmati rice or warm naan. For work lunches, pack leftovers in a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green—the generous size keeps your meal fresh and portable.

Butter chicken stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days or freezes beautifully for future meals, making it a meal-prepper’s dream!

Nutritional Information & Yield

This recipe yields 4 generous servings. Each portion offers approximately 400–500 calories, with a wholesome balance of protein and healthy fats thanks to the chicken, yogurt, and cream. Enjoy in moderation as part of a varied weeknight menu.

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken (Recap)

This recipe delivers all the satisfying flavor of classic butter chicken—creamy, aromatic, and deeply spiced—in a fraction of the usual time. With a streamlined method and the right kitchen tools, it brings Indian restaurant quality straight to your own home, any night of the week.

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garam masala, turmeric, ½ teaspoon cumin, and chili powder. Add chicken, toss to coat, and marinate for as little as 10 minutes or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
2. Heat SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium-high heat. Drizzle with oil and add marinated chicken in a single layer. Sear for 4–5 minutes until golden (it isn’t necessary to cook through fully at this stage). Remove to a plate.
3. Add more oil to the pan if needed. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes, then stir in garlic and ginger. Sprinkle in remaining garam masala and cumin; cook until onions are soft and spices fragrant (about 2 more minutes).
4. Add crushed tomatoes and sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer mixture to the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, Black and blend until smooth. Return to pan.
5. Return chicken to the sauce, add salt and pepper to taste, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and flavors meld.
6. Stir in heavy cream and butter. Simmer another 2–3 minutes until sauce is glossy and rich. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a swirl of extra cream if desired.
7. Serve hot with rice or naan. Store leftovers in the Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green for easy next-day meals.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (excluding marination)