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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

A fast, homemade version of classic butter chicken with tender chicken in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce. Comforting, flavorful, and weeknight-friendly.
Prep Time: 10 minutesCook Time: 25 minutesTotal Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4Course: Main CourseCuisine: Indian-InspiredMethod: Stovetop

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ lb 680 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 tbsp butter divided
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger minced
  • 1 cup tomato purée or crushed tomatoes
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 1½ tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • ½ tsp chili powder adjust to taste
  • ¾ tsp salt or to taste
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Brown the Chicken
  2. Heat oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
  3. Cook Aromatics
  4. In the same pan, add remaining butter. Sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and ginger; cook until fragrant.
  5. Bloom Spices
  6. Stir in garam masala, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook 30 seconds.
  7. Build Sauce
  8. Add tomato purée and simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
  9. Finish Chicken
  10. Return chicken to the pan and simmer until fully cooked.
  11. Add Cream
  12. Reduce heat and stir in cream. Simmer gently 3–5 minutes until smooth and silky.
  13. Serve
  14. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.