Easy Butter Chicken

Name: Easy Butter Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (low-fat or full-fat); 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or water; 2 cloves garlic, grated (1 teaspoon); 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger; 2 teaspoons garam masala; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon coriander; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne; Salt and pepper to taste (about 3/4 – 1 teaspoon of salt); 2 tablespoons butter; 1 cup diced yellow onion; 1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; Salt and pepper to taste; 8-ounce can tomato sauce; 1 cup half-and-half or cream, room temperature; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, room temperature (low-fat or full-fat)

By:

Sarah

Published:

January 16, 2026

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Who doesn’t love a creamy, flavorful bowl of Easy Butter Chicken? It’s one of those dishes that transports you straight to your favorite Indian restaurant, yet you can whip it up right in your own kitchen! Just imagine succulent chicken pieces simmering in a luscious tomato cream sauce, beautifully spiced to make your taste buds dance. The best part? You don’t have to be an expert chef to make it. This recipe keeps things simple and straightforward, so even if you’re new to cooking, you can impress everyone at the dinner table.

From marinating the chicken in yogurt to adding that magical touch of spices, every step is a little adventure. Plus, it’s all done in one skillet, which means less mess and more time to enjoy with family and friends. So, let’s get ready to embark on a culinary journey with this Easy Butter Chicken recipe that will surely become a staple in your home cooking rotation!

Why This Recipe Works

This Easy Butter Chicken recipe brings the richness of traditional Indian cuisine right to your kitchen while keeping things simple and approachable. Utilizing tender chicken marinated in yogurt, it ensures every bite is moist and flavorful. The luscious tomato cream sauce, enhanced with an array of spices, mimics the authentic taste of restaurant-style butter chicken but with healthier, homemade ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Butter Chicken

Who doesn’t love a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and made in one skillet? This Easy Butter Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience. With its warming spices and creamy texture, it’s perfect for family dinners or impressing guests. Plus, it takes minimal preparation, giving you more time to relax and enjoy.

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (low-fat or full-fat)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or water
2 cloves garlic, grated (1 teaspoon)
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon coriander
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
Salt and pepper to taste (about 3/4 – 1 teaspoon of salt)
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup diced yellow onion
1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
Salt and pepper to taste
8-ounce can tomato sauce
1 cup half-and-half or cream, room temperature
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, room temperature (low-fat or full-fat)

Marinate Chicken

Combine Yogurt, Spices, and Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, grated garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, ground cumin, turmeric, coriander, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Add the diced chicken and mix until thoroughly coated. Allow to marinate for 30-60 minutes. This soaking time will really enhance the flavors, making your chicken super tasty.

Sauté Chicken

Cook the Chicken in Skillet

Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken, making sure to discard any excess marinade. Sauté until the chicken is fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s golden brown and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for now.

Prepare the Sauce

Sauté Onions and Spices

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, salt, and pepper. Sauté until the onions become tender, which should take about 3 minutes. The smell will be incredible!

Add Tomato Sauce

Next, pour in the tomato sauce. Let it simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes. This will help the sauce thicken slightly, bringing out that rich flavor.

Add Cream and Chicken

Stir in Cream

Now, here’s where the magic happens! Slowly pour in the half-and-half (or cream) while stirring to combine everything well. Make sure the sauce isn’t boiling to prevent it from splitting—nobody wants that!

Combine Chicken and Yogurt

Off the heat, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the Greek yogurt until well mixed. You should see no visible streaks—it should look creamy and luscious!

Serve

Garnish and Serve

Garnish your Easy Butter Chicken with some chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. Serve it over fluffy white or brown rice. This allows everyone to savor this creamy, savory delight.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Easy Butter Chicken with fluffy basmati or jasmine rice, warm naan bread, or even over a bed of quinoa for a healthier twist. Each option complements the dish beautifully!

Tips for Success

Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes, but overnight is ideal if you have the time.
Yogurt Temperature: Ensure that the yogurt is at room temperature when adding it to the sauce to prevent curdling.
Spice Adjustments: Tailor the spices to your heat preference. Add more cayenne for extra spice or skip it for a milder flavor.

Variations

Vegetarian Option: If you want a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with firm tofu or paneer.
Coconut Flavor: For a tropical twist, use coconut milk instead of half-and-half.
Spicy Butter Chicken: Want a spicier kick? Just add extra cayenne or red chili powder.

Storage Tips

Leftovers? No problem! Allow them to cool before placing in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot. Perfect for quick lunches or dinners later!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but ensure it is fully thawed before marinating and cooking.

2. What is garam masala?
Garam masala is a blend of ground spices commonly used in Indian cooking, providing warmth and flavor.

3. Can I skip the yogurt in the marinade?
While yogurt is key for tenderness and flavor, you can substitute it with buttermilk or skip it entirely, adjusting seasoning as needed.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Easy Butter Chicken recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions.

5. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Substitute Greek yogurt and cream with coconut yogurt and coconut milk for an incredible dairy-free alternative.

Indulging in this Easy Butter Chicken means enjoying a dish that’s not only simple to make but also delivers a restaurant-quality experience in your own home. With a blend of spices, creamy texture, and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for cozy dinners or captivating guests, this recipe balances taste and convenience beautifully. Enjoy every delightful bite!