Name: Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: PT-497232H59M51S
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, divided; 1 onion, minced; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce; 3 cups heavy cream; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon garam masala; 1 ½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons tandoori masala

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 24 reviews

If you’ve ever craved the rich, velvety, and aromatic flavors of homemade Indian cuisine without the fuss, this Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s my go-to comfort dish that blends creamy tomato goodness with tender, spiced chicken chunks, coming together in a way that feels both special and surprisingly simple. Whether you’re cooking for friends or diving into a cozy dinner for one, this recipe balances bold Indian spices with buttery smoothness, creating a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to every piece of chicken. Prepare to fall in love with every bite!

Ingredients You'll Need

A top-down view of small clear glass bowls and white dishes arranged on a white marbled surface, each holding different cooking ingredients. There are two white sticks of butter placed on a white square plate at the bottom left. In the middle is a clear glass bowl filled with small, pale pink chunks of raw chicken. Surrounding it are small white bowls with finely chopped white onion, minced garlic, and ground spices in red, brown, and orange tones. On the right side, two clear glass measuring cups hold bright red tomato sauce and creamy white liquid, likely cream or milk. The scene is clean and well-lit, showing the ingredients ready to be cooked. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient here plays a crucial role in crafting that iconic butter chicken taste — from the creamy texture to the perfect balance of spice and sweetness. The ingredient list is straightforward but each element brings depth and authenticity to the dish.

Butter (1 cup, divided): This is the star of the dish, adding richness and that signature buttery flavor that makes the sauce so indulgent.
Onion (1, minced): Slowly caramelized onions impart sweetness and complexity to the sauce’s base.
Garlic (1 tablespoon, minced): Garlic gives a fragrant, savory lift that complements the spices beautifully.
Tomato Sauce (1 can, 15 ounces): Provides tang and color, creating the heart of the creamy tomato sauce.
Heavy Cream (3 cups): Cream smooths out the spices into an irresistibly velvety texture.
Salt (2 teaspoons): Essential for enhancing all the flavors and bringing everything together.
Cayenne Pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds a delicate heat that warms the palate without overwhelming.
Garam Masala (1 teaspoon): A fragrant blend that defines the Indian spice profile with its warm, earthy notes.
Chicken Breast (1 ½ pounds, skinless and boneless, cut into chunks): The tender protein that soaks up the luscious sauce perfectly.
Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the chicken coat evenly with spices before baking.
Tandoori Masala (2 tablespoons): This seasoning adds a smoky, aromatic punch, giving the chicken its characteristic flavor.

How to Make Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions and Garlic

Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic, then cook gently until the onions turn a deep, caramelized brown — this will take about 15 minutes. This step is your flavor foundation, creating a rich sweetness that balances the spices beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Tomato Sauce

While the onions are caramelizing, take a saucepan and combine the remaining butter, tomato sauce, heavy cream, salt, cayenne pepper, and garam masala over medium-high heat. Bring this to a simmer, then lower the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it gently simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally so the flavors meld and thicken just right.

Step 3: Add Caramelized Onions to the Sauce

Once the onions are perfectly caramelized, stir them into the creamy tomato mixture. This step enriches the sauce with that deep, savory sweetness you can’t get from spices alone.

Step 4: Season and Bake the Chicken

Toss your chicken chunks with vegetable oil to coat each piece well, then sprinkle tandoori masala over them for that signature smoky flavor. Spread the chicken evenly onto a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Baking helps keep the chicken juicy while infusing it with robust spice.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Add the baked chicken into your bubbling sauce and let everything simmer together for 5 minutes. This final step lets the chicken soak up the creamy, fragrant sauce, making every bite deliciously tender and flavored through and through.

How to Serve Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

A bowl holds three main layers: on the left side, there is a fluffy layer of white rice with a soft texture, topped with small green herb leaves scattered on it. On the right side next to the rice, there is an orange creamy curry with chunks of tender meat and sprinkled with fresh green herbs. Behind the curry and rice, two pieces of beige naan bread with brown charred spots lean against the bowl’s edge. The bowl itself is white, placed on a white marbled surface with a cloth napkin and a gold spoon nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro or a few slivers of toasted almonds over the top adds a fresh, herbal contrast and a satisfying crunch. A drizzle of cream on the surface can also elevate the presentation while adding more lusciousness.

Side Dishes

Butter chicken pairs wonderfully with warm, fluffy basmati rice or soft naan bread to scoop up every bit of that dreamy sauce. You could also serve it alongside a simple cucumber raita to cool your palate amid the spices.

Creative Ways to Present

Try presenting your Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe in individual mini bowls garnished with edible flowers or finely sliced green chili for a pop of color and heat. Layered over a bed of spiced quinoa is a modern twist that introduces extra texture and nutrition without overwhelming the traditional flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making the next day’s meal just as satisfying.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from curdling. If the sauce appears too thick, stir in a splash of water or cream to bring it back to the perfect consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicier and add extra flavor to your Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they’re cooked through.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and full-fat coconut milk to keep the creamy texture while making it dairy-free.

Where can I find garam masala and tandoori masala?

Look for these spices in the ethnic aisle of most major grocery stores or at Indian markets. They come as pre-mixed spice packets that pack a vibrant flavor punch.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! The sauce can be prepared up to two days in advance and refrigerated. Just warm it gently before adding the freshly cooked chicken for best flavor and texture.

How spicy is this Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe?

The cayenne and tandoori masala provide a gentle warmth rather than intense heat. You can always adjust these spices to suit your personal taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe has been a beloved staple in my kitchen because it balances simplicity with incredible flavor, making Indian cooking accessible and fun. Give it a try and watch how this creamy, tender chicken dish becomes an instant favorite in your home too. Trust me — once you’ve mastered this recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again!