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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with warm spices. This quick and easy homemade butter chicken delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients and minimal effort.
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Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • For the Butter Chicken Sauce
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp sugar or honey optional

Method
 

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, melt butter. Add onion and cook until soft.
  3. Stir in garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant.
  4. Add spices and cook for 30 seconds to bloom flavors.
  5. Pour in crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
  6. Stir in cream and sugar (if using).
  7. Return chicken to the pan and simmer for 8–10 minutes until tender.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Chicken thighs stay juicier, but breasts work well too.
  • For extra richness, add a small knob of butter at the end.
  • Adjust spice level with chili powder or cayenne.
  • Sauce thickens as it cools.
Calories: 540
Approx per serving: Carbs 16g – Protein 38g – Fat 34g.