There’s something about the creamy, spiced comfort of butter chicken that feels like a hug in a bowl. This quick and easy butter chicken recipe gives you all the flavors of your favorite takeout but made at home in less than 30 minutes. It’s rich, cozy, and surprisingly simple perfect for quick dinner ideas easy meals when the family is hungry and you need something everyone will actually eat. Whether you’re cooking for two or whipping up a dinner for a large group, this dish balances creamy tomato sauce with tender chicken for a recipe that’s both comforting and weeknight-friendly.
🥘 Ingredients (Simple Table)
| Ingredient | Notes / Substitutions |
|---|---|
| 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts | Thighs are juicier; breasts work for a lighter option |
| 2 tbsp butter | Use ghee for a more authentic flavor |
| 1 tbsp olive oil | Helps prevent butter from burning |
| 1 medium onion, finely diced | Can substitute shallots for milder taste |
| 3 cloves garlic, minced | Fresh garlic brings the best aroma |
| 1 tbsp ginger, grated | Ground ginger in a pinch |
| 1 ½ tsp garam masala | Or curry powder if unavailable |
| 1 tsp paprika | Adds color and mild heat |
| ½ tsp cumin | Earthy depth of flavor |
| 1 cup tomato puree | Smooth canned tomatoes work well |
| 1 cup heavy cream | Half-and-half for lighter version |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Fresh cilantro | For garnish |
| Cooked basmati rice or naan | For serving |
👩🍳 Instructions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions and sauté until golden. Stir in garlic and ginger.
- Mix in garam masala, paprika, and cumin; cook until fragrant.
- Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly browned.
- Pour in tomato puree, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in cream and let simmer for another 5 minutes until thick and velvety.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with warm rice or naan.
⏱ Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~410 per serving
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Quick preparation – Ready in 30 minutes
- ✅ Budget-friendly – A true cheap easy meal for 2 or a crowd
- ✅ Big, cozy flavor – Creamy sauce with warm spices
- ✅ Kid and picky-eater approved – Perfect easy dinner recipes for family picky eaters
- ✅ Flexible – Serve with rice, naan, or roasted veggies
🍛 Serving Suggestions
- Over basmati rice with roasted vegetables for a butter chicken with rice and vegetables dinner.
- Spoon into wraps or flatbreads for a fun handheld meal.
- Pair with steamed broccoli or green beans for a light twist.
- Double the recipe for an Amber Massey dinner favs–style family gathering.
💡 Pro Tips for Success
- Toast the spices briefly in oil before adding chicken for maximum depth.
- Use chicken thighs if you want juicier bites.
- If sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth.
- For extra creaminess, swirl in a tablespoon of cream right before serving.
🥡 Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months (let it cool before freezing).
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or water to restore sauce texture.
❤️ Final Thoughts from Emma
Butter chicken has always been one of those dishes that makes me feel instantly at home. It’s warm, creamy, and just the kind of recipe you want when you’re short on time but still craving comfort. I hope you give this quick and easy butter chicken a try it might just become one of your Amber Massey dinner favs too!
👉 Don’t forget to share this recipe, leave a comment if you try it, and follow me on Pinterest for more cozy, quick, and nostalgic recipes.
Quick & Easy Butter Chicken
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
Butter Chicken
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts Thighs are juicier; breasts for lighter option
- 2 tbsp butter Use ghee for more authentic flavor
- 1 tbsp olive oil Helps prevent butter from burning
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp ginger grated, ground ginger in a pinch
- 1.5 tsp garam masala or curry powder if unavailable
- 1 tsp paprika adds color and mild heat
- 0.5 tsp cumin earthy depth of flavor
- 1 cup tomato puree smooth canned tomatoes work well
- 1 cup heavy cream half-and-half for lighter version
- salt & black pepper to taste
- fresh cilantro for garnish
- cooked basmati rice or naan for serving
Instructions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions and sauté until golden. Stir in garlic and ginger.
- Mix in garam masala, paprika, and cumin; cook until fragrant.
- Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly browned.
- Pour in tomato puree, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in cream and let simmer for another 5 minutes until thick and velvety.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with warm rice or naan.