Easy Indian Butter Chicken

4.7
(1,281)
938 Reviews
154 Photos

An easy butter chicken recipe I've perfected over the years and shared with many others. The sauce is perfect when creamy and not too thick or too thin. The level of salt and spices can be suited to your taste. Garam and tandoori masala can be found in the ethnic aisle of your grocery store.

By mn
Updated on May 6, 2024
154
A bowl of easy Indian butter chicken, served with white rice and naan, garnished with chopped cilantro
154
154
154
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
45 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Servings:
6
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

  • 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

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

    Ingredients to make easy Indian butter chicken

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion and garlic, and cook slowly until the onion caramelizes to a dark brown, about 15 minutes.

    A pan with dark, caramelized chopped onion

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Meanwhile, combine cream, tomato sauce, remaining butter, salt, cayenne pepper, and garam masala in a saucepan over medium-high heat; bring to a simmer.

    A small pot of seasoned creamy tomato sauce

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes. Stir in caramelized onions.

    Caramelized onions in a large pan being poured into a pot of creamy tomato sauce

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. While the sauce is simmering, toss chicken with vegetable oil until coated. Season with tandoori masala and spread out onto a baking sheet.

    A baking sheet with pieces of chicken breast coated in oil and tandoori masala

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  6. Bake chicken in the preheated oven until no longer pink in the center, about 12 minutes.

    A baking sheet with baked pieces of seasoned chicken

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  7. Add cooked chicken to the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes before serving.

    A bowl of easy Indian butter chicken, served with white rice and naan, garnished with chopped cilantro

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
2,235 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

880 Calories
82g Fat
13g Carbs
26g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 880
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 82g 106%
Saturated Fat 48g 242%
Cholesterol 303mg 101%
Sodium 1461mg 64%
Total Carbohydrate 13g 5%
Dietary Fiber 3g 9%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 26g 53%
Vitamin C 11mg 12%
Calcium 134mg 10%
Iron 2mg 10%
Potassium 567mg 12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.