Easy Butter Chicken Recipe That Delivers Big on Taste

Introduction: A Beloved Classic Made Simple

Butter chicken, or “Murgh Makhani,” is one of the most iconic dishes in Indian cuisine. Known for its velvety tomato-based sauce, succulent pieces of chicken, and a perfect blend of aromatic spices, it has become a global favorite for good reason. While traditional recipes often involve marinating the chicken overnight and slow cooking it with a complex spice mix, this easy version delivers all the rich flavors with a fraction of the effort. Whether you’re new to cooking Indian food or just looking for a fast weeknight dinner that impresses, this recipe promises bold taste without the long prep time.

The Origins of Butter Chicken

Butter chicken originated in Delhi, India, in the 1950s at the famous Moti Mahal restaurant. It was created almost accidentally by chefs looking for a way to repurpose leftover tandoori chicken. By simmering it in a creamy tomato gravy enriched with butter and spices, they crafted a dish that quickly gained fame. Over time, butter chicken became synonymous with indulgent Indian comfort food. Its appeal lies in its balance—rich but not heavy, spiced but not overly hot.

What Makes This Recipe Easy

Traditional butter chicken recipes can require a long list of spices, hours of marination, and slow simmering. This easy version simplifies the process without sacrificing depth of flavor. Quick marinades, pantry-friendly ingredients, and smart shortcuts like using boneless, skinless chicken thighs allow you to put a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 45 minutes.

The recipe uses common spices such as garam masala, cumin, paprika, and turmeric, which are readily available in most grocery stores. Canned tomato puree, heavy cream, and butter bring the sauce together quickly while maintaining that luxurious, silky texture the dish is known for.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste

For the sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1.5 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option
• Salt and sugar to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Quick Preparation Steps

1. Marinate the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, and the listed spices. Mix well to coat every piece. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes. For deeper flavor, you can refrigerate it for up to an hour.

2. Sear the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in batches and sear until golden brown on all sides. The goal here is to develop flavor through browning. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through—it will finish in the sauce. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce
In the same pan, add the remaining butter. Sauté the onions until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the remaining spices and toast them gently for 30 seconds to bring out their aroma.

Add the tomato puree and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken slightly and deepen in color. Stir in the cream and return the chicken to the pan. Let everything simmer together for another 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors have melded beautifully.

4. Adjust and Serve
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and a pinch of sugar if needed to balance acidity. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Butter chicken pairs beautifully with warm basmati rice or soft naan bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a lighter option, serve it with cauliflower rice or a side of roasted vegetables. A dollop of plain yogurt or a cucumber raita on the side adds a cooling contrast to the rich, spiced sauce.

Make It Your Own

This easy recipe is highly adaptable. If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the chili powder or add a fresh green chili to the sauce. For a dairy-free version, swap the yogurt in the marinade with coconut yogurt and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. If you’re short on time, you can use precooked or rotisserie chicken and skip the marination step entirely—simply add the chicken directly to the simmering sauce.

Why This Recipe Delivers Big on Taste

Despite its simplicity, this butter chicken recipe doesn’t cut corners when it comes to flavor. The yogurt marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with spice. The searing step adds depth and umami, while the layered spices in the sauce create complexity. The combination of butter and cream rounds everything out into a luxuriously smooth texture with just the right balance of tang, sweetness, and spice.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken. Cook in batches to get a proper sear.
• Use high-quality tomato puree or crushed tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Let the sauce simmer slowly to allow the spices to fully develop.
• If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or chicken stock to thin it out.

Conclusion: A Weeknight Winner That Feels Like a Treat

Easy butter chicken is the perfect example of a dish that brings big rewards with little effort. Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining guests, or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe checks every box. It’s quick, rich in flavor, and incredibly satisfying. Once you make it at home, you might never go back to takeout again.

From its velvety sauce to its tender chicken, every bite of this easy butter chicken is a reminder that great taste doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and some simple techniques, you can bring the warmth and flavor of a classic Indian favorite right into your own kitchen.