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Quick Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe From Scratch Easy in 30 Minutes

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A quick and easy butter chicken recipe made from scratch in just 30 minutes, featuring a creamy, buttery tomato sauce and tender chicken pieces. Perfect for busy weeknights without compromising on flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 cup (240 ml) canned tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt, room temperature (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder or cayenne (adjust to heat preference)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • A small handful fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Cut 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts into roughly 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces. Pat dry with paper towels and set aside. (5 minutes)
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir frequently.
  3. Add minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. (2 minutes)
  4. Sprinkle in garam masala, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly for 30 seconds to toast the spices without burning.
  5. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and stir to coat in the spice mixture. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is mostly cooked through with a slight golden sear.
  6. Pour in 1 cup (240 ml) tomato puree and stir well. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Stir in ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream and 1 tablespoon butter until sauce is smooth and rich. If using, fold in ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt. Simmer for 2-3 more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Remove from heat, stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

Notes

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it. For a thicker sauce, simmer longer while stirring. Use chicken thighs for juicier results but breasts work fine. Toast spices gently to avoid bitterness. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil and heavy cream with coconut cream. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter chicken, quick butter chicken, creamy chicken curry, easy Indian recipe, weeknight dinner, chicken thighs, homemade butter chicken

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/quick-creamy-butter-chicken-recipe-from-scratch-easy-in-30-minutes/