Butter chicken (Murgh Makhani) is loved worldwide for its rich, creamy tomato sauce and tender, spiced chicken. This quick & tasty butter chicken recipe delivers authentic flavor in 30 minutes or less, using simple ingredients you can easily find in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
If you want restaurant-style butter chicken at home—without long marinating or slow cooking—this recipe is for you.
Why This Butter Chicken Recipe Is So Fast
No overnight marination
Uses boneless chicken for quicker cooking
One-pan sauce
Simple spice blend with big flavor
Ingredients
For the Chicken
1½ lb (700 g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts
1 tablespoon oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika or chili powder
For the Butter Chicken Sauce
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1½ teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon turmeric
1 cup tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon sugar or honey (optional)
Salt to taste
Optional Garnish
Fresh cilantro
Extra cream swirl
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season chicken with salt and paprika.
Cook for 4–5 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
In the same pan, add butter and oil.
Sauté onion until soft and golden.
Add garlic and ginger; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Spices & Tomato
Stir in garam masala, cumin, coriander, and turmeric.
Cook briefly, then add tomato puree.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Lower heat and stir in cream and sugar (if using).
Return chicken to the pan.
Simmer 5–8 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and sauce is silky.
Step 5: Taste & Serve
Adjust salt and spice.
Garnish with cilantro and extra butter if desired.
Pro Tips for the Best Butter Chicken
Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts
Don’t rush cooking the tomato base
Use real butter for authentic flavor
Add cream slowly to avoid splitting
Simmer gently—never boil after adding cream
Easy Variations
Spicy Butter Chicken: Add chili flakes or cayenne
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream
Extra Smoky: Add a pinch of smoked paprika
Vegetarian: Swap chicken for paneer or cauliflower
What to Serve with Butter Chicken
Basmati rice
Naan or flatbread
Roti or chapati
Simple cucumber salad
Steamed vegetables
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate up to 3 days
Reheat gently on the stove
Add a splash of cream or water if thick
Butter chicken tastes even better the next day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This quick & tasty butter chicken recipe is:
Beginner-friendly
Rich and comforting
Faster than takeout
Perfect for weeknight dinners
It delivers bold Indian-inspired flavor with minimal effort.
Conclusion
When you want comfort food that feels special but doesn’t take hours, this quick & tasty butter chicken recipe is the answer. Creamy, spiced, and deeply satisfying, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again.