Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is one of the most beloved Indian dishes around the world. Creamy, mildly spiced, and rich in flavor, it’s the perfect comfort food. The best part? You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy this restaurant-style dish. With just a few simple ingredients and some smart shortcuts, you can prepare a quick & tasty butter chicken recipe right at home.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Chicken – 1 ½ lbs (boneless, skinless thighs or breasts, cubed)
Butter – 4 tbsp (divided)
Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
Ginger – 1 tbsp, grated
Tomato puree – 1 ½ cups (or canned crushed tomatoes)
Heavy cream – 1 cup (or use half-and-half for lighter version)
Yogurt – ½ cup (plain, unsweetened)
Spices:
2 tsp garam masala
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
½ tsp turmeric
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro – for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken (Optional for Quick Version)
Mix chicken cubes with yogurt, 1 tsp garam masala, ½ tsp cumin, and a pinch of salt.
Let it sit for 20 minutes (or skip if you’re short on time).
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tbsp butter in a skillet.
Add marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In the same pan, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant and golden.
Stir in the remaining spices and toast for 30 seconds.
Pour in tomato puree, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Add the Creaminess
Stir in the cooked chicken pieces.
Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for another 5–7 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce is rich.
5. Finish & Serve
Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Serve hot with basmati rice, naan bread, or roti.
Tips for a Quick & Tasty Butter Chicken
Shortcut: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to cut down cooking time.
Healthier version: Swap cream for coconut milk.
Spice control: Adjust chili powder depending on whether you prefer mild or spicy.
Extra flavor: Add a splash of honey or sugar to balance the acidity of tomatoes.
Conclusion
This quick & tasty butter chicken recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen without hours of cooking. Creamy, buttery, and perfectly spiced, it’s an easy meal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Pair it with fluffy rice or warm naan, and you’ll have a dish the whole family will love.