Name: Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, small diced; 2 teaspoons ginger, grated; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon mustard seeds; 1 teaspoon coriander; 1 teaspoon curry powder; 2 pounds chicken breast, cut into ¾-inch chunks; 3 ounces tomato paste; 3 ounces red curry paste; 1 teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk; Rice or naan, for serving; Cilantro, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 34 reviews

If you have ever wanted to create a restaurant-quality Indian dinner at home without the fuss, this Easy Butter Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with warm spices, creamy coconut milk, and tender chicken in a rich tomato base, this dish brings all the comforting flavors of traditional butter chicken straight to your kitchen. It’s a perfect go-to for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties, delivering deep, authentic taste with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try this Easy Butter Chicken Recipe, it will become one of your favorite meals to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clean white marbled surface with several small transparent glass bowls arranged neatly. There are three raw chicken breasts on the right in a clear bowl with a smooth pale pink color. Near them are two bowls containing thick pastes, one a dark red and the other a brown spice paste. Above that is a small bowl with a pale yellow cube of butter and next to it, a clear bottle with light yellow oil. In the center is a whole shiny light brown onion. Around the onion are small bowls with powdered spices in deep orange, a mix of colorful spices, and fresh light brown ginger root pieces along with three garlic cloves. On the bottom left is a glass measuring cup filled with white coconut milk. The arrangement is tidy, with each ingredient clearly visible and placed on the white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of essential ingredients that each play a key role in creating a harmonious balance of flavor, texture, and color. Every element is easy to find and comes together quickly, making the cooking process stress-free and enjoyable.

1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and a silky smooth finish to the sauce.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the aromatics, building the base flavor.
1 medium onion, small diced: Provides sweetness and a tender texture when cooked down.
2 teaspoons grated ginger: Gives a fresh, zesty warmth that brightens the dish.
3 garlic cloves, minced: A powerhouse for savory depth and aroma.
1 tablespoon garam masala: The signature spice mix delivering complexity and warmth.
1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds mild heat, balanced to not overpower the creaminess.
1 teaspoon mustard seeds: Used toasted for a subtle pop of flavor and texture.
1 teaspoon coriander: Brings a lemony, fresh undertone to the sauce.
1 teaspoon curry powder: Enhances the earthy spice profile traditionally found in butter chicken.
2 pounds chicken breast, cut into ¾-inch chunks: The tender protein soaking up all the spices and sauce.
3 ounces tomato paste: Deepens the saucy base with vibrant color and a subtle tang.
3 ounces red curry paste: Adds complexity with a blend of red chilies and aromatics.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Offers gentle heat and peppery nuance.
1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk: Creates the signature creamy texture and subtle sweetness.
Rice or naan for serving: Perfect companions to soak up the luscious sauce.
Cilantro for serving: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness as garnish.

How to Make Easy Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics to Build Flavor

Start by heating the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The combination of butter and oil allows the aromatics to cook without burning, creating a fragrant base. Add the diced onions and cook them until soft and translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. This process brings out their natural sweetness, which is fundamental to the depth of this dish. Then stir in the grated ginger and minced garlic, cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes so their bold flavors infuse the oil and onions.

Step 2: Toast the Spices

Next, add the garam masala, chili powder, mustard seeds, coriander, and curry powder directly into the skillet. Toasting these spices for about 2 minutes unlocks their essential oils, bringing out a fragrant burst of aromas that will define the dish. This step creates the signature warm, layered flavor profile that makes this Easy Butter Chicken Recipe so irresistible.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Pastes

Now, add the chicken pieces along with the tomato paste and red curry paste into the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat every chunk of chicken with the rich, spiced mixture. The tomato and curry pastes add a lovely tanginess and depth of flavor, blending perfectly with the spices to create an irresistible savory base. Season with salt and black pepper to balance and enhance all components.

Step 4: Simmer in Coconut Milk

Pour in the coconut milk over the chicken and spices, stirring gently to combine everything evenly. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook uncovered for about 20 minutes. This slow simmer allows the chicken to tenderize while the flavors meld beautifully, producing a luxuriously creamy sauce that clings to each bite of chicken.

How to Serve Easy Butter Chicken Recipe

A shiny silver pan holds a thick orange-red curry with many small, tender chunks of meat evenly mixed inside. Swirls of white cream are drizzled on top, creating a loose pattern, and bright green parsley leaves are scattered as fresh garnish across the curry. To the upper right, a white bowl filled with fluffy white rice is partly shown. On the upper left side, two pieces of soft, light golden naan bread rest casually on the white marbled surface. Some extra parsley leaves lie on the surface nearby, and a soft pink cloth is partially visible beneath the pan's handle. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro on top adds the perfect pop of bright herbal freshness that balances the creamy richness of the sauce. Feel free to add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice if you want an extra zing that contrasts beautifully with the smooth coconut base.

Side Dishes

This butter chicken shines best served with steaming white rice, which soaks up every bit of the luscious sauce. You can also pair it with fluffy naan bread—perfect for scooping and savoring every spoonful. For a refreshing contrast, a simple cucumber raita or lightly spiced lentils round out the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to impress guests with presentation, serve the Easy Butter Chicken Recipe in individual bowls topped with cilantro and a drizzle of cream or yogurt. Layer alongside vibrant vegetable sides or scatter crunchy toasted nuts for texture. You can also pile it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist, or stuff inside warm flatbreads with pickled onions for a gorgeous butter chicken wrap experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Easy Butter Chicken Recipe actually tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The sauce thickens and the flavors intensify, giving you delicious lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

Freezing is a great option if you want to keep this dish for longer. Cool the chicken completely, then transfer into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy this tasty meal whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

When ready to eat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge if possible. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through to avoid breaking the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to maintain its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While chicken breast is used here for quick cooking and lean meat, you can also use boneless, skinless thighs, which stay juicy and add richness to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if the pieces are larger.

Is coconut milk necessary, or can I substitute with cream?

Coconut milk is ideal for its subtle sweetness and dairy-free richness, but if you prefer, heavy cream works well too. Using cream will provide a slightly heavier sauce and less tropical flavor, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.

How spicy is this Easy Butter Chicken Recipe?

This version is mildly spiced to suit most palates, with just a touch of chili powder and red curry paste. You can always increase the chili quantity or add fresh chopped chilies to suit your heat preference perfectly.

Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

To make it vegan, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, and use vegan butter or oil. The sauce’s rich tomato and coconut base is naturally plant-based and will taste delicious with these swaps.

What should I do if my sauce is too thick or too thin?

If the sauce becomes too thick, simply stir in a splash of water or more coconut milk while reheating until it reaches your preferred consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered a little longer to reduce and thicken.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Butter Chicken Recipe is one of those magical meals that can transform an ordinary night into a special occasion with minimal effort. Its blend of spices, creamy texture, and tender chicken hits all the right comfort food notes, making it perfect for both family dinners and entertaining friends. I promise once you try it, you’ll be hooked and excited to share it again and again.

Easy Butter Chicken Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need