This quick and easy butter chicken is a creamy, flavorful Indian-style curry made with tender chicken, warm spices, and a rich tomato-cream sauce—all in one pot. It’s a cozy and satisfying meal that comes together in under an hour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
1 tbsp oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
1 tbsp garam masala
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk
2 tbsp unsalted butter
Salt to taste
Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
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In the same pan, cook chopped onion for 5–7 minutes until soft. Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute.
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Stir in garam masala, cumin, and paprika; cook 30–60 seconds.
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Add tomato paste; cook for 1 minute. Pour in crushed tomatoes and simmer 10 minutes.
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Lower heat; stir in cream and return chicken to the pan. Simmer 10–15 minutes.
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Turn off heat; stir in butter. Season with salt and a pinch of sugar if needed.
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Garnish with cilantro and serve warm.