Easy Creamy Butter Chicken
Easy Creamy Butter Chicken delivers a restaurant-quality meal in minutes. This recipe solves the problem of weeknight meal stress. After making this many times, I know the secret to perfect creaminess. The golden sauce and tender chicken will satisfy your cravings. Try our Authentic Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe for Easy Dinner. Jump to Recipe If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Authentic Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe for Easy Dinner and Garlic Butter Steak Bites.
Why This Easy Creamy Butter Chicken Is Pure Comfort
- Rich and creamy sauce
- Tender chicken pieces
- Easy to make
- Perfect for family dinners
What You'll Need for Easy Creamy Butter Chicken
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh cilantro
- Optional: Sliced green onions
- Optional: Lime wedges
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Chicken: Use thighs for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes ensure consistent texture and flavor.
- Cream: Heavy cream adds richness and body to the sauce.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better flavor control.
- Onion: Chopped onion adds sweetness and depth.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Immersion Blender — Creates smooth, consistent sauce → See on Amazon
- Slow Cooker — Easy, hands-off cooking → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Creamy Butter Chicken
- Step 1: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and spices. Sauté in a pan until browned.
- Step 2: Add onions and garlic. Cook until softened. Stir in tomatoes and simmer 10 minutes.
- Step 3: Add butter and heavy cream. Stir until sauce thickens. Cook 5 more minutes.
- Step 4: Serve with rice, naan, or veggies. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Creamy Butter Chicken
- Texture: Browning the chicken first adds deep flavor and color.
- Common mistake and fix: Overcooking chicken can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- Sauce: Adding cream at the end prevents it from curdling.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Storing & Reheating Easy Creamy Butter Chicken
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Make the day before and reheat when ready.
Freezing Easy Creamy Butter Chicken
Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a covered oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in 30-second increments until warm.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use a slow cooker for hands-off cooking.
- Best substitution: Replace chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Make-ahead: Prepare and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for larger groups.
- Troubleshooting: If sauce is too thin, simmer longer to reduce.
Want to level up this recipe?
Non-Stick Skillet — Ensures even cooking and easy cleanup → Check price on Amazon
Easy Creamy Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and spices. Sauté in a pan until browned.
- Step 2: Add onions and garlic. Cook until softened. Stir in tomatoes and simmer 10 minutes.
- Step 3: Add butter and heavy cream. Stir until sauce thickens. Cook 5 more minutes.
- Step 4: Serve with rice, naan, or veggies. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use a slow cooker for hands-off cooking.
- Best substitution: Replace chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Make-ahead: Prepare and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for larger groups.
- Troubleshooting: If sauce is too thin, simmer longer to reduce.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a covered oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in 30-second increments until warm.
- Make ahead: Make the day before and reheat when ready.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sat. Fat: 15g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Creamy Butter Chicken FAQs
Yes, you can make it up to a day in advance. Store in a sealed container and reheat gently.
Overcooking the chicken is the most common issue. Check doneness with a thermometer and avoid overcooking.
Yes, freeze in a sealed bag for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
No, this recipe is best made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.
Whole milk or coconut milk can be used as a substitute, though the sauce will be lighter.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Creamy Butter Chicken and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
