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A bowl of creamy, golden butter chicken garnished with fresh cilantro, served alongside steamed rice and naan bread.

Dreamy Weeknight Butter Chicken: A Velvety Delight

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Discover the rich and velvety goodness of Dreamy Weeknight Butter Chicken, a quick and easy homemade Indian-inspired dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines tender chicken with a creamy tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices, delivering restaurant-quality flavor in under 40 minutes. Enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal that is simple to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of turmeric. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add remaining butter to the same skillet. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, then stir in minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Incorporate crushed tomatoes, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
  4. Optional: Blend the sauce briefly with an immersion blender for extra smoothness. Stir in heavy cream, then return cooked chicken to coat with sauce. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors.

Notes

  • Using coconut cream makes this dish dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
  • For extra richness, feel free to add a splash of cream or butter before serving.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stove Top
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 420 Kcal
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg