Easy Creamy Butter Chicken in 39 Minutes

If you’re looking for that one meal that draws everyone to the table, fills the house with irresistible aromas, and makes you want to sneak a spoonful straight from the pot, stop right here: this is my go-to Delicious Recipe for butter chicken! Creamy, mildly spiced, and full of lush tomato flavor with a velvety sauce, every bite delivers pure comfort. It’s perfect for an easy family dinner but special enough to wow guests—or just treat yourself. Get ready for a heartwarming experience that tastes like it took all day, but delivers magic in just under forty minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter chicken doesn’t need anything fancy, just fresh, vibrant ingredients that each add depth, texture, or an aromatic punch to our Delicious Recipe. These everyday staples come together into something extraordinary, where every single one plays an important role—don’t skip a thing!

• Ginger (5g): Fresh ginger brings a zingy warmth and adds real depth to the sauce.
• Onions (250g/2 large): Sweet and savory onions help build the base for that luxurious sauce.
• Garlic (3 cloves): Essential for a bold, savory kick that’s hard to replicate.
• Red Chili (1 small, optional): Adds gentle heat; skip or adjust according to your spice tolerance.
• Butter (80g, semi-salted): We can’t have butter chicken without it! Gives the sauce that rich, signature silkiness.
• Ground Coriander (10g): Citrus notes that lift the sauce and balance the tomato.
• Smoked Paprika (10g): Infuses a gentle smokiness that makes this Delicious Recipe unforgettable.
• Ground Cinnamon (1/2 tsp): Don’t skimp—this brings warming, subtle sweetness.
• Turmeric (10g): Turns the sauce a gorgeous golden yellow and adds earthiness.
• Salt (5g): Balances flavors and enhances every bite.
• Tandoori Curry (10g) or Garam Masala (2 tsp): The aromatic backbone—choose your favorite blend.
• Brown Sugar (5g): Rounds out the acidity of the tomatoes and pulls everything together.
• Chicken Fillets (600g): Tender, juicy chunks soak up all the glorious sauce.
• Lime Juice (15ml): Adds brightness and a touch of zing right at the end.
• Tomato Paste (100g): Intensifies the tomato richness and thickens the sauce.
• Chicken Bouillon Cube (1): Boosts savory depth without hours of simmering.
• Diced Tomatoes (400g): Makes the sauce fresh, tangy, and vibrant.
• Heavy or Light Cream (200ml): The secret for a silky finish—use what you prefer.
• Fresh Coriander or Parsley (to serve): Sprinkled over the top for color and a fresh burst at the table.

How to Make Easy Creamy Butter Chicken 

Step 1: Prep the Aromatics

To kick off this Delicious Recipe, start by tossing your peeled and rough-chopped ginger, onions, garlic, and the optional red chili into your food processor. Pulse everything until finely chopped—this is where the flavor magic begins! You want a well-blended, fragrant base that will infuse every bite.

Step 2: Sauté with Butter

Swap out the blade for your mixer paddle, then scrape down the sides to make sure no flavor gets left behind. Add your diced butter, pop the lid on, and let everything cook for about five minutes. This step is where those bold aromatics melt into the butter, laying down the dreamy, golden foundation our Delicious Recipe is known for. Meanwhile, cut your chicken into generous chunks so they’re ready to join the fun.

Step 3: Toast the Spices

Gather the sautéed veggies in the center of the bowl, then add your ground coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, curry or garam masala, and a sprinkle of brown sugar. Cook these spices for just a couple of minutes to wake up all their aromas—your kitchen will smell incredible!

Step 4: Build the Sauce & Cook the Chicken

Time for the chicken to enter the party! Drop in your chicken pieces, along with a splash of lime juice, concentrated tomato paste, the crumbled bouillon cube, and a can of diced tomatoes. Let everything simmer gently so the chicken cooks through and soaks up all those spices, juices, and creamy flavors. This part is surprisingly quick but absolutely crucial for melding everything together.

Step 5: Stir in the Cream

Pour in your cream for that signature butter chicken silkiness. Stir and let everything bubble gently until the sauce thickens and gets ultra-creamy. You’re about to see that signature orange-pink hue form right before your eyes—it’s pure comfort in a pan!

Step 6: Blend for Creaminess

Give the finished sauce a final quick mix—or a blitz in your machine—just enough to make it smooth and fully blended. You’ll be left with a luscious, rich sauce that’s ready for the table. Your Delicious Recipe masterpiece is nearly complete!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve Hot

Scoop out generous portions, sprinkle plenty of chopped coriander (or parsley) on top, and bring straight to the table, piping hot. That hit of fresh green is the finishing touch and wakes up all those buttery, spicy flavors.

How to Serve  Creamy Butter Chicken

Garnishes

For the perfect finishing touch on this Delicious Recipe, I absolutely love showering it with freshly chopped coriander (or parsley if that’s what you have). Not only does it add a burst of color, but that herbal freshness cuts through the creamy richness beautifully. For a truly unforgettable plate, try an extra pinch of smoked paprika on top, or a drizzle of cream if you’re feeling fancy!

Side Dishes

Butter chicken’s rich, silky sauce absolutely begs for something to soak it up! I nearly always serve this Delicious Recipe with warm, fluffy basmati rice or buttery naan bread. Don’t be afraid to set out both—you’ll need every bite to dunk and swipe up every drop of sauce. For balance, a simple cucumber raita or a crisp green salad on the side makes a refreshingly cool counterpoint.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to jazz things up, present the butter chicken in big family-style bowls with rice on the side, or for a fun twist, spoon the Delicious Recipe into individual ramekins as part of a curry tasting platter. Mini naan can make adorable edible “spoons,” and bright pickled vegetables on the side add crunch and color. Let your imagination guide your presentation—it’s impossible to go wrong with something this tasty!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Butter chicken always seems to get better after a day in the fridge! Pop your leftover Delicious Recipe into an airtight container, and it’ll keep happily for up to three days. The flavors meld, and the chicken gets even more tender—honestly, don’t be surprised if tomorrow’s lunch tastes even more delicious than dinner!

Freezing

This Delicious Recipe is wonderfully freezer-friendly, making it a lifesaver for busy weeks. Let the butter chicken cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It’ll hold up perfectly for up to two months. Just remember to label the date, and you’ll thank yourself later!

Reheating

For the creamiest results, reheat butter chicken gently in a saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. If the sauce is a bit thick after chilling or freezing, just stir in a splash of cream or water to loosen. You can also reheat in the microwave—cover and use short bursts, stirring occasionally, until piping hot. Either way, your Delicious Recipe will return to its full, comforting glory.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken fillets?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative—they stay juicy and flavorful even after simmering in the sauce. Just trim excess fat and cut into similar-sized chunks for even cooking.

Is there a dairy-free version of this Delicious Recipe?

Definitely! Swap the butter for a plant-based version and use coconut cream instead of dairy cream. You’ll still get a beautifully rich, creamy result with that same inviting texture.

How spicy is this recipe?

This Delicious Recipe is designed to be warming and gently spiced, not fiery. The optional red chili is easy to adjust: leave it out for a mild version, or add more if you love a little kick!

Can I make this in advance for a party?

You sure can! In fact, making butter chicken a day ahead gives the flavors even more time to mingle. Store in the fridge and reheat gently before serving; the Delicious Recipe holds up beautifully for gatherings.

What’s the best way to tell if the chicken is cooked?

After simmering in the sauce, the chicken should be opaque all the way through and easily pierced with a fork. If you have a kitchen thermometer, look for an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F)—juicy and safe to eat!

Final Thoughts

There’s just nothing quite like sharing a comforting, homemade Delicious Recipe with the ones you love. I hope this butter chicken brings as much warmth and joy to your table as it does to mine. Don’t wait for a special occasion—treat yourself soon!

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