Aromatic spices like Garam Masala, cumin, coriander, chili powder, turmeric, and cinnamon infuse this Easy Butter Chicken with the flavors of India. A yogurt marinade makes the chicken pieces extra tender, and it all comes together into one amazing flavor-packed dish!
What If I Don’t Have All The Spices?
Garam Masala is the most important spice in this dish. If you don’t have any of the other spices, use only the ones you have, but do use Garam Masala.
How Long Can I Marinate The Chicken?
Marinate it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but you can do it overnight for maximum flavor.
Can I Freeze Butter Chicken?
Yes, you can. Butter chicken freezes well. Let it come to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Cook’s Tip
- Marinate the chicken for more than 30 minutes for maximum flavor.
- Don’t skip browning the chicken pieces before adding the tomatoes. This gives the chicken extra flavor.
- For perfect browning, make sure the skillet and oil are hot before adding the chicken, and don’t move the pieces for 2-3 minutes before flipping it.

Easy Quick-Prep Butter Chicken
Homemade Butter Chicken is easy to make and better than takeout!
Print
Pin
Rate
Servings: 8 SERVINGS
Calories: 354kcal
Ingredients
For the marinade:
- 1 cup plain 2% Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp Garam Masala
- 2 tsp ground cumin
For the chicken and sauce:
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp avocado or olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp coriander
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ½ tsp salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Mix the yogurt, lemon juice, Garam Masala, and cumin in a large bowl. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and cover all the chicken pieces with it. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 mins to overnight.
- Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, shaking off the excess. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes on each side. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Sautee the onion until translucent, about 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds more. Add the cumin, coriander, garam masala, chili powder, salt, pepper, and turmeric. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and sugar. Return the chicken pieces to the skillet, and simmer for 10 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently for 10 more minutes. Serve with freshly chopped cilantro on top and with a side of Basmati rice.
Nutrition
Calories: 354kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 108mg | Sodium: 368mg | Potassium: 78mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 13mg