• Casserole
  • Desserts
  • Dinner
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Casserole
  • Desserts
  • Dinner
  • About
  • Contact
search icon
Homepage link
  • Casserole
  • Desserts
  • Dinner
  • About
  • Contact
×

Easy Indian Butter Chicken

Published: Sep 24, 2025 by Linda · This post may contain affiliate links ·

Love it? Share it!

  • Share On Facebook
  • Share On X
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Savor the Rich Flavors of Easy Indian Butter Chicken

Embark on a culinary journey with this Easy Indian Butter Chicken recipe, where tender chicken meets a creamy, spiced tomato sauce for a comforting dish loved around the globe. This restaurant-style meal transforms your dinner table into a place of warmth and indulgence, bringing authentic Indian flavors right into your home kitchen.

Whether it’s a cozy family night or a festive dinner with guests, this dish delivers both elegance and comfort. The fragrant sauce and juicy chicken make every bite unforgettable. Paired with warm naan or fluffy rice, Easy Indian Butter Chicken becomes the highlight of your dining experience.

Ideal for any day when you crave bold flavors with a touch of indulgence, this recipe captures the heart of Indian cooking. Ready to enjoy a flavorful twist on dinner classics? Let’s dive into the details of this rewarding dish.

Creamy and Flavorful: Your New Favorite Easy Indian Butter Chicken

This Easy Indian Butter Chicken doesn’t just bring flavor; it delivers a balance of spice and creaminess that few recipes can match. The sauce, made from tomato, butter, and cream, is seasoned with garam masala and cayenne for just the right kick. The chicken is coated in aromatic spices and baked until juicy, then simmered in the sauce for a rich, layered flavor.

Much like a perfectly baked casserole or a fragrant slow cooker chicken and gravy, this recipe fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also feels luxurious at the table. Here’s how you can master this beloved Indian dish.

Pro Tips for Perfect Easy Indian Butter Chicken:

  1. Use Quality Spices: Fresh garam masala and cayenne pepper bring depth and warmth, making the sauce shine.
  2. Caramelize the Onion Well: Cooking the onion until golden brown adds sweetness that balances the spices beautifully.
  3. Simmer Slowly: Letting the sauce bubble gently ensures flavors meld and the texture stays smooth.
  4. Balance the Heat: Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference without overpowering the creamy sauce.
  5. Pair with Sides: Serve with fluffy rice, buttery naan, or even homemade Dutch oven no-knead bread to soak up every drop.

Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

  • Preparation time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking time: 55 minutes
  • Servings: 6
  • Equipment: Skillet, saucepan, baking sheet, oven

This Easy Indian Butter Chicken transforms simple ingredients into a dish full of rich aromas, perfect for making dinner feel extra special.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup butter, divided
  • 1 onion, minced
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 3 cups heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 ½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons tandoori masala

Directions:

  1. Caramelize the Aromatics: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking slowly until caramelized and dark brown, about 15 minutes.
  2. Simmer the Sauce: While the onion cooks, combine cream, tomato sauce, remaining butter, salt, cayenne pepper, and garam masala in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Cook Slowly: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep it smooth. Stir in the caramelized onions when ready.
  4. Season the Chicken: Toss chicken pieces with vegetable oil, then coat with tandoori masala until evenly covered. Spread onto a baking sheet.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Place chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 12 minutes, or until no longer pink in the center.
  6. Finish the Dish: Stir the baked chicken into the simmering sauce. Let everything cook together for 5 minutes before serving.

Why This Easy Indian Butter Chicken Stands Out

Unlike some chicken dishes, this Easy Indian Butter Chicken has a balance of richness and spice that pleases everyone. The buttery sauce is luxurious yet easy to make, while the chicken stays tender and flavorful. Similar to recipes like candied carrots or chicken bacon ranch casserole, this dish proves that comfort food can also feel sophisticated.

The beauty of butter chicken lies in its versatility. Serve it over rice for a hearty meal or pair it with bread for a lighter dinner. Just like enjoying a slice of bundt cake breakfast on a lazy morning, this recipe elevates everyday moments into something memorable.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Easy Indian Butter Chicken is a natural partner for basmati rice, but don’t stop there. Warm naan, chapati, or even buttery sticky bun breakfast rings make wonderful accompaniments. Add a crisp salad or roasted vegetables on the side for freshness and color.

If you’re hosting, consider serving this dish family-style. Place the steaming pot of butter chicken at the center of the table, with sides surrounding it. Guests can help themselves, making it both interactive and festive.

Ready to Relish!

This Easy Indian Butter Chicken delivers a fabulous dining experience, blending creamy sauce, bold spices, and juicy chicken in every bite. The recipe is simple enough for weeknights yet special enough for celebrations. Each forkful reminds you of the warmth and richness of Indian cooking.

Bring this flavorful classic into your own kitchen, and enjoy a dish that feels timeless, indulgent, and satisfying.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Easy Indian Butter Chicken

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

This Easy Indian Butter Chicken transforms simple ingredients into a dish full of rich aromas, perfect for making dinner feel extra special.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup butter, divided

  • 1 onion, minced

  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

  • 3 cups heavy cream

  • 2 teaspoons salt

  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • 1 teaspoon garam masala

  • 1 ½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • 2 tablespoons tandoori masala

Instructions

  • Caramelize the Aromatics: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking slowly until caramelized and dark brown, about 15 minutes.

  • Simmer the Sauce: While the onion cooks, combine cream, tomato sauce, remaining butter, salt, cayenne pepper, and garam masala in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a gentle simmer.

  • Cook Slowly: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep it smooth. Stir in the caramelized onions when ready.

  • Season the Chicken: Toss chicken pieces with vegetable oil, then coat with tandoori masala until evenly covered. Spread onto a baking sheet.

  • Bake to Perfection: Place chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 12 minutes, or until no longer pink in the center.

 

  • Finish the Dish: Stir the baked chicken into the simmering sauce. Let everything cook together for 5 minutes before serving.

  • Author: Linda
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Easy Indian Butter ChickenEasy Indian Butter Chicken
Tweet
Share
Share
Pin11
11 Shares

More Chicken

  • Perfect Chicken Brine
  • Buffalo Chicken Wing Sauce
  • Curry Stand Chicken Tikka Masala Sauce
  • Buffalo Chicken Dip
Linda Cooking

Welcome!

Hi, I’m Linda! I love cooking simple, yummy meals that make people smile. On my blog, you’ll find easy recipes made with love for family and friends.

More about me

Popular

  • Crispy Sesame Chicken with a Sticky Asian Sauce
  • Creamy Ham Potato and Corn Chowder
  • Chicken Roll Ups
  • Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits

Seasonal

  • Easy Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
  • Baked Cheesy Chicken Breasts
  • The Best Southern Fried Chicken
  • Spicy Garlic Shrimp – 20 minute recipe

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact
  • About Me

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 Linda Cooking

  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest