Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Total: 30 minutes | Serves: 4
Best For: Weeknight meals, family dinners, meal prep

A Comforting Family Meal Everyone Enjoys

This Easy Butter Chicken is creamy, mild, and full of flavour — the perfect dinner for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and a quick stovetop method, you can create the rich, comforting flavours of classic butter chicken without the long prep or complicated steps.

It’s a dish that brings joy to the table, especially when served with warm rice or soft naan. Whether you’re feeding your family or making a cozy meal for yourself, this recipe makes everyday cooking feel easy, comforting, and delicious.

Ingredients for Easy Butter Chicken

• 600–700g chicken thigh or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 onion, finely diced

• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp ginger, grated or minced

• 2–3 tbsp butter

• 1–2 tbsp oil

• 2–3 tbsp curry powder (mild or traditional; adjust to taste)

• 1 tbsp paprika (optional for colour)

• 1 cup tomato passata or tomato puree

• 1 cup thickened cream

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional:

• 1 tbsp sugar (balances acidity)

• ½ tsp garam masala

• Fresh coriander for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the chicken. Heat oil and half the butter in a large pan. Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté aromatics. Add remaining butter, onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until soft and fragrant.

3. Add spices. Stir in curry powder and paprika. Cook for 1 minute to release the flavours.

4. Add tomato base. Pour in the tomato passata and stir well. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.

5. Add cream. Pour in the thickened cream and mix until smooth and creamy.

6. Return chicken. Add the chicken back into the sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

7. Season. Add salt, pepper, and sugar if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning.

8. Serve. Enjoy with steamed rice, naan, or roti.

Helpful Tips

• Chicken thighs stay tender and juicy, but breasts also work well.

• Add extra curry powder for stronger flavour or reduce for milder heat.

• Simmer gently after adding cream so it doesn’t split.

• Make ahead — the flavours deepen beautifully overnight.

Why This Recipe Works

• Uses simple supermarket ingredients.

• Mild, creamy, and kid-friendly flavour.

• One-pan method makes it perfect for busy nights.

• Quick cooking time with rich, authentic taste.

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• Easy One-Pan Garlic Chicken with Spinach

• Easy One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken

• Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta