Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken | Easy Butter Chicken Dish, Stove Top Meals

It was a chilly Tuesday evening when I first attempted butter chicken at home. My kids had just finished their homework, the kitchen was full of after-school chaos, and I was craving something warm, rich, and comforting. I opened the fridge and found leftover chicken and a half-used jar of tomato paste. That night, I pulled together a quick and easy butter chicken dish that became one of our favorite stove top meals.

This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want a homemade meal that tastes like you spent hours on it. The flavors are deep and satisfying, but it comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for easy fall recipes dinner or a new dinner menu for the week, this dish is here to save your evening.

Why You’ll Love This Quick and Easy Butter Chicken

If you’re new to Indian-inspired dishes or want to simplify a classic, this easy butter chicken dish delivers. It’s one of those dinner ideas recipes that feel like a warm hug. Rich tomato gravy, warm spices, and tender chicken come together in a creamy, flavorful sauce that’s impossible to resist.

This isn’t just about comfort food it’s about convenience. With minimal prep and ingredients you likely already have, this easy butter chicken simple method brings big flavor without a complicated process.

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

This quick and easy butter chicken recipe is perfect for busy nights. With rich tomato gravy, warm spices, and creamy sauce, it’s a comforting Indian-inspired dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main

Cuisine: Indian

Calories: 425

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs cut into chunks
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp ginger grated
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 0.5 tsp turmeric
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp chili powder optional
• 0.25 cup tomato paste
• 0.5 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
• salt and pepper to taste
• fresh cilantro for garnish

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Equipment

• Skillet

Method

 

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté onions until golden, then add garlic and ginger. Stir until fragrant.
3. Add all spices and stir for 30 seconds.
4. Mix in tomato paste and sauce. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add chicken pieces and coat well in the sauce.
6. Pour in cream, stir, and simmer until chicken is cooked through—about 10–15 minutes.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Notes

You can customize the recipe by using yogurt instead of cream, swapping chicken for tofu or chickpeas, or adding vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers. Leftovers store well in the fridge for 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Ingredients for the Best Easy Butter Chicken Dish

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into chunks
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

This butter chicken with rice and vegetables makes a well-rounded meal, or you can serve it with warm naan to soak up every drop of that buttery sauce.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Quick and Easy Butter Chicken Simple and Delicious

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté onions until golden, then add garlic and ginger. Stir until fragrant.
3. Add all spices and stir for 30 seconds.
4. Mix in tomato paste and sauce. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add chicken pieces and coat well in the sauce.
6. Pour in cream, stir, and simmer until chicken is cooked through—about 10–15 minutes.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

These stove top meals don’t get easier than this. The sauce is creamy, the spices are well-balanced, and it’s ready before you can even set the table.

Why This is One of the Best Easy Fall Recipes Dinner

Butter chicken is warm, cozy, and packed with flavor making it one of the best easy fall recipes dinner options. When paired with rice or naan, it becomes a filling and complete meal that’s perfect for cool evenings.

Add this to your dinner menu for the week, and your family will thank you. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day.

Customizing Your Quick and Easy Butter Chicken

This recipe is flexible:

• Lighter version? Use yogurt instead of cream.
• Vegetarian twist? Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas.
• Extra veggies? Add spinach, peas, or bell peppers during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

These simple swaps make it even more versatile and suitable for a variety of dinner ideas recipes.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Butter chicken stores and reheats beautifully:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

It’s perfect for those times you need an easy butter chicken tasty dish in a pinch.

FAQ: Easy Butter Chicken Dish

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use coconut cream and plant-based butter.

Is it spicy?

It’s mild. You can adjust the chili powder to your heat preference.

What’s best to serve with butter chicken?

Rice, naan, or roasted vegetables.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes. Add it after the sauce has thickened and just warm it through.

Final Thoughts: Dinner Menu for the Week Just Got Better

When you’re planning your dinner menu for the week, don’t skip this quick and easy butter chicken. It’s creamy, comforting, and surprisingly simple. It fits perfectly into stove top meals that come together fast but taste like you’ve been simmering them all day.

Whether it’s a weeknight rush or a cozy weekend dinner, this easy butter chicken dish is here to impress. One bite, and it’ll earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation.