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Quick Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe 15-Minute Easy Dinner Idea

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A quick and easy creamy butter chicken recipe that comes together in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights and packed with comforting, flavorful spices.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream (can substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels (about 5 minutes).
  2. Heat 3 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat, being careful not to brown or burn it.
  3. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the melted butter and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  4. Add chicken pieces to the skillet, season lightly with about 1/2 teaspoon salt, and sauté for 5-6 minutes until mostly cooked through and starting to brown.
  5. Sprinkle garam masala, ground cumin, and chili powder over the chicken and stir for about 1 minute to coat evenly and release aromatic oils.
  6. Pour in tomato puree, stir well, and let simmer gently for 3 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
  7. Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and optional plain yogurt, simmering for 2 more minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  8. Stir in lemon juice if using to brighten the sauce.
  9. Taste and adjust salt as needed; if sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or cream to loosen.
  10. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, and serve immediately with basmati rice or naan bread.

Notes

Keep stirring gently during simmering to prevent cream from separating. Use room temperature chicken for even cooking. Adjust spice levels by adding green chilies or cayenne pepper. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and butter with coconut oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter chicken, quick dinner, creamy chicken, easy Indian recipe, weeknight meal, garam masala, creamy sauce

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/quick-creamy-butter-chicken-recipe-15-minute-easy-dinner-idea/