Description
Right after the first spoonful of this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe, youโll understand why this dish has earned its place in so many kitchens. Tender yogurt-marinated chicken simmers in a velvety, spice-kissed tomato cream sauce that feels indulgent, comforting, and full of warmth.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 (24 oz) jar tomato passata
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine chicken, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, and salt
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes
- Heat oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large pot over medium-high heat
- Sear chicken in a single layer until lightly golden, then remove and set aside
- Reduce heat to medium and add remaining butter
- Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent
- Stir in ginger and garlic and cook until fragrant
- Add cumin, coriander, and garam masala and toast briefly
- Pour in tomato passata and simmer for 10 minutes
- Return chicken to the pot and simmer on low until fully cooked
- Turn off heat and stir in heavy cream and optional sugar
- Taste, adjust salt, garnish with cilantro, and serve warm
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze up to 2 months for best texture. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or cream if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 165mg





