The Ultimate Easy Butter Chicken Recipe

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is pure comfort in a bowl. With its rich, creamy tomato-based sauce and tender, marinated chicken, this dish captures the bold, warm flavors of Indian cuisine—right from your own kitchen.

It’s indulgent yet totally doable, making it perfect for easy weeknight dinners, healthy comfort food cravings, or when you want to treat your family to something special.

This easy butter chicken recipe gives you all the restaurant-quality taste, without the takeout bill or long prep time. It’s packed with flavor, simple to make, and guaranteed to become one of your favorite high protein meals for two or even part of your meal planning chicken rotation!

Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Let’s talk ingredients! The star of this easy high protein meal is boneless chicken — thighs or breasts. I personally love using chicken thighs because they stay super juicy, but chicken breasts work great if that’s what you have on hand.

You’ll also need a few pantry staples to build that rich, flavorful sauce:
– Tomato purée
– Butter
– Heavy cream

Then come the spices — the heart of this dish! A warm blend of garam masala, cumin, and chili powder gives this recipe its iconic depth. Fresh garlic and ginger brighten things up, while just a pinch of sugar balances the tang from the tomatoes.

And don’t forget the fresh cilantro at the end! 🌿 It adds color, freshness, and that final touch that really makes the dish shine.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or adding to your high protein meal plan, this dish checks all the boxes: comforting, flavorful, and totally crave-worthy.

Why This Butter Chicken Works So Well

There’s a reason this dish is a weeknight favorite—it’s quick, creamy, and packed with flavor. You can have it on the table in just 20 to 30 minutes, start to finish. That makes it perfect for easy weeknight dinners or healthy meal plans for two when time is tight but cravings are real.

No complicated prep. No hours of marinating (though if you have time, it does boost the flavor!). Just simple steps, pantry-friendly ingredients, and a rich, silky tomato sauce infused with warm Indian spices.

The blend of garam masala, garlic, and ginger melts beautifully into the creamy sauce, delivering that authentic restaurant-style flavor—without the takeout. 🍛

It’s kid-friendly too! Mild enough for the whole family to enjoy, but easy to spice up for those who love a little heat. Customize it to your liking, and you’ve got a high protein comfort food that checks all the boxes.

How to Make Easy Butter Chicken – Step-by-Step 🍗🔥

(This quick method is perfect for meal prep, busy nights, or when you’re craving cozy comfort food fast!)

1. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pan, heat a mix of butter and oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and cook until soft and golden brown. This step is key—those caramelized onions create a rich flavor base for the entire dish.

2. Add Garlic and Ginger
Stir in freshly grated ginger and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be sure not to let them brown too much!

3. Cook the Chicken with Spices
Add the chicken pieces to the pan along with tomato purée and your spice blend: garam masala, cumin, chili powder, salt, and a pinch of fenugreek if you have it. Fenugreek gives that signature Indian restaurant flavor (optional but amazing!). Stir well and cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes until it’s no longer pink.

4. Simmer in Creamy Goodness
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Let everything simmer gently for 8–10 minutes. The cream mellows out the spices and turns your sauce into that signature velvety, luscious texture. Stir occasionally and enjoy the aroma—it’s heavenly.

5. Serve and Savor
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Then serve hot over fluffy basmati rice or with warm, buttery naan bread. 🫓 Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top—it adds the perfect burst of color and freshness!

This is a high protein, comforting dinner idea that’s ideal for quick family meals, meal prep microwave lunches, or your keto meal plan when served without rice.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Butter Chicken Every Time 🍛✨
(Make it your own, whether you’re cooking for two or planning a cozy weeknight dinner!)

1. Choose the Right Chicken
Chicken thighs are the go-to for juicy, melt-in-your-mouth results. They’re perfect for high protein meals that still feel indulgent.
Prefer leaner cuts? Chicken breasts work too! Or, for a vegetarian twist, swap in paneer or tofu—great additions to any plant-based meal prep plan.

2. Adjust the Heat to Your Taste
This recipe is naturally mild, making it ideal for quick family meals or healthy comfort food even kids will love. Want to spice it up? Add extra chili powder or a chopped green chili for that extra kick.

3. Make It Dairy-Free
No dairy? No problem! Use full-fat coconut milk and your favorite plant-based butter for a creamy dairy-free version that’s still rich and flavorful. Perfect for those following a keto meal plan or avoiding lactose.

4. Marinate for Maximum Flavor
If you’ve got extra time, marinate the chicken in plain yogurt mixed with garlic, ginger, and spices. Let it sit for at least an hour (or overnight) to really deepen the flavor and tenderness. It’s a total game-changer!

These small tweaks help this dish fit into everything from a high protein eating plan to your list of best dinner prep meals.

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How to Store & Reheat Butter Chicken Like a Pro 🍲❄️

(Perfect for meal prep, leftovers, and ready-made comfort food!)

One of the best things about butter chicken? It tastes even better the next day! The spices deepen, the sauce gets richer, and the whole dish becomes even more comforting.

Storage Tips:
Let the butter chicken cool, then transfer to an airtight container.
– Fridge: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– Freezer: For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. It’s a great option for make-ahead high protein ready meals or part of your meal prep microwave lunches.

Reheating Tips:
Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat. If the sauce thickens too much, just add a splash of water or cream to bring it back to that silky, smooth texture.

This dish is a total win for healthy boxed meals, leftover-friendly meal plans, and cozy nights when you want something delicious without starting from scratch.

What to Serve with Butter Chicken

(Make it a full, satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special dinners!)

Butter chicken is all about that rich, creamy sauce—so you’ll want something to soak up every last drop.

– Fragrant basmati rice is a classic pairing that makes this a balanced, high protein meal.
– Buttery naan bread is perfect for dipping and scooping.
– Add a side of cucumber raita or a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast.
– For a veggie boost, serve it with sautéed greens or roasted vegetables—great for rounding out your healthy comfort food plate.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a cozy dinner for two, these pairings make your butter chicken even more satisfying.

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Final Thoughts – A Comfort Food Classic You’ll Make Again and Again

This easy homemade butter chicken is the perfect mix of rich flavor and everyday simplicity. Whether you’re just starting your Indian cooking journey or looking for a go-to recipe that never fails, this one delivers—every time.

Creamy, bold, and full of warm spices, it’s a dish that fits into your meal planning chicken rotation, works for quick family meals, and even makes great high protein microwave meals for later.

Give it a try tonight, and watch it become a favorite in your kitchen.

Enjoy every comforting, cozy bite—and happy cooking! 🍽️✨