13 Delicious Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipes

Venture into the aromatic world of Indian cuisine with our roundup of 13 Delicious Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipes! Perfect for home cooks in North America looking to spice up their dinner routine, these recipes promise rich flavors and comforting warmth with minimal fuss. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend feast, we’ve got you covered. Dive in and discover your next favorite dish!

Classic Easy Indian Butter Chicken

Unlock the secret to creamy, dreamy butter chicken that’s faster than takeout. This version keeps it authentic but doable any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Add chicken, coat well, and marinate for 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor.
2. Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, reserving marinade. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes per side. Remove chicken.
3. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
4. Stir in tomato sauce and reserved marinade. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
5. Return chicken to skillet. Add heavy cream and sugar. Simmer for another 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
6. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

Final touch: The chicken is luxuriously tender, swimming in a rich, spiced tomato cream sauce. Serve over basmati rice or with warm naan to scoop up every last drop.

Creamy Easy Indian Butter Chicken

Forget takeout—this Creamy Easy Indian Butter Chicken is your ticket to flavor town with minimal effort. **Marry** tender chicken with a rich, spiced tomato sauce for a dish that’s straight-up addictive.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1. **Whisk** together yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt in a bowl.
2. **Add** chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
3. **Melt** butter in a large skillet over medium heat. **Sauté** onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. **Stir** in garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. **Add** marinated chicken to the skillet, discarding excess marinade. **Cook** for 5 minutes per side until lightly browned.
6. **Pour** in tomato sauce and bring to a simmer. **Reduce** heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
7. **Stir** in heavy cream and sugar. **Simmer** uncovered for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
8. **Garnish** with cilantro before serving.

Silky sauce clings to every bite of chicken, with a balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy. **Serve** over basmati rice or with warm naan to soak up every last drop.

Spicy Easy Indian Butter Chicken

Transform your dinner game with this Spicy Easy Indian Butter Chicken—**bold flavors**, **minimal effort**, and **maximum satisfaction**.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1. In a bowl, **combine** yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, paprika, cayenne, and salt. **Add** chicken thighs, **coat** evenly, and **marinate** for 1 hour in the fridge.
2. **Heat** oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. **Add** marinated chicken, **cook** for 5 minutes per side until browned. **Remove** and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, **add** onion, garlic, and ginger. **Sauté** for 3 minutes until fragrant.
4. **Stir in** tomato sauce, **simmer** for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. **Return** chicken to the skillet, **pour in** heavy cream, and **stir** to combine. **Simmer** for 10 minutes on low heat.
6. **Add** butter, **stir** until melted. **Garnish** with cilantro before serving.

**Wow** your taste buds with the creamy, spicy goodness of this dish. **Serve** over steamed rice or with naan for an authentic touch.

Healthy Easy Indian Butter Chicken

Unlock the secret to a creamy, dreamy Indian butter chicken that’s both healthy and easy to whip up on a busy weeknight.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp garam masala, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp turmeric, and 1 tsp chili powder. Add 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, coating evenly. Marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
2. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken, cooking for 5-7 minutes per side until golden. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté 1 diced onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in 1 can tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
5. Return chicken to the skillet, adding 1 cup heavy cream and 1 tbsp butter. Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Garnish with 1/2 cup chopped cilantro before serving.

Serve this luscious butter chicken over steamed basmati rice or with warm naan for dipping. The sauce is velvety with a perfect balance of spices, while the chicken stays tender and juicy. For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with coconut milk and enjoy the same rich flavors with fewer calories.

Quick Easy Indian Butter Chicken

Packed with flavor and ready in a flash, this Quick Easy Indian Butter Chicken is your weeknight hero. Bold spices meet creamy sauce for a dish that’s impossible to resist.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 can (14.5 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Add chicken thighs, coating evenly. Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
2. Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, cooking for 5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add onion, cooking for 3 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in tomato sauce, bringing to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Return chicken to skillet, simmering for 10 minutes until cooked through. Stir in heavy cream and sugar, cooking for 2 more minutes.
6. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

Golden and glorious, this butter chicken boasts a velvety sauce with a hint of sweetness. Serve over basmati rice or with warm naan for scooping up every last drop.

Vegan Easy Indian Butter Chicken

Make your taste buds dance with this Vegan Easy Indian Butter Chicken—packed with bold flavors and creamy texture, minus the dairy. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing your plant-based pals.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup diced onion
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup cubed tofu
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for 1 minute.
2. Add diced onion, sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
3. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Mix in garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and chili powder, toast for 30 seconds to release flavors.
5. Pour in tomato sauce, simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Add coconut milk, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
7. Gently fold in cubed tofu, simmer for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
8. Drizzle lemon juice, sprinkle chopped cilantro, and remove from heat.

Just like that, you’ve got a dish with a silky sauce hugging tender tofu, ready to scoop up with naan or pile over fluffy rice. The lemon adds a zesty kick that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Gluten-Free Easy Indian Butter Chicken

Craving something creamy, spicy, and utterly satisfying? This gluten-free Indian butter chicken is your ticket to flavor town—no passport required.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Add chicken thighs, ensuring they’re fully coated. Marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken, cooking for 5-7 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
5. Return chicken to the skillet, coating in sauce. Stir in heavy cream and butter, simmering for another 5 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
6. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

Perfectly tender chicken swims in a rich, velvety sauce with just the right kick. Serve over steamed rice or with gluten-free naan for scooping up every last drop.

Slow Cooker Easy Indian Butter Chicken

Viral for a reason, this slow cooker Indian butter chicken is your ticket to flavor town with minimal effort. Bold spices, creamy sauce, and tender chicken come together in a set-it-and-forget-it masterpiece.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, garam masala, ginger, garlic, turmeric, cayenne, and salt until well combined.
2. Add chicken thighs to the yogurt mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
3. Melt butter in the slow cooker on high setting. Add the marinated chicken and any remaining marinade.
4. Pour tomato sauce over the chicken, stirring gently to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
5. After cooking, stir in heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Tip: For a thicker sauce, leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
6. Serve hot over basmati rice or with naan bread. Tip: Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Creamy, rich, and packed with spices, this butter chicken is a crowd-pleaser. Try serving it with a side of cucumber salad to cut through the richness.

Instant Pot Easy Indian Butter Chicken

Zesty flavors meet effortless cooking in this Instant Pot Indian Butter Chicken. Bold spices, creamy sauce, and tender chicken come together in minutes—no takeout needed.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Add chicken thighs, coating evenly. Marinate for 30 minutes.
2. Set Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’. Melt butter, then add onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until onions are translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add marinated chicken to the pot. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Pour in tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Secure lid, set to ‘Manual’ high pressure for 10 minutes.
5. After cooking, quick release pressure. Stir in heavy cream and sugar until smooth.
6. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

Kick back with a dish that’s luxuriously creamy with a hint of spice. Serve over basmati rice or with naan for scooping up every last bit of sauce.

Keto Easy Indian Butter Chicken

Viral for a reason, this Keto Easy Indian Butter Chicken brings bold flavors to your table without the carbs. Creamy, spicy, and utterly satisfying, it’s a weeknight game-changer.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp minced ginger
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken thighs, cooking for 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in garam masala, turmeric, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper, cooking for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
6. Pour in tomato sauce, stirring to combine with the spices.
7. Return chicken to the skillet, coating well with the sauce.
8. Reduce heat to low, simmering for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
9. Slowly stir in heavy cream, ensuring it’s fully incorporated without curdling.
10. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
11. Season with salt to taste before serving.

Silky sauce clings to tender chicken, offering a rich, aromatic experience. Serve over cauliflower rice for a complete keto meal, or with a side of garlic naan for those not counting carbs.

Paleo Easy Indian Butter Chicken

Outrageously good and ridiculously easy, this Paleo Easy Indian Butter Chicken will have your taste buds dancing without the guilt. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels like a cheat meal.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp ghee
• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1. Heat 2 tbsp ghee in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted.
2. Add 1.5 lbs chicken thighs to the skillet, cooking for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure even browning.
3. Lower the heat to medium and stir in 1 tbsp garam masala, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Mix in 2 tbsp tomato paste and 1 cup full-fat coconut milk, stirring until well combined. Tip: Scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the flavorful bits.
5. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
6. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Tip: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish, so don’t skip it.

Silky smooth with a rich, aromatic sauce, this dish pairs wonderfully with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a complete Paleo meal. The bold spices and creamy coconut milk create a comforting yet exotic flavor profile that’s hard to resist.

Dairy-Free Easy Indian Butter Chicken

Spice up your dinner routine with this dairy-free twist on a classic. Bold flavors meet simple steps for a dish that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in garam masala, turmeric, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
4. Add chicken thighs to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes on each side until browned.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Remove lid. Stir in lemon juice and cilantro. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
8. Serve hot over rice or with naan for dipping.

Velvety coconut milk balances the heat, creating a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for scooping up with fluffy naan or spooning over steaming basmati rice.

Low-Carb Easy Indian Butter Chicken

Kick your dinner routine up a notch with this Low-Carb Easy Indian Butter Chicken—packed with flavor, minus the guilt. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Add chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.
3. Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and chili powder, cooking for 30 seconds to toast the spices. Tip: Toasting spices unlocks their full flavor.
6. Pour in tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2 minutes.
7. Return chicken to the skillet, coating well with the sauce. Cook for another 5 minutes.
8. Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream, and simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Tip: Keep the heat low to prevent the cream from curdling.

Rich and creamy, this butter chicken boasts tender pieces of chicken swimming in a velvety sauce. Serve over cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Conclusion

Delightfully diverse, this roundup of 13 Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipes offers something for every home cook, from quick weeknight dinners to slow-cooked weekend feasts. We hope you’ll find a new favorite to add to your rotation. Don’t forget to leave a comment sharing which recipe you loved most and pin this article on Pinterest to spread the buttery goodness!