Dinner

Easy Butter Chicken Recipe

Name: Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 1 onion, diced; 6 garlic cloves, pressed; 1 tbsp garam masala; 1 tbsp curry powder; 1 tbsp ginger paste (or 1 tsp dried ground ginger); 2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp salt; 1/4 cup butter; 56 oz crushed tomatoes (2 large cans); 1 cup heavy cream

BySophie Carsel March 10, 2026March 10, 2026

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This easy butter chicken recipe brings the rich, creamy flavors of classic Indian cuisine right to your kitchen. Using shredded rotisserie chicken makes it quick to prepare without sacrificing taste. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal served over rice or with naan.

A top view of a white pot filled with creamy orange curry sauce, swirled with light cream and topped with fresh green cilantro leaves. A wooden spoon is placed inside the pot, partially covered in the sauce. In the background, there is a white bowl of steamed white rice on a white marbled surface, along with a blue and white checked cloth partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 onion, diced
6 garlic cloves, pressed
1/4 cup butter
56 oz crushed tomatoes (2 large cans)
1 tbsp garam masala
1 tbsp curry powder
1 tbsp ginger paste (or 1 tsp dried ground ginger)
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp salt
1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

Step 1: In a large stock pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and pressed garlic and sauté until the onions begin to turn translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add the crushed tomatoes to the pot. Stir in the garam masala, curry powder, ground cumin, and ginger paste until well combined.
Step 3: Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavor. If you prefer a smooth sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the mixture at this stage.
Step 4: Slowly stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated, then add the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir gently to combine and warm through.
Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm over steamed rice or with warm naan bread.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped green chilies along with the spices.
If you don’t have ginger paste, fresh grated ginger works great as a substitute.
Use light coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version with a subtle coconut flavor.
Allow the sauce to simmer longer for deeper flavor and thicker consistency.

Storage

Store any leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also freeze the butter chicken for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

A white pot filled with creamy orange curry sauce that has a smooth, thick texture swirling softly on top, sprinkled with fresh green cilantro leaves spread evenly; a wooden spoon rests in the center of the pot, partially submerged in the curry. In the background, a white bowl holds fluffy white rice, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can cook fresh chicken breasts or thighs separately and shred them before adding to the sauce. Cooking the chicken directly in the sauce is possible but may require longer simmering.

Is ginger paste necessary, or can I use fresh ginger?

Fresh grated ginger is a fine substitute for ginger paste and will provide a fresh, vibrant flavor. Use about the same amount called for in the recipe.