Craving some Indian cuisine but don’t have all the usual ingredients on hand? This simplified 5-ingredient Butter Chicken recipe will bring the authentic flavors of India to your plate without the long ingredient list or the extensive cooking time. Simple yet flavorful, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want a quick fix of comfort food.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 37 minutes
Total Time: 42 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 jar (16 oz) of store-bought Butter Chicken sauce (ensure it’s a good quality one with authentic flavors)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Chicken (10 minutes): In a large skillet or pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is hot and frothy, add the chicken pieces. Cook until they are browned on all sides but not fully cooked through.
Add the Sauce (5 minutes): Pour the store-bought Butter Chicken sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Mix well to ensure all chicken pieces are coated with the sauce.
Simmer (20 minutes): Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This will ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly and has absorbed the flavors of the sauce.
Finish with Cream (2 minutes): Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and mix well. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes or until the sauce is heated through.
Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro if using. Serve hot with rice or naan bread.

Notes

While this simplified Butter Chicken is quick and easy, always make sure to select a quality store-bought sauce for the best flavor. You can also elevate the dish by serving it with some fragrant basmati rice or warm naan. For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of chili powder or some sliced green chilies to the mix. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 165mg

Pair this with...

Garlic Naan

Start off by activating your yeast: combine warm water, a sprinkle of sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl and let it sit until it's frothy. In a larger bowl, mix all-purpose flour and salt. Add in some yogurt and your frothy yeast mixture, mixing until you form a dough. Knead this dough on a floured surface until it's smooth and elastic. Let it rest in a greased bowl, covered, until it's doubled in size. In the meantime, finely mince some fresh garlic. Divide your risen dough into balls, rolling each into an oval shape. Sprinkle the garlic on top, pressing lightly so it sticks. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook each naan until it's puffy and has golden spots, roughly 2 minutes per side. Optional: brush with melted butter or ghee for added richness.

Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Begin with some ripe tomatoes and slice them into wedges. Take a cucumber and cut it into thin rounds. Mix them together in a bowl. Add a bit of olive oil and a splash of vinegar—red or white wine vinegar works best. Season with some salt and pepper to taste. If you've got some basil or dill on hand, you can chop that up and throw it in too.

Roasted Cauliflower

Begin with a head of fresh cauliflower, breaking it down into bite-sized florets. In a mixing bowl, drizzle the florets with a generous amount of olive oil, ensuring each piece gets its share of this golden goodness. Season with salt and pepper, giving it a simple yet effective flavor base. Spread the cauliflower out on a baking sheet, making sure they have enough room to breathe and roast evenly. Into a hot oven they go, transforming into pieces that are golden brown, with edges that are crisp and caramelized. The inside remains tender and slightly nutty in flavor. Pull them out, maybe give a sprinkle of your favorite herb or a squeeze of lemon, and serve.