Ever craved a dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, buttery sauce? This one pot Indian butter chicken recipe is your answer.
Infused with aromatic spices like garam masala, and enriched with tomatoes and cream, it’s a flavor explosion that can be made right in one pot. With ingredients you likely have on hand, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
Imagine the aroma of garlic and ginger wafting through your kitchen as you prepare this mouth-watering meal. This recipe not only saves you time on cleanup, but also ensures you’ll serve up a comforting dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
This Indian Butter Chicken is creamy, savory, and just the right amount of spicy—an irresistible combination that makes it a standout meal. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this recipe is straightforward and allows you to impress your family and friends with minimal effort.
Want a slow cooker Indian Butter Chicken recipe or a healthier version?
Don’t worry! I have options for both below the main recipe!
Rich and Creamy Bliss
Indian Butter Chicken stands out for its combination of chicken pieces simmered in a luxurious sauce made of tomatoes, cream, and butter. This dish is a wonderful representation of Indian cuisine, showcasing the use of aromatic spices like garam masala that transform simple ingredients into a flavorful masterpiece.
The magic begins with the tender chicken, which absorbs the rich flavors, enhanced by the warmth of garlic and ginger. Each bite is a harmony of creamy texture and savory taste that leaves a lasting impression. To truly appreciate this dish, it’s best served with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan, creating a comforting meal that soothes the palate.
Cooking with Aromatics
The journey to a delightful bowl of Butter Chicken starts with sautéing aromatic ingredients. The fragrant blend of garlic and ginger, when cooked in butter, creates a base that elevates the dish from the very first step. As the onions become translucent, they release sweetness that complements the richness of the sauce.
Incorporating these aromatics sets the stage for the chicken, which is added next. Cooking the chicken until it’s just right ensures that it remains juicy and tender, ready to soak up the flavors of the sauce that follows.
The Heart of the Dish: Sauce Creation
The sauce is where the true essence of Indian Butter Chicken comes to life.
Diced tomatoes provide a bright acidity that balances the creaminess, while the addition of garam masala infuses the dish with warmth and depth. Each spice plays a crucial role in creating a multifaceted flavor profile that defines this classic meal.
Allowing the mixture to simmer gives the ingredients time to meld beautifully, resulting in a sauce that is both comforting and rich. This is the moment when the kitchen fills with irresistible aromas, beckoning everyone to gather around the table.
Completing the Dish
The final step involves adding heavy cream, which transforms the sauce into a luxurious, velvety coating for the chicken. Achieving the right balance of seasoning ensures that every bite is just right.
Garnishing with fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness that brightens the overall experience.
Serving this dish alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm naan allows for a delightful combination of textures, making the meal even more satisfying. The contrasting elements of the dish—from the creamy sauce to the tender chicken—make for a visually appealing and delicious feast.
The Ultimate One Pot Indian Butter Chicken
This one pot Indian butter chicken is a rich and creamy dish made with succulent chicken pieces simmered in a luscious sauce of tomatoes, butter, and cream. The blend of garlic, ginger, and garam masala gives it a warm, aromatic flavor that makes it utterly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Cooked rice or naan for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger, sautéing until fragrant and the onion is translucent.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Cook until they’re no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, garam masala, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 10 minutes.
- Incorporate Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to heat through without boiling. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over cooked rice or with naan.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 480kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
Indian Butter Chicken Crock-Pot Version
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Transfer to Crock-Pot: Add the sautéed mixture to the Crock-Pot along with the chicken breast, diced tomatoes, garam masala, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Incorporate Cream: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and let it heat through uncovered. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over cooked rice or with naan.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–5 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (low) or 2 hours 10 minutes (high)
Healthy Indian Butter Chicken Conversion
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) no-salt-added diced tomatoes
- 3/4 cup unsweetened plain Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Steamed brown rice or whole wheat naan for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
- Cook Chicken: Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and no longer pink in the center, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in diced tomatoes, garam masala, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Finish with Yogurt: Reduce heat to low and gently stir in the Greek yogurt. Heat through without boiling to avoid curdling. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with brown rice or whole wheat naan for a healthier pairing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
Setting the Scene
To enhance the experience of enjoying Indian food, consider the setting.
A rustic wooden table adds warmth and charm, creating an inviting atmosphere for sharing this heartwarming meal with family and friends. The vibrant colors of the dish, highlighted by the rich reds of the tomatoes and the creamy whites of the sauce, make it not just a meal, but a feast for the eyes.
Pairing this dish with the right accompaniments and setting the table with care transforms a simple dinner into a memorable occasion. The shared enjoyment of food has a way of bringing people together, making every meal special.
This recipe is part of my 21 Amazing One Pot Dinners for Busy Weeknights. Just click that link to see all the amazing options!
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