Butter Chicken Recipe With Ready Made Sauce: Weeknight Shortcut to Creamy Curry

This professional method delivers creamy results without sacrificing flavor, using a quality ready-made sauce as the base.

Perfect for busy weeknight dinners, it transforms store-bought convenience into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Butter Chicken Recipe with Ready Made Sauce

Quality ready-made sauce plus a few fresh ingredients elevate this dish to restaurant standards.

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The chicken thighs are non-negotiable for texture—boneless, skinless ensures even cooking without drying out. Patak’s or Tikka Masala Co. ready-made sauces deliver authentic flavor without the prep. For the cream, organic heavy cream from Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s offers superior richness. The spices should be freshly ground for maximum potency; old garam masala loses its aroma quickly.

No ready-made sauce? Simmer 1 can tomato sauce with 1 tbsp each of garam masala, cumin, and coriander as a base. Substitute chicken breasts if you prefer, but thighs stay juicier. Greek yogurt can replace heavy cream at one-third the amount, though the texture will be less velvety. Frozen ginger works in a pinch (thaw first), but fresh is ideal for this dish.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it perfect for meal prep. Freezes beautifully for 3 months—portion before freezing for easy weeknight dinners.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Butter Chicken With Ready Made Sauce

This streamlined method delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal hands-on effort.

Step 1: Sear and Season the Chicken

Heat 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Season with 1 tsp kosher salt and 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper during cooking.

This initial sear builds a flavorful fond in the pan that will enhance the finished sauce. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed to ensure proper browning rather than steaming.

Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside. The pieces should be cooked through but will finish in the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the finely diced yellow onion and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Stir in 1 tsp garam masala, 0.5 tsp ground cumin, and 0.5 tsp ground coriander, toasting the spices for 30 seconds to deepen their flavors. This aromatic base creates the foundation for your sauce.

The spices should become fragrant but not burn—if they start to darken, reduce the heat immediately.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the 2 cups ready-made butter chicken sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the 0.5 cup heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.

Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it thoroughly in the sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly to coat the back of a spoon.

This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together while the chicken absorbs the rich, spiced sauce.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, though the ready-made sauce is typically well-seasoned. Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to settle.

Garnish with 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving. The cilantro adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy sauce.

Serve immediately over steamed basmati rice or with warm naan bread to soak up every bit of the luscious sauce.

Health Benefits of This Dish

Protein Power

Chicken thighs provide high-quality protein—about 35g per serving—with all essential amino acids for muscle repair. Unlike breasts, thighs contain more healthy fats that keep the meat juicy and satisfying. I find this makes the dish more filling for weeknight dinners. 💪

Rich in Antioxidants

The garam masala, cumin, and coriander in this dish are packed with antioxidants that fight inflammation. Turmeric (often in ready-made sauces) contains curcumin, a compound linked to reduced joint pain and improved brain function.

Vitamin Boost

Fresh ginger and garlic add immune-boosting properties, while cilantro provides vitamin K for bone health. The lemon juice adds a dose of vitamin C, which helps your body absorb iron from the chicken.

Heart-Healthy Fats

While butter chicken isn’t low-fat, the heavy cream and butter provide fats that help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K from the spices. Moderation is key—I balance this meal with a side of steamed veggies. 🥗

Easy Digestion

The combination of ginger and garam masala aids digestion, which is why this dish feels so comforting. The spices stimulate digestive enzymes, helping your body process the richness of the sauce.

Energy Sustainer

The protein and healthy fats in this dish provide slow-burning energy, keeping you full for hours. It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you need a meal that sticks with you. I always feel energized after eating it.

Frequently Asked Questions