If you’re craving a rich, comforting meal that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen, you’re in for a treat! This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe brings the luscious flavors of classic Indian butter chicken right to your table with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. Creamy, aromatic, and irresistibly delicious – it’s your new go-to weeknight favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy & Simple: Ready in just around 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings without sacrificing flavor.
- Bursting with Flavor: The perfect blend of spices, creamy tomato sauce, and butter creates that iconic rich taste.
- Family Friendly: Mild enough for everyone but with an option to add heat, pleasing all palates at the table.
- Versatile & Adaptable: Easily customized to suit dietary needs or personal preferences with simple twists.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe lies in straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to deliver a luscious, creamy dish with layers of fragrance and flavor. Each component plays a vital role—from tender chicken thighs to fragrant garam masala and fresh garlic.
- Chicken thighs: Skinless and boneless to keep the dish juicy and tender, perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Greek yogurt: Adds tang and helps tenderize the chicken when used in the marinade.
- Spices (paprika, curry powder, garam masala): These warm spices bring the authentic Indian flair and vibrant color.
- Heavy cream & butter: These are the stars of the sauce, making it luxuriously creamy and silky smooth.
- Garlic and onion: The aromatics that build a deep, inviting flavor base.
- Tomato sauce: Provides the subtle tang and rich body that gives butter chicken its signature taste.
Variations
This recipe is a fantastic canvas for creativity – whether you want to swap ingredients for health reasons or change it up to suit your taste buds. The base recipe is so flexible, you can easily tweak it without losing that classic butter chicken vibe.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra cayenne pepper or a pinch of red chili flakes if you like your dishes with a fiery punch.
- Healthier Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free, lighter twist.
- Protein Swap: Try using boneless chicken breast or even firm tofu cubes if you want a vegetarian take.
- Herb Twist: Instead of parsley, garnish with fresh cilantro for an earthy, citrusy finish.
How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and a generous spoonful of Greek yogurt. This marinade works wonders to infuse flavor and tenderize, so give it at least 15 minutes to soak in all those spices while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat your oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the marinated chicken until it’s gorgeously golden and cooked through—this takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, set the chicken aside but keep that flavorful oil in the pan; it’s the foundation for our sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base
Turn the heat down to medium and melt a tablespoon of butter in the skillet. Add the minced garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt, sautéing until they are soft, fragrant, and translucent. Don’t skip deglazing the pan here — scrape up those brown bits with a splash of water to add depth of flavor.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle in the sugar, letting it simmer for a few minutes. Return the chicken to the skillet, stir everything together, and then add the heavy cream. Watch as the sauce turns a stunning, creamy orange, signaling you’re on the right track!
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Now add the spice mix: cayenne pepper if you want heat, garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Let the sauce gently bubble on low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing all those rich flavors to marry beautifully. Taste test here and adjust salt or spices to your liking.
Step 6: Finish with Butter
For that signature silky finish, stir in the last 2 tablespoons of cold butter, letting it melt slowly into the sauce. If you want a touch of freshness, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Dish out your buttery chicken alongside warm naan bread and fluffy steamed rice to soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce. Dig in and savor the creamy, spicy goodness that makes this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe such a crowd-pleaser!
Pro Tips for Making Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Marinade: Even a short 15-minute marinade makes a noticeable difference in juiciness and flavor.
- Sear the Chicken Properly: Getting that golden crust seals in moisture and adds a lovely texture contrast.
- Low and Slow Simmer: Letting the sauce gently bubble allows all spices and cream to meld perfectly without burning.
- Butter Finish: Adding cold butter at the end creates that silky texture that defines a great butter chicken.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate this dish beautifully. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and fresh flavor. A drizzle of extra cream or a few toasted fenugreek leaves (if you have them) adds an authentic touch and makes it look restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This creamy butter chicken pairs perfectly with classic sides like soft naan or steamed basmati rice that absorb the luscious sauce. For a balanced meal, serve alongside a simple cucumber raita, roasted vegetables, or a bright green salad to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your butter chicken in a hollowed-out loaf of naan as a warm, edible bowl or layer it over a bed of fragrant saffron rice topped with toasted nuts and raisins. Little touches like a lemon wedge on the side or a sprinkle of chili flakes add a delightful finish that impresses guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover butter chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen overnight—making it a perfect next-day meal that tastes just as good, if not better!
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully. Portion the butter chicken into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream from separating. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine, but they can dry out more easily than thighs. To keep them juicy, reduce cooking time slightly and consider marinating longer.
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Is this recipe spicy?
This butter chicken recipe is mild by default, but you can easily adjust heat by adding cayenne pepper or chili flakes to suit your spice tolerance.
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Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a plant-based alternative and use olive oil or vegan butter instead of traditional butter.
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How long can I marinate the chicken?
The recipe calls for at least 15 minutes, but marinating for a few hours or overnight in the fridge will deepen the flavors even further.
Final Thoughts
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is truly a gem for anyone looking to bring bold flavors home without fuss. Its creamy texture, aromatic spices, and buttery finish make it a comforting dish you’ll want to enjoy again and again. Dive in with some naan and rice, and share the love around your dinner table!
PrintQuick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
A quick and easy homemade Butter Chicken recipe that delivers rich, creamy, and flavorful Indian-inspired comfort food. Tender chicken thighs are marinated and cooked in a luscious tomato and cream-based sauce, infused with aromatic spices and finished with butter for a silky texture. Perfectly paired with naan bread and steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
For the Butter Chicken Sauce
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 15–ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
To Serve
- Naan bread
- Steamed rice
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well to evenly coat the chicken. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside, leaving oil in the pan.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet. Deglaze the pan by scraping any browned bits; add a splash of water if necessary. Add minced garlic, diced onion, and a pinch of salt. Sauté until onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce and sugar. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes. Return cooked chicken to skillet and mix well. Pour in heavy cream and stir until the sauce turns a rich orange color.
- Season and Simmer: Add cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Let sauce simmer on low for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Adjust spices and salt to taste.
- Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter and let it melt into the sauce, creating a silky finish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice for a delicious, creamy Butter Chicken meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken even for a short time enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful results.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the heat level.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- The butter added at the end gives the sauce a smooth, rich texture.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freeze perfectly.
