Name: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon sweet paprika; ½ teaspoon curry powder; 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt; 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; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups heavy cream; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat); 1 teaspoon garam masala; ½ teaspoon curry powder; ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish); Naan bread; Steamed rice

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 9 reviews

If you are craving a rich, comforting dish that is bursting with flavor yet surprisingly simple to prepare, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. With tender chicken simmered in a luscious tomato and cream sauce kissed by fragrant spices, this dish brings the magic of Indian cuisine right to your kitchen without any fuss. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or want to impress guests with heartwarming comfort food, this recipe offers a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and buttery goodness in no time.

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward and most are pantry staples, but together, they create a vibrant tapestry of flavors and textures. Each component plays an essential role in building the sauce’s creaminess, the chicken’s tenderness, and the dish’s authentic color and aroma.

1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs: Perfectly tender and juicy pieces that soak up the marinade and sauce beautifully.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the chicken perfectly seasoned.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a gentle, savory garlic undertone without overpowering the dish.
1 teaspoon sweet paprika: Gives that lovely red hue and a subtle smoky sweetness.
½ teaspoon curry powder: Brings warm, gentle spices that create the signature butter chicken taste.
1 tablespoon Greek yogurt: Tenderizes the chicken while giving a slight tanginess that brightens the palette.
3 tablespoons vegetable oil: To sear the chicken perfectly and build the sauce base.
3 tablespoons butter (divided): The hero ingredient contributing unmatched richness and silky texture.
6 garlic cloves minced: Infuses a fresh, aromatic punch that lifts the sauce.
1 medium onion diced: Adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.
1 15-ounce can tomato sauce: The perfect tomato base, balancing acidity and sweetness.
1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the tomato’s acidity and rounds out the flavors.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides mild heat and complexity.
2 cups heavy cream: Creates that iconic creamy sauce that’s rich and indulgent.
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a subtle fiery kick if you want a little extra heat.
1 teaspoon garam masala: The essential Indian spice blend that finishes the dish with aromatic character.
¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant color contrast and a light herbal note.
Naan bread and steamed rice: Ideal accompaniments to soak up every delicious drop of sauce.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining bite-sized chicken thigh pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and creamy Greek yogurt in a medium bowl. This simple marinade does wonders by tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with fantastic base flavors, setting the stage for a juicy, flavorful bite in every forkful. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes to soak up all those spices while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook them evenly, stirring occasionally until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. This step locks in the juices and creates a beautiful caramelized crust that adds texture and depth to your dish. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside but keep the flavorful oils in the pan.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base

Lower the heat to medium and melt a tablespoon of butter in the same skillet. Scrape the pan to lift all those tasty browned bits, adding a splash of water if needed for deglazing. Toss in the minced garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt and sauté gently until the onion is translucent and smelling wonderfully fragrant. This foundation builds the rich, savory backdrop for your sauce.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and add the sugar, allowing the mixture to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps soften the sharp acidity of the tomatoes and meld flavors. Return the chicken to the pan and mix it all together. Then, slowly stir in the heavy cream, watching as the sauce transforms into a luscious, creamy, orange-hued coating that makes the dish irresistible.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Add the optional cayenne pepper for some heat, then sprinkle in the garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Let everything simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes, giving the ingredients time to marry and develop that signature balance of spices and creaminess you expect from butter chicken. Taste and adjust salt and spices as needed — every pot can have its own personality!

Step 6: Finish with Butter

Finally, stir in the remaining two tablespoons of cold butter, allowing it to gently melt into the sauce. This final touch creates an ultra-silky texture that clings to every piece of chicken, making each spoonful a velvety delight. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if you like, adding a burst of fresh color and an herbal note to the dish.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A simple garnish of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro not only brightens the plate visually but also adds a fresh contrast to the rich, creamy sauce. You can also sprinkle a little extra garam masala or a light drizzle of cream for an elegant finish that wows guests and family alike.

Side Dishes

This dish truly shines when served with warm naan bread or steamed basmati rice. The naan is perfect for scooping up that heavenly butter chicken sauce, while fluffy rice balances the creaminess and soaks up every flavorful drop, making sure nothing goes to waste.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your butter chicken in individual mini cast iron skillets for a rustic charm or layered over a bed of fragrant saffron rice for a colorful presentation. Pairing it with a side of cucumber raita or mango chutney can also introduce refreshing and tangy notes, elevating your meal into a vibrant experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Butter chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making leftovers just as enjoyable, if not better. Just remember to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to maintain texture and taste.

Freezing

If you want to store it longer, butter chicken freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion, and keep it for up to 3 months. This is a great way to have a delicious homemade meal ready to thaw and enjoy whenever you want.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your butter chicken is gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to distribute the heat evenly and prevent curdling of the cream. Adding a splash of water or cream can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals, ensuring it stays creamy and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs are juicier and more forgiving with cooking times, chicken breasts can be used if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook them to avoid dryness.

Is this recipe spicy?

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is mild by default but has an option to add cayenne pepper if you like a little heat. You can easily adjust the spiciness to your taste.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream and butter with coconut milk and a dairy-free butter alternative. This will create a different but still delicious twist on the classic flavors.

How long does the marinating time affect the dish?

Marinating for at least 15 minutes is enough to tenderize the chicken and impart flavor, but if you have more time, letting it sit longer really enhances the depth of taste.

What if I don’t have garam masala?

While garam masala adds an essential warm spice complexity, you can substitute it with a blend of ground cinnamon, cloves, cumin, and coriander if needed. However, try to keep it on hand for authentic butter chicken flavor!

Final Thoughts

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is a testament to how a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps can result in a dish that feels utterly special every time. It’s creamy, flavorful, and comforting—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll love having this Indian-inspired classic ready to brighten up your dinner rotation anytime you want!