Name: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 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

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Butter chicken is a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that is loved by many for its rich, aromatic sauce and tender chicken. This quick and easy homemade version brings all the deliciousness of a restaurant-style butter chicken into your kitchen with minimal effort. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s simple to prepare and will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Homemade Butter Chicken recipe is a breeze to make, yet packs a punch with its deliciously spiced, creamy sauce and juicy chicken. The marinade gives the chicken a depth of flavor, while the butter chicken sauce is indulgently creamy, tangy, and perfectly seasoned. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day—perfect for serving with naan bread or steamed rice.

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Marinade

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

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)
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)

To Serve

Naan bread
Steamed rice

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Chicken & Marinade:

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well until all the chicken is evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20-30 minutes, or longer if you have time.

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.
Add Tomato Sauce & Seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
Add Cream: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened and creamy.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to coat the chicken in the sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Garnish & Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve the butter chicken over steamed rice with naan bread on the side.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe serves about 4 people.
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (not including marinating time)

Variations

Spicier Version: If you like your butter chicken spicier, increase the cayenne pepper or add some finely chopped green chilies when making the sauce.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with paneer or tofu for a vegetarian option. Follow the same steps for cooking the paneer or tofu and adding it to the sauce.
Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, replace the butter with more vegetable oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Be sure to check that the yogurt used in the marinade is also dairy-free if needed.
Add Vegetables: For added nutrition, you can throw in some vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or spinach towards the end of cooking.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the butter chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but thighs are generally juicier and more tender. If using breasts, cook them for a slightly shorter time to avoid drying them out.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time, even the night before. The butter chicken sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer a bit longer until it reduces to your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) to the sauce to thicken it quickly.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to thaw it completely before marinating and cooking.

Can I freeze the butter chicken?

Yes, this dish freezes well! Let it cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this butter chicken recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any gluten-based ingredients. However, make sure the naan bread and any sides you serve with it are also gluten-free if needed.

What is garam masala?

Garam masala is a popular Indian spice blend that typically includes cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and other spices. It adds a warm, aromatic flavor to dishes like butter chicken.

Can I add other spices to the sauce?

Absolutely! If you like more complexity in the flavor, you can add spices such as turmeric, cinnamon, or ground ginger. Just be sure to adjust to your taste.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes, you can add more cayenne pepper or chili flakes for extra heat. You could also add some finely chopped green chilies or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.

Conclusion

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe is perfect for when you’re craving a flavorful, creamy, and comforting dish. It’s simple enough to prepare on a busy weeknight but tastes like something you’d enjoy at your favorite Indian restaurant. Serve it with warm naan and fluffy rice for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love!

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe