Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Comfort food doesn’t get much better than the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe! This dish captures everything you crave from your favorite Indian takeout: tender chicken in a creamy, luscious tomato sauce, with a perfect blend of warming spices. It’s surprisingly simple to make at home, and brings that restaurant-quality flavor straight to your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or treating yourself to a weeknight feast, this butter chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is its straightforward ingredient list. Each element plays a special role in building those deep flavors, rich textures, and that golden color everyone loves in classic butter chicken.

• Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy and deliver rich flavor in every bite—perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning both your chicken and the sauce, balancing all those spices.
• Garlic Powder: Gives the marinade a punchy foundation of flavor—no need for peeling or chopping.
• Sweet Paprika: Adds a signature deep red color and gentle smokiness without spice.
• Curry Powder: A layer of warmth and aromatics that makes the chicken marinade and sauce pop.
• Greek Yogurt: Tenderizes the chicken while adding a tangy backdrop that’s irresistible.
• Vegetable Oil: Gets the chicken beautifully browned without overpowering the dish.
• Butter: The star player for that irresistibly silky, indulgent texture in every spoonful.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic saturates the sauce with savory, aromatic depth.
• Onion: Sautéed onion sets the gentle, sweet base for the sauce to build upon.
• Tomato Sauce: All the classic tang and body, without needing to fuss with fresh tomatoes.
• Sugar: Just a pinch rounds off the tanginess of the tomato, giving you that classic butter chicken sweetness.
• Black Pepper: For a quiet, pleasant warmth that complements the other spices.
• Heavy Cream: Where all the magic happens—a creamy finish that gives the sauce its luxurious consistency.
• Cayenne Pepper (optional): If you like things spicy, toss some in for gentle heat.
• Garam Masala: The classic spice blend that ties the dish together with notes of cinnamon, clove, and cardamom.
• Fresh Parsley: (Optional) Gives a burst of color and a touch of freshness on top.
• Naan Bread and Steamed Rice: For perfect scooping and sopping up every bit of that glorious sauce.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start off by grabbing a medium bowl and tossing in your chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and a generous dollop of Greek yogurt. Mixing really well is key here, so each little chunk of chicken is coated perfectly. Even if you only have 15 minutes to let everything mingle, it’s worth it—this simple step makes the chicken tender and loaded with flavor from the get-go.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Now, heat up the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spread out the marinated chicken and let it sizzle, stirring occasionally until the edges are golden and the pieces are cooked through (about 8 to 10 minutes). Once they’re done, scoop the chicken onto a plate and set it aside—but don’t wipe out the skillet! Those flavorful bits left behind will make your sauce even better.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base

Turn down the heat to medium and add in a spoonful of butter, letting it melt and mingle with those tasty browned bits. Scrape the bottom of the pan so nothing is left behind—feel free to add a splash of water if needed. Next, toss in your minced garlic and diced onion, along with a pinch of salt. Stir and let them cook until the onion turns soft and translucent, filling your kitchen with the most incredible aromas.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle in the sugar. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes so everything comes together. Now, return your cooked chicken (and its little pool of juices!) to the skillet, stir well, and pour in the heavy cream. Instantly, you’ll see the sauce transform into that signature dreamy orange color.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Time for the final flavors: Sprinkle in the garam masala, curry powder, black pepper, and if you crave a little heat, some cayenne pepper too. Reduce the heat and let the sauce gently bubble away for about 10 minutes. This gives the chicken time to soak up all that creamy, spiced goodness while the sauce thickens to perfection.

Step 6: Finish with Butter

Right before serving, stir in those last two tablespoons of cold butter. This step makes the sauce impossibly glossy and luxurious. If you want a fresh, herby note, sprinkle parsley right on top. Now, you’re ready to devour!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

The best part: Pile that creamy butter chicken high on a platter and serve piping hot with fluffy naan bread and steamed rice. Every bite is pure comfort!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Finish your butter chicken with a handful of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of green, or go classic with fresh cilantro if you prefer. A drizzle of cream over the top adds a pretty swirl and a touch more richness. For a final flourish, a sprinkle of garam masala brings out the dish’s warming aroma right before it hits the table.

Side Dishes

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe truly shines when paired with warm, pillowy naan—perfect for scooping up every drop of sauce. Steamed basmati or jasmine rice is a must for soaking up all the flavorful curry. If you want to round out your dinner, add a side of crisp cucumber salad or tangy pickled onions to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get playful! Try serving butter chicken in individual bowls with a swirl of cream and a dusting of paprika on top. Or, for a show-stopping party platter, pile butter chicken in the center surrounded by naan wedges and rice for easy serving. If you have leftovers, spoon the chicken and sauce onto baked potatoes or in soft bread rolls for a decadent twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Butter chicken is the meal that keeps on giving. Cool leftovers to room temperature and transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to three days, and the flavors get even more delicious as they mingle.

Freezing

For future cravings, you can absolutely freeze this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe! Let the dish cool, then store in freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll stay tasty for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

When you’re ready for round two, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to keep the sauce smooth. If it’s a little thick, add a splash of cream or water to loosen it up. You can also microwave single portions—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs give a juicier, more tender result, chicken breast works fine in this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. Just keep an eye out not to overcook, as breast can dry out faster—marinate well and don’t skip the sauce simmer step for best results.

Is there a way to make this dairy-free?

You sure can swap out the dairy! Use coconut milk or cream for the sauce, and a dairy-free yogurt for the marinade. The dish will still be luscious and full of flavor, with a subtle coconut twist.

How spicy is this butter chicken?

This recipe is mild and family-friendly by design, thanks to sweet paprika and just a touch of curry powder. For more heat, add as much cayenne as your taste buds desire, or offer chili flakes at the table.

Can I make the sauce in advance?

Yes! The magic of butter chicken is that the flavors deepen over time. You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge—simply simmer the chicken in the reheated sauce when you’re ready to serve. Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is a winner for meal prepping or dinner parties.

What’s the secret to getting a smooth, restaurant-style sauce?

The trick lies in simmering with cream and finishing with cold butter—never skip that last step! It makes the sauce glossy and silky. If you want it extra-smooth, you can blitz the sauce with an immersion blender before adding the chicken back in.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a cozy, flavor-packed dinner with minimal effort, the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe has you covered. Every spoonful is creamy, savory, and full of warmth—perfect for sharing with your favorite people (or keeping all to yourself!). Give it a try tonight and let your kitchen fill with the scents of your new go-to comfort food!

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