Name: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 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, or to taste; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups heavy cream; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1 teaspoon garam masala; ½ teaspoon curry powder; ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish); Naan bread; Steamed rice

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe—a dish that wraps up all the rich, velvety, and deeply spiced flavors of your favorite Indian restaurant dinner, right in your own kitchen! This vibrant curry features succulent chunks of marinated chicken, bathed in a dreamy tomato cream sauce that’s silky, aromatic, and perfect for scooping up with fluffy naan or steamed rice. If you’re after a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that tastes like hours of effort but is secretly weeknight-simple, this is the one recipe that belongs at the top of your list.

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is just how approachable the ingredients are—each element, from the creamy dairy to the aromatic spices, teams up to create layers of flavor, color, and irresistible texture. Gather these pantry-friendly staples and watch how they transform into something spectacular.

Chicken Thighs: Tender, juicy, and full of flavor, boneless chicken thighs are the perfect choice for maximum succulence.
Salt: Enhances every note of the marinade and sauce—start small and adjust as you go!
Garlic Powder: Adds warmth and a subtle backbone to both the chicken and sauce.
Sweet Paprika: Lends a gentle, smoky sweetness and that signature red-orange color.
Curry Powder: Provides depth, fragrance, and a subtle earthiness that anchors the dish.
Greek Yogurt: Naturally tenderizes the chicken and brings a touch of tanginess to the marinade.
Vegetable Oil: Ensures a golden sear while keeping the chicken from sticking.
Butter (divided): Melted into the sauce for richness and a velvety mouthfeel—don’t skip it!
Fresh Garlic (minced): Essential for building the robust layers of the base; use plenty for boldness.
Onion (diced): Sautéed until golden, onion brings both sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Tomato Sauce: Forms the body of that classic orange-red curry gravy; opt for a good-quality canned sauce.
Sugar: Just a little to balance and round out the acidity of the tomatoes.
Black Pepper: Gives a bit of subtle heat and sharpness to the sauce.
Heavy Cream: The secret to that lush, creamy texture everyone craves—don’t skimp!
Cayenne Pepper (optional): Add for a gentle kick if you like a touch more spice.
Garam Masala: Brings quintessential Indian warmth with cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and more.
Fresh Parsley (optional): For a burst of color and freshness at the very end—it truly pops.
Naan Bread: For scooping up every last drop of sauce—essential, in my book.
Steamed Rice: The perfect canvas for this creamy chicken and its golden gravy.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Let the flavors sink in! In a medium bowl, toss together the chicken thighs, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix until each bite-sized piece is generously coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes—this quick bath not only infuses flavor but helps keep the chicken wonderfully juicy and tender. While it marinates, get all your other ingredients chopped and ready for a seamless cooking experience.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat three tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes to develop a deep, golden crust, then stir and continue cooking for about 8 to 10 minutes, until beautifully seared and cooked through. Remove the chicken with tongs or a slotted spoon and set aside—don’t clean out the pan! You want all those flavorful bits for the next step.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base

Turn down the heat to medium and add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet. As it melts, use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious golden-brown bits left behind—these are cooking gold and will deepen your sauce. Drop in the minced garlic and diced onion, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent and the kitchen smells absolutely mouthwatering.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle in the sugar. Give it a good stir and simmer for a couple of minutes to mellow the sharpness of the tomato. Next, nestle the cooked chicken back into the skillet, coating every piece in the saucy goodness. Now, slowly pour in the heavy cream, watching as the sauce transforms into a gorgeous orange blush—this is the moment you’ll want to grab a spoon for “quality control” tastes!

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Time for the finishing touches. Sprinkle in the cayenne pepper (if you’re opting for extra heat), garam masala, an additional half teaspoon of curry powder, black pepper, and a bit more salt if needed. Reduce the heat and let the sauce gently bubble away for about 10 minutes—just enough for all those exciting flavors to meld and intensify. Stir occasionally, and taste to adjust seasoning to your liking.

Step 6: Finish with Butter

Just before serving, drop in the remaining two tablespoons of cold butter. Stir to melt, allowing the sauce to become extra silky and glossy. If you love a little freshness, scatter over a handful of chopped parsley—the pop of green is so inviting and photogenic. Your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is ready to steal the show!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle that luscious butter chicken over bowls of steamed rice or alongside pillowy naan bread. The sauce is pure magic—make sure everyone gets plenty. Gather your favorite people around and dig in!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A shower of freshly chopped parsley (or cilantro, if you prefer) brightens up the plate and adds freshness that beautifully cuts through the richness. For a little something extra, scatter on a few toasted cashews or a drizzle of extra cream—the contrast in textures and colors will make each serving look like it came from a chef’s kitchen.

Side Dishes

You can never go wrong by pairing your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe with the classics—steamed white rice and warm, fluffy naan to scoop up all that velvety sauce. Want to add a touch of color? Try a side of crisp cucumber salad or lightly sautéed peas for freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, turn your butter chicken into a cozy bowl dinner: layer steamed rice, top with chicken and plenty of sauce, then finish with cucumber ribbons and crunchy onions. Or serve everything family-style in a big platter, sprinkled with herbs, for a dramatic, shareable centerpiece at your next dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Let the butter chicken cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days, and the flavors only get richer and more complex as they mingle overnight.

Freezing

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is a freezer’s best friend. Simply portion the cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. When the craving strikes, you’ll have instant comfort food ready to go!

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the butter chicken gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid high heat to prevent the cream from splitting—slow and steady wins here! You can also microwave single portions, stirring halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs stay extra moist and tender, chicken breast will work just fine in this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. Just be careful not to overcook, as breast meat can dry out more quickly—marinating helps!

Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes! Swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The sauce will take on a rich, slightly tropical note, but still be ultra-creamy and delicious. There are plenty of vegan butters on the market as well.

What can I substitute for garam masala?

If you’re out of garam masala, you can mix equal parts ground cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and a pinch of cloves or nutmeg as a stand-in. While the flavor profile varies, it mimics the aroma the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is famous for.

How can I control the heat level?

It’s easy to adjust the spice to suit your taste. For milder butter chicken, simply leave out the cayenne pepper and reduce the black pepper. Want it spicier? Add more cayenne, or toss in a diced fresh chili when you sauté the onion and garlic.

Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors deepen and improve after a rest in the fridge. Make the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe a day in advance, then gently reheat before serving—your guests will never guess it wasn’t made on the spot.

Final Thoughts

If you crave a dinner that’s show-stopping yet totally hassle-free, you’ll fall hard for this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. It’s the ultimate comfort food, guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to share your table. Give it a try—you might just spark a delicious new tradition!

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 23 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. Tender chicken in a luscious tomato cream sauce, infused with aromatic spices, makes for a comforting dish that’s perfect served over steamed rice with naan bread on the side.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: Sear marinated chicken in oil until golden brown. Set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base: Sauté garlic, onion, then add tomato sauce and sugar.
Build the Sauce: Return chicken to the skillet, add heavy cream, and mix well.
Season and Simmer: Add spices, let simmer for 10 minutes, adjust seasoning.
Finish with Butter: Stir in butter for a silky finish.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with parsley, serve hot with naan and rice.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Indian