Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’ve ever craved the rich, comforting flavors of Indian cuisine but thought it too complicated for a weeknight, wait until you try this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. This dish captures all the creamy, spiced warmth you love from restaurant-style butter chicken, yet it comes together with surprisingly simple steps and ingredients. The marinated chicken thighs swim in a luscious tomato-cream sauce, perfectly balanced with garlic, aromatic spices, and a touch of butter that adds velvety richness. Whether you’re making it for family dinner or impressing friends, this recipe is a fail-proof way to enjoy a beloved classic in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this dish. Each one is straightforward but vital: the chicken delivers tender bites, the spices create that signature flavor kick, and the creamy sauce brings everything together with luxurious texture and a gorgeous color.

• 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs: Offers juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender during cooking.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors in the chicken and sauce.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds warmth and a subtle garlicky depth.
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika: Contributes a mild smokiness and vibrant red hue.
• ½ teaspoon curry powder: Brings that unmistakable Indian flair and spice complexity.
• 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt: Tenderizes the chicken while adding a slight tanginess to balance richness.
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for searing chicken without overpowering flavors.
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided: Imparts richness and smoothness to both the cooking process and finished sauce.
• 6 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic bursts, boosting fragrance and savory depth.
• 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and body to the sauce once softened.
• 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce: Forms the flavorful, tangy base of the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances acidity in the tomato sauce for a well-rounded taste.
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): Essential for seasoning the sauce perfectly.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
• 2 cups heavy cream: Creates the signature creamy texture and mellow flavor that defines butter chicken.

How to Make Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining your chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt in a bowl. This marinade is not only full of flavor but also tenderizes the meat beautifully. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow all those spices and yogurt to work their magic.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1.5 tablespoons of butter and the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. This combo ensures a nice sear without burning. Cook the chicken in batches until each piece is lightly browned, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and builds a flavorful base for your sauce. Then, set the chicken aside – it will finish cooking in the sauce soon!

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Using the same pot, toss in your diced onion and cook over medium heat until soft and translucent, around 5 to 7 minutes. This slow cooking draws out the natural sweetness of the onion, which balances the acidity later. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s aromatic but not burned – the garlic is the secret to that mouthwatering aroma!

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce along with the sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together, then bring to a gentle simmer. Letting the sauce simmer helps blend the flavors and mellow the harshness of the tomato, preparing the perfect stage for the creamy finish.

Step 5: Combine and Finish Cooking

Return your beautifully seared chicken to the pot, nestling the pieces into the sauce. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining 1.5 tablespoons of butter until everything melts into a silky, rich sauce. Let this simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes so the chicken can finish cooking and soak up all those luscious flavors.

Step 6: Serve

Give your sauce a final taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve your Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe piping hot, ideally alongside warm naan bread, fluffy basmati rice, or soft roti to soak up every creamy, spiced drop.

How to Serve Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing is a delightful way to add freshness and a little visual pop. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or a few slit green chilies on top to brighten the dish and add a mild herbal zing. A drizzle of cream or a squeeze of lemon can also complement the buttery richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This butter chicken pairs superbly with classic Indian sides like steamed basmati rice, fragrant cumin rice, or buttered naan. If you want to add some greens, lightly sautéed spinach or a fresh cucumber raita helps balance the richness and keeps the meal refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your butter chicken in mini cast iron skillets or individual ramekins for each person. You can also layer the chicken over a bed of quinoa or cauliflower rice to give it a modern, healthful flair. Inviting friends over? Serve alongside assorted pickles and chutneys for a vibrant Indian feast experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover butter chicken is a real treat! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your second serving even better in some cases.

Freezing

This dish freezes wonderfully. Pour the butter chicken into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop to preserve the creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat butter chicken slowly over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring often to prevent the cream from separating. Adding a splash of cream or water can help restore the sauce’s luscious consistency. Avoid the microwave if possible to maintain the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs are juicier and more forgiving during cooking, chicken breast works fine if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook it to keep the chicken tender.

Is this recipe very spicy?

This Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is mildly spiced to suit most palates. If you love heat, feel free to add extra chili powder or fresh chilies when cooking the sauce for a little kick.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative. This will give you a slightly different but still delicious version that suits dairy-free diets.

How long does it take to marinate the chicken?

At least 30 minutes is recommended for the spices and yogurt to tenderize and flavor the chicken. However, you can marinate for up to 4 hours if you want even more depth.

What is the best rice to serve with butter chicken?

Steamed basmati rice is classic because of its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture that soaks up the rich sauce perfectly. You can also try jeera (cumin) rice for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is like giving yourself and your loved ones a big, warm flavorful hug. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for any occasion, and the creamy, spiced sauce paired with tender chicken will have everyone asking for seconds. So why wait? Go ahead and make it your new favorite comfort food!

Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 35 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs marinated in yogurt and spices, seared to perfection, then simmered in a creamy tomato sauce. Ready in under 2 hours, it’s a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners served with naan or basmati rice.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and 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

Cook and 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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, ½ teaspoon curry powder, and 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt. Mix well and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse the chicken with flavor.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat 1.5 tablespoons of butter and 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in batches and sear each piece for 3-4 minutes per side until lightly browned but not fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside to maintain tenderness.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Using the same pot, add the diced onion and cook over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, building the base of the flavorful sauce.
4. Simmer Sauce: Stir in the 15-ounce can of tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste), and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Combine & Finish: Return the seared chicken to the pot. Stir in 2 cups of heavy cream and the remaining 1.5 tablespoons of butter until melted and well combined. Let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing the chicken to fully cook and the sauce to develop a rich, creamy texture.
6. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, accompanied by warm naan bread, roti, or steamed basmati rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor and tenderness, but longer marination up to 4 hours can deepen taste.
• Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures juiciness and faster cooking.
• Adjust the spices and sugar according to your preferred flavor balance.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
• Serve with fresh cilantro garnish for added color and fresh flavor.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian