Name: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 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); 1 teaspoon garam masala; ½ teaspoon curry powder; ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish); Naan bread; Steamed rice

Jump to Recipe

When nothing but a cozy, flavorful Indian classic will do, look no further than this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. Built on tender chicken thighs and a creamy, deeply spiced tomato sauce, it’s pure comfort on a plate—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen. With approachable ingredients and step-by-step guidance, you’ll have this crowd-pleaser on the table fast—and everyone will be asking for seconds! Dive in, and embrace the magic of making this restaurant favorite right in your own home.

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe relies on a handful of foundational ingredients, each bringing its own charm to the mix. From aromatic spices to velvety cream, every item has a role in crafting the signature richness and bold colors of the dish.

Chicken Thighs: Juicy, boneless, skinless thighs ensure the chicken stays tender and flavorful after simmering in the sauce.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors—don’t skip the pinch as you layer the recipe.
Garlic Powder: Adds depth to the marinade for even more savory flavor in every bite.
Sweet Paprika: Delivers gorgeous color and a subtle sweetness to balance the savory spices.
Curry Powder: A warm, earthy backbone for both marinade and sauce—you’ll use it twice in this recipe.
Greek Yogurt: Tenderizes the chicken and helps the spices coat each piece beautifully.
Vegetable Oil: Gives the chicken the perfect golden sear while keeping things light.
Butter: The star of the show—used in stages for that buttery finish that defines the dish.
Garlic (Fresh): Six cloves bring unmistakable aroma and flavor to the sauce, so don’t be shy!
Onion: A diced onion creates the sweet, mellow base for the sauce’s layers of flavor.
Tomato Sauce: Velvety and slightly tangy, it forms the foundation of the rich, orange sauce.
Sugar: Just a bit brightens and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and savory warmth to round out the spice profile.
Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious creaminess and that iconic butter chicken texture.
Cayenne Pepper (Optional): If you like a little heat, add a touch for a gentle kick.
Garam Masala: This fragrant spice blend delivers classic Indian flavor and aromatic depth.
Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness before serving.
Naan Bread: Perfect for scooping every last bit of sauce—a must for the full experience.
Steamed Rice: The fluffy sidekick to soak up all the buttery, spiced sauce.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing the chicken thighs in a bowl with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mixing well ensures every piece is coated with flavor. Give the marinade at least 15 minutes to work its magic—the yogurt and spices will start tenderizing the chicken as you prep other ingredients. Even a short marination makes a big difference.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and let it sear, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through—about 8 to 10 minutes. Don’t rush this part: getting that caramelized exterior locks in all the flavor and keeps the chicken juicy. Once done, set the chicken aside, leaving those delicious browned bits (and oil) in the pan for building your sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base

Turn down the heat to medium and add one tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful bits left by the chicken—add a splash of water if you need extra help. Toss in your minced garlic and diced onion with just a pinch of salt, then sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the kitchen smells heavenly. This base is the secret to depth in every bite.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle with sugar, letting things bubble away for a few minutes so the flavors meld and mellow. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, making sure it’s nestled into the sauce, then add the heavy cream. Stir gently as the mixture transforms into a gorgeous, creamy orange sauce—the signature look of a great Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Now, it’s time to really lock in all those classic butter chicken flavors. Add the cayenne pepper (if you love heat), garam masala, an extra hit of curry powder, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently on low heat for about 10 minutes, which allows all the flavors to meld and the chicken to become incredibly tender. Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed.

Step 6: Finish with Butter

Just before serving, stir in the remaining two tablespoons of cold butter. This final addition melts into the sauce, creating a silky, glossy finish. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Now it’s ready to serve up and enjoy!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A fresh sprinkle of parsley (or cilantro if you prefer) adds a burst of color and a subtle herbaceous note. For a little extra indulgence, a drizzle of cream swirled over your finished dish makes for a stunning—and delicious—presentation.

Side Dishes

Nothing beats the classic combination of pillowy naan bread and fluffy steamed rice for scooping up that luscious sauce. If you like variety, add roasted or grilled veggies on the side, or even a simple green salad to balance the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the butter chicken in individual bowls over rice, with wedges of naan tucked alongside. Or, fill small naan or roti with butter chicken like wraps for an easy, grab-and-go approach—perfect for gatherings or family-style dining. You can even spoon the creamy chicken over baked potatoes for a fusion comfort meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish tastes just as amazing the next day! Once cooled to room temperature, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge. The flavors deepen overnight, making for an extra-delicious lunch or repeat dinner.

Freezing

The Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is freezer-friendly, making it perfect for meal prep. Let the butter chicken cool, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat from frozen.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a skillet on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce needs loosening. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Either way, the flavors will be just as irresistible as the day you made it!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs stay extra juicy, chicken breast works well if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook, as breasts can become dry more quickly. Marinating helps keep them tender.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

You can swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use your favorite dairy-free yogurt in the marinade. The results are still wonderfully creamy and rich, with a slightly different flavor profile that’s equally delicious.

What if I don’t have garam masala?

If you don’t have garam masala, try mixing equal parts ground cumin, coriander, cardamom, black pepper, and a pinch each of cinnamon and cloves. Or, simply skip it—the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is forgiving and will still taste great!

How spicy is this butter chicken?

This dish is naturally mild, but you control the heat. Add cayenne pepper for extra kick, or leave it out for a gentle, family-friendly flavor profile. It’s very adaptable, so adjust to suit your taste.

Can I make the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making it ahead allows the flavors to deepen. Store the finished dish in the fridge or freezer, then reheat as needed for an easy, stress-free meal later in the week.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe a try—it’s a game changer for bringing restaurant-quality flavor to your own kitchen, fast. Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready for big smiles around your table!

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 17 reviews

Author: Chloe
Total Time: 40 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 marinated chicken cooked in a luscious tomato cream sauce, infused with aromatic spices, and finished with a touch of butter. It’s a classic Indian dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken – In a medium bowl, combine chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Cook the Chicken – Cook marinated chicken in oil until golden brown. Set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base – Sauté garlic and onion in butter. Add tomato sauce and sugar.
Build the Sauce – Add chicken, heavy cream, and spices. Stir until well combined.
Season and Simmer – Let the sauce simmer with spices for 10 minutes.
Finish with Butter – Stir in butter for a silky finish.
Serve and Enjoy – Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Frying, Simmering
Cuisine: Indian