Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Name: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
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

Delicious homemade butter chicken served with rice and naan.

By :

Laura

October 31, 2025

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Why make this recipe

Butter chicken is a beloved dish from Indian cuisine, known for its rich and creamy texture, vibrant flavors, and comforting aroma. This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe allows you to enjoy this classic dish right in your own kitchen without spending hours on preparation. Whether you are cooking for family, friends, or just for yourself, this recipe provides you with a delicious meal that is both satisfying and easy to create.

Making butter chicken at home means you can control the ingredients and adjust the spices to suit your taste. Plus, there’s a certain joy in preparing your food and enjoying the delightful results.

How to make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

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

Directions

Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces, 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix until the chicken is well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through. It’s best to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Once cooked, remove from skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and soft, roughly 5 minutes.
Build the Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Season and Simmer
Gradually add the heavy cream to the sauce while stirring continuously. For additional heat, add the optional cayenne pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Finish with Butter
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, garam masala, and ½ teaspoon curry powder. Let everything simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
Serve and Enjoy
Garnish your butter chicken with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.

Nutritional benefits

Butter chicken isn’t just tasty; it also has several nutritional benefits. The chicken provides a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. Full-fat dairy from heavy cream and butter contributes calcium and healthy fats. Onions and garlic add antioxidants and other vitamins to your dish, enhancing your overall health.

What to Serve With Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Butter chicken pairs well with various sides that complement its rich flavors:

Why You’ll Love This

Quick Preparation: You can make this butter chicken in under an hour, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
Flavorful: The combination of spices and rich sauce delivers a burst of flavor in every bite.
Customizable: You can adjust the spice levels, add vegetables, or use different proteins like paneer or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Comfort Food: Its creamy texture and aromatic spices create a warm, comforting effect, making it a favorite among many.

How to store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Storing butter chicken is simple:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: You can also freeze it for longer storage. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within 2-3 months for the best flavor.
Reheating: When ready to eat, reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

Tips and mistakes to avoid

Don’t rush the marinating process. The flavors develop when the chicken is allowed to soak in the spices.
Avoid overcrowding the pan while cooking chicken. This can lead to steaming instead of browning.
Stir the sauce regularly, especially as it thickens, to prevent sticking and burning at the bottom of the pan.
Taste as you go. Adjust seasonings according to your preference. Don’t hesitate to add more salt or spices.

Variation

For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use coconut milk for a tasty dairy-free option. You can also introduce vegetables like spinach or peas for extra color and nutrition.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can replace chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts. Just be sure not to overcook them, as breasts are leaner and can dry out quicker.

2. What if I don’t have garam masala?
If you don’t have garam masala, you can create a substitute using equal parts cumin, coriander, and a pinch of cinnamon.

3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace chicken with paneer or tofu and follow the same steps for a vegetarian butter chicken.

4. Is butter chicken spicy?
The spice level can be controlled. If you prefer a milder dish, simply reduce the cayenne pepper or leave it out.

In conclusion, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is a fantastic way to experience the flavors of Indian cuisine without the fuss. With its straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, you’ll be able to recreate this classic dish effortlessly. Enjoy it with your favorite sides, and indulge in this creamy, flavorful comfort food!