Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together super fast. Whether you’re whipping it up on a weeknight or making it for guests, the rich, creamy sauce with tender chicken hits all the right notes without any fuss.

When I first tried making butter chicken from scratch, I was amazed at how simple it was to get those classic flavors with just a handful of ingredients. You’ll find that this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe not only saves time but makes a meal that everyone will rave about at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe works together to build that rich, buttery flavor and tender texture. Don’t worry if you’re not used to Indian spices—I’ll guide you through what to look for and how to use each one.

• Chicken thighs: I prefer thighs because they stay juicy and add richness compared to breast meat.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing flavors in the sauce.
• Garlic powder: Adds a mellow garlic depth without overpowering fresh garlic.
• Sweet paprika: Gives a subtle smoky sweetness and vibrant color.
• Curry powder: Use your favorite blend, it brings warmth and classic Indian spice.
• Greek yogurt: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds subtle tanginess.
• Vegetable oil: Neutral oil like this handles high-heat cooking for the chicken.
• Butter: Key for that silky, rich sauce finish—don’t skip the last step with cold butter.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh, minced garlic really lifts the whole dish.
• Onion: Diced finely and softened to build a flavorful base.
• Tomato sauce: The heart of the sauce, choose a good quality canned tomato sauce.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomato sauce perfectly.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground for bite and warmth.
• Heavy cream: Creates luscious creaminess that defines butter chicken.
• Cayenne pepper (optional): For heat if you like your dish with a kick.
• Garam masala: Aromatic spice blend that brings all the flavors together.
• Fresh parsley: A simple garnish that adds a pop of fresh color.
• Naan bread and steamed rice: Perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.

Variations

I’ve played around with this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe quite a bit, and love encouraging you to make it your own. Whether you want it lighter, spicier, or dairy-free, there’s a way to tweak it without losing that signature flavor.

• Using chicken breast instead of thighs: It’s leaner but can dry out quicker, so watch the cooking time closely.
• Coconut milk substitute: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free, tropical twist I fell in love with during summer.
• Extra heat: Add more cayenne or a diced green chili if you like it spicy like my husband does.
• Vegetarian version: I’ve made this with paneer or tofu and it works wonderfully for meat-free nights.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

In a medium bowl, mix your bite-sized chicken thighs with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. This marinade not only flavors the meat but makes it incredibly tender. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes—you’ll see how the yogurt works like magic, almost melting into the chicken to make every bite juicy and soft.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken chunks and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal here is a nice golden sear on the outside while cooking through without drying out. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside, but keep that flavorful oil in the pan—it’s key for building the sauce.

Step 3: Build a Flavorful Sauce Base

Turn the heat down to medium, then add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Scrape up any browned bits from the chicken—that’s where the flavor is! Toss in the minced garlic, diced onion, and a pinch of salt, cooking until the onion turns translucent and sweet. This step fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and forms the rich foundation for our butter chicken sauce.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce and Add the Creamy Touch

Pour in the canned tomato sauce and sprinkle in the sugar, letting everything simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Add your cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to coat. Then pour in the heavy cream slowly, stirring until the sauce transforms into that lovely buttery orange color. This slow, gentle simmer is where all the layers of flavor marry together beautifully.

Step 5: Season & Finish with Butter

Sprinkle in the cayenne pepper (if you’re using it), garam masala, extra curry powder, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low for about 10 minutes so the flavors can develop fully. Finally, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter, which melts into the sauce for a luscious, silky finish that keeps you coming back for more. I sprinkle fresh parsley on top here just for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top because it adds a fresh, bright contrast to the rich sauce. If I’m feeling fancy, a drizzle of extra cream or a few fresh cilantro leaves really elevate the presentation and add a subtle herbal note.

Side Dishes

Naan bread is my go-to side because it’s perfect for scooping up every bit of that creamy sauce. I pair it with fluffy steamed basmati rice to soak up the butter chicken juices and keep everyone happily full. Sometimes, a simple cucumber raita or salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving the butter chicken in a beautiful shallow bowl, garnished with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Putting it on a wooden platter with warm naan and sides creates a cozy, restaurant-style vibe that impresses guests without extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling the butter chicken, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even better. Just make sure to cool it quickly and refrigerate promptly for best results.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! I portion it into freezer-safe containers and it keeps well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to preserve the creamy texture.

Reheating

I reheat my leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or cream helps loosen the sauce if it thickens too much in the fridge. This method keeps the chicken tender and the sauce silky, just like freshly made.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s fast, forgiving, and full of flavor. I love how it brings comfort and excitement to any dinner table with minimal effort. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s a delicious way to impress your family or guests without spending hours cooking.

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