Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Tender, juicy chicken thighs smothered in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce — that’s the heart and soul of this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. This dish promises all the comforting flavors of your favorite Indian takeout, but you can whip it up right in your own kitchen on a busy weeknight. Whether you’re brand new to Indian-inspired cooking or an old friend of garam masala, this butter chicken offers bold, crave-worthy richness with just a handful of approachable steps. Grab your naan, fluff up some rice, and get ready for a meal that’s bound to become a repeat request at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe comes from its simple, flavorful ingredients — nothing too fancy, but every item packs a punch. Each element plays a unique role, making the sauce silky, the chicken tender, or delivering that signature pop of color and aroma.
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless for maximum tenderness and flavor absorption.
- Salt: Enhances all the spices and brings out the chicken’s natural savoriness.
- Garlic Powder: Boosts both marinade and sauce for extra depth.
- Sweet Paprika: Provides mellow warmth and that telltale butter chicken color.
- Curry Powder: Adds earthy complexity — used twice for layers of flavor.
- Greek Yogurt: Tenderizes the chicken and delivers tangy undertones.
- Vegetable Oil: The perfect high-heat partner for searing juicy chicken chunks.
- Butter: The star — it finishes the sauce with silky richness and authentic flavor.
- Fresh Garlic: Six whole cloves to give the sauce an unforgettable aroma.
- Onion: Diced and sautéed, onion creates a sweet, savory backbone for the sauce.
- Tomato Sauce: Canned works wonders, bringing tang and body without hassle.
- Sugar: Just a teaspoon balances all the acidity in the sauce beautifully.
- Black Pepper: For subtle heat and extra spice dimension.
- Heavy Cream: Two cups transforms the sauce into that signature rich, orange creaminess.
- Cayenne Pepper (optional): Like it spicy? Just a pinch does the trick.
- Garam Masala: Delivers that distinct, slightly sweet warmth you love in butter chicken.
- Parsley (optional): A fresh pop of color and herby brightness for garnish.
- Naan Bread and Steamed Rice: Essentials for scooping and soaking up all that delicious sauce.
How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining your chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt in a medium bowl. Give it a good toss, making sure every piece is well coated — the yogurt and spices work together to tenderize and infuse flavor. Don’t skip the quick 15-minute marination, even if you’re in a rush; this tiny window is the secret behind those deeply seasoned, juicy bites of chicken.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat up your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and add in your marinated chicken. Sear the pieces until they’re golden brown and cooked right through, which should take around 8 to 10 minutes. The outside gets beautifully caramelized, locking in all those spices, while the chicken stays unbelievably juicy. Once done, scoop the chicken out and set it aside — but keep that oil in the pan for the next crucial step.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base
Lower the heat to medium and melt a tablespoon of butter into your skillet, letting it soak up all the spiced, flavorful bits left behind. Toss in the minced garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt. Sauté these until the onions turn translucent and your kitchen fills with the mouthwatering scent of garlicky goodness. This is the aromatic foundation that sets the stage for your creamy sauce.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Now pour in your canned tomato sauce and sprinkle in the sugar, letting everything simmer gently for a few minutes. This quick simmer helps mellow out the tomatoes’ sharpness. Bring the chicken back into the skillet, then pour in the heavy cream and watch as everything blends into that classic orange hue. This step is where all the magic starts coming together.
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Time to add the rest of your spices: a dash of cayenne (if you want a little heat), more curry powder, garam masala, and a good dose of black pepper. Let the sauce burble away gently over low heat for about 10 minutes. This simmer gives the sauce time to thicken just right and allows all those flavors to meld and deepen. Taste and adjust the seasoning so every bite is as bold or mellow as you like.
Step 6: Finish with Butter
Right at the end, swirl in the last two tablespoons of cold butter. The butter melts into the sauce, making it silkier and adding a glossy finish that’s characteristic of an authentic Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. If you love a hit of color and a fresh herbal note, toss on a sprinkle of chopped parsley now, too.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Now comes the best part: Ladle your luscious butter chicken over fluffy steamed rice or scoop it up with billowy naan bread. Every mouthful is creamy, tangy, and perfectly spiced — totally blissful and all thanks to a surprisingly quick and easy process.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A finishing touch makes all the difference! Scatter fresh chopped parsley across the top for a burst of color and brightness, or go classic with a drizzle of cream in a pretty swirl. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, try a few leaves of cilantro or a sprinkle of crushed toasted cashews for extra richness and crunch. Every little detail brings out more of that restaurant-worthy charm.
Side Dishes
The best companion for the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is soft, pillowy naan — perfect for scooping up every last drop of creamy sauce. Don’t forget a bowl of steaming, fluffy basmati rice to soak up the flavors. If you want more variety, add a crisp cucumber salad or a simple plate of roasted or sautéed vegetables to offer freshness and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Invite guests to build their own butter chicken bowls with a base of rice, a scoop of chicken, and a spread of toppings like extra herbs, sliced chilies, or a spoonful of plain yogurt. For a fun party twist, serve the butter chicken as a filling for sliders or rolled up in warm flatbreads. Presentation is half the delight, so style your serving platter with a dusting of paprika or sprigs of herbs to wow your crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Butter chicken keeps beautifully! Once cool, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavorful sauce actually deepens overnight, making your lunch or next-day dinner even more irresistible. Just be sure to refrigerate your steamed rice or naan separately to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
Need to plan ahead? The Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe freezes like a champion. Cool the chicken and sauce completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. Pop them in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and you’re only a quick reheat away from an amazing meal.
Reheating
Reheat butter chicken slowly over low heat on the stovetop, stirring regularly and adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce thickened up. Microwave works, too — cover lightly and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. No one wants rubbery chicken, so go slow and steady for that just-cooked freshness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs offer extra tenderness and flavor, chicken breast works great in this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. Just be careful not to overcook, as breast meat is leaner and can dry out more quickly.
Is there a way to make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a vegan alternative and replace the cream with full-fat coconut milk. You’ll keep the sauce lusciously creamy while making it fit for dairy-free diets.
Can I prep the marinade in advance?
Definitely — prepping the marinade a day ahead makes this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe even more flavorful. Letting the spices soak in overnight gives the chicken an amazing depth that’s worth the extra wait.
How spicy is this dish?
The base recipe is mild and family-friendly, but you can turn up the heat by adding the optional cayenne pepper or even a pinch of chili powder. Always start small and taste as you go if you’re sensitive to spice.
What’s the best way to reheat butter chicken without losing texture?
Gently rewarm on the stovetop or in the microwave with a little extra cream or water stirred in; heating slowly keeps the chicken tender and the sauce smooth, tasting just as delicious as when you first made it.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as pulling off a restaurant-quality dinner in your own kitchen, and this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is the perfect place to start. Every creamy, cozy bite proves that making your favorite dish at home can be just as fun as eating it. Don’t be surprised when everyone comes back for seconds — or asks for the recipe!
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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. Tender chicken marinated in a blend of spices, simmered in a luscious tomato cream sauce, and finished with a touch of butter for a truly decadent dish.
Ingredients
Marinated Chicken:
- 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
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
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Serving:
- Naan bread
- Steamed rice
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, onion, then add tomato sauce and sugar.
- Build the Sauce – Add cream and chicken back to the skillet. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Season and Simmer – Add spices, simmer for 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning.
- Finish with Butter – Stir in butter until melted.
- Serve and Enjoy – Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice levels to suit your preference.
- For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken longer.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or peas.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 43g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 225mg
Keywords: Butter Chicken, Indian Butter Chicken, Homemade Butter Chicken
