Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

I’ve got to tell you, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites for busy weeknights. It’s that perfect combo of creamy, rich sauce and tender, flavorful chicken that hits all the right notes without requiring hours in the kitchen. Honestly, I love this recipe because it feels like restaurant-quality Indian food but comes together so fast that you can whip it up even on days when time isn’t on your side.

Whether you’re craving comfort food or want to impress your family with something special, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe really shines. From the juicy marinated thighs to the luscious tomato-cream sauce spiced just right, you’ll find it’s a crowd-pleaser every time. Plus, the simplicity means you don’t have to be a pro chef to nail this—trust me, I’ve been there, and if I can make it, you definitely can.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe plays a part in building those delicious layers of flavor and texture. I always recommend using fresh garlic and quality tomato sauce—it really makes a difference in taste.

• Chicken thighs: I prefer skinless, boneless for tenderness and best flavor absorption during marination.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavors, so don’t skip it or under-season here.
• Garlic powder: Adds a mellow garlic flavor without overpowering everything.
• Sweet paprika: Gives a subtle smoky sweetness and that lovely warm color.
• Curry powder: Key to that signature Indian flavor, choose a good blend you like.
• Greek yogurt: This tenderizes the chicken and adds a slight tang.
• Vegetable oil: Neutral flavor oil works best for cooking the chicken.
• Butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce; use quality unsalted if possible.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic adds punch and aroma to the sauce.
• Onion: Diced onion provides a sweet base to the sauce.
• Tomato sauce: I recommend a plain, good-quality canned tomato sauce for authentic taste.
• Sugar: Balances acidity from the tomatoes for a rounded flavor.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground gives a mild heat and complexity.
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
• Cayenne pepper: Optional, but I add it for that gentle heat kick.
• Garam masala: The finishing spice that punches up the aroma and taste beautifully.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor when garnished (totally optional).
• Naan bread and steamed rice: Essentials for soaking up every bit of that delicious sauce.

Variations

I love experimenting with this recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs. It’s super flexible, so feel free to tailor it to what you and your family enjoy most.

• Use chicken breast: I’ve swapped thighs for breast in a pinch; just don’t overcook it to keep it juicy.
• Dairy-free version: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and Greek yogurt with a non-dairy alternative for a creamy, dairy-free twist.
• Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or peas in the last few minutes for some extra nutrition and color.
• Heat it up: I sometimes add extra cayenne or a dash of chili powder when I crave more spice.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start by mixing your chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt in a bowl. The yogurt really tenderizes the meat while infusing those spices deeply. I’ve found that even a quick 15-minute marination makes the flavors pop—so don’t skip this step, but also don’t stress if you’re short on time!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Until Golden and Juicy

Heat three tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and then add your marinated chicken pieces. Make sure to spread them out so they sear nicely and don’t steam. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside, but leave that flavorful oil in the pan—it’s about to become part of your sauce magic.

Step 3: Build a Flavorful Sauce Base

Reduce heat to medium and add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Scrape up those delicious browned bits left from the chicken—they are pure flavor gold. Add the minced garlic and diced onion along with a pinch of salt, then sauté until the onion softens and becomes translucent and fragrant. This step is where the sauce starts transforming into something incredible.

Step 4: Simmer the Saucy Goodness

Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle in the sugar, then stir and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. Next, return the cooked chicken to the pan, mixing everything well. Now, stir in the heavy cream gradually—watch as the sauce turns that signature rich orange color you love. This is the moment where the magic really comes together.

Step 5: Season and Let the Flavors Meld

Add the cayenne pepper if you want some heat, then garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Reduce to low heat and let it simmer about 10 minutes so those spices mingle beautifully. Taste and adjust salt or seasoning as needed—this simmer is where the butter chicken gets its unforgettable depth.

Step 6: Finish with Butter for Silky Sauce

To finish, stir in the last two tablespoons of cold butter and let it melt into the sauce for an irresistibly silky texture. If you’re feeling fancy (or want a fresh pop of color), sprinkle on some freshly chopped parsley right before serving. That final touch elevates the whole dish.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top this butter chicken with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro when I have it on hand—it adds that bright pop of color and freshness that contrasts the rich sauce perfectly. Sometimes a drizzle of cream on top right before serving makes it look extra inviting too.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are soft naan bread and fluffy steamed basmati rice; they’re perfect for soaking up all that luscious sauce. You can also serve it alongside sautéed greens or roasted veggies if you want to add more texture and color to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the butter chicken in a warm cast-iron skillet right at the table, surrounded by small dishes of garnishes like sliced green chilies, lemon wedges, and chopped cilantro. It makes for a festive, interactive meal that feels extra cozy and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover butter chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this butter chicken with great success by popping it into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge—this saves so much prep time on busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the butter chicken in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of cream or water can help revive the sauce’s creamy texture if it’s thickened too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe has truly won a spot in my heart and kitchen. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels special yet is simple enough to make on a hectic day. I can’t wait for you to try it because once you do, you’ll have a go-to recipe that impresses without the fuss. So grab your skillet and get ready to savor something creamy, flavorful, and simply delicious—I promise, your family will thank you!

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