Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
If you’ve been craving a creamy, aromatic Indian classic that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together easily in your own kitchen, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is about to become your new weeknight wonder! With tender marinated chicken cloaked in a decadent spiced tomato-cream sauce, every bite bursts with flavor and warmth. Imagine curling up with a bowl of this comforting dish—served with pillowy naan and fluffy rice—and realizing you made it all from scratch in way less time than you’d ever expect!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is not only in its iconic flavor but in how approachable the ingredient list is. Each component brings something special—whether it’s richness, depth, or that signature golden color—to create the magic of authentic butter chicken at home.
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy and tender, soaking up every bit of flavor.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the sauce—taste as you go!
- Garlic Powder: Adds convenient and even garlicky depth to the marinade.
- Sweet Paprika: Bright color and mellow heat without overwhelming the other spices.
- Curry Powder: A hint of earthy, fragrant warmth that defines butter chicken’s profile.
- Greek Yogurt: Tenderizes the chicken as it marinates, plus adds a subtle tang.
- Vegetable Oil: High smoke point and neutral flavor, perfect for browning chicken.
- Butter: Divided for both building the sauce and finishing with silky richness.
- Fresh Garlic: Six cloves for bold, authentic flavor you’ll notice in every mouthful.
- Onion: When sautéed, it melts into the sauce and deepens its savory backbone.
- Tomato Sauce: The backbone of the sauce—use a good, smooth variety for best results.
- Sugar: Just a pinch balances the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the flavors.
- Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity to the finished dish.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to luscious, velvety texture and beautifully rich color.
- Cayenne Pepper: Optional—but brings a delightful kick for those who like a touch of heat.
- Garam Masala: A warm, aromatic spice blend that signals true Indian flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: Optional, but brings a bright green pop and hint of freshness for serving.
- Naan Bread: Perfect for scooping and soaking up every drop of that dreamy sauce.
- Steamed Rice: Fluffy and mild, rice is the perfect backdrop for this rich, saucy curry.
How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and a generous spoonful of Greek yogurt. This quick marinade gives the chicken a head-start on flavor even in just 15 minutes—and the yogurt guarantees melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat up the oil in a large skillet. Once it’s shimmering, add all your marinated chicken pieces and cook, turning occasionally, until they’re golden on the outside and cooked through—about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside, but keep the seasoned oil in the pan for building your sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base
Turn the heat to medium and add a tablespoon of butter, letting it melt into the leftover oil. As you scrape up all those browned bits, savor the aroma! Stir in the minced garlic and onion with a pinch of salt—let them soften and become fragrant, forming the flavorful backbone of your curry.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and add your teaspoon of sugar. Let this simmer so the tang mellows—a couple of minutes is plenty—then return the chicken to the pot. Pour in the heavy cream and gently stir until the sauce turns that signature, gorgeous orange color that makes butter chicken irresistible.
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the cayenne (if using), garam masala, extra curry powder, and a bit more salt and pepper. Drop the heat to low and let the sauce gently bubble for around 10 minutes, so all those spices melt into the creaminess and every bit of chicken is coated in flavor.
Step 6: Finish with Butter
Add the remaining cold butter and let it melt slowly into the sauce for an extra-silky finish. If you’re feeling fancy, throw in some fresh chopped parsley for garnish! Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon everything into a big serving bowl or right onto fluffy rice, paired with warm naan. Dig in while it’s hot—the aroma alone will have everyone racing to the table!
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A final flourish of freshly chopped parsley looks stunning and adds a pop of color, while a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of extra garam masala elevates both presentation and fragrance. For the ultimate homemade restaurant touch, serve with lemon wedges for a bright squeeze over the top.
Side Dishes
This dish truly shines when served with pillowy naan (to scoop up every last drop) and a big mound of steamed rice. If you want to make it a feast, add a crunchy cucumber salad or a dish of tangy Indian pickles alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe in individual bowls, with a swirl of yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Or, for a fun party twist, offer it as part of a buffet with rice, naan, salad, and chutneys, so everyone can create their own dreamy plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Butter chicken actually gets better with time! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and the flavors will mingle and intensify, making the next-day meal even more delicious. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days.
Freezing
If you’d like to meal-prep or save some for later, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe freezes like a dream. Portion it out, seal well in freezer-safe containers (with minimal air), and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
For that creamy, silky texture, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if needed. A couple of minutes will revive the sauce to its original glory—just be careful not to boil, so it doesn’t separate.
FAQs
Is it possible to make the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe less spicy?
Absolutely! For a milder version, simply reduce or skip the cayenne pepper. You’ll still get loads of flavor from the other spices, but without the heat.
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
You can! Just keep in mind that breasts cook a bit faster and may be slightly less juicy. Marinate as directed and don’t overcook for the best results.
What’s the best way to get a silky, restaurant-style sauce?
The magic is in the cream and butter finish! Be sure to use heavy cream and add the butter right at the end, letting it melt slowly for that ultra-smooth texture you love in restaurant butter chicken.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Definitely! The Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is perfect for making ahead. Just reheat gently before serving, and you can even freeze it if needed—making entertaining stress-free.
What if I don’t have garam masala?
If you can’t find garam masala, you can add a little extra curry powder and a pinch of cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom for a similar warm, aromatic hit. Try to find it if you can, though—it really makes the dish special!
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s cozy, comforting, and surprisingly doable on a busy night. So gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family, and give this recipe a try—you’re in for a seriously mouthwatering treat!
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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe. Tender chicken in a luscious sauce infused with aromatic spices, served with naan bread and steamed rice.
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
Garnish and Serving:
- ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 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 marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet, cook marinated chicken until golden brown, and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Add butter to the skillet, sauté garlic, onion, then add tomato sauce and sugar.
- Build the Sauce: Mix in heavy cream and return chicken to the skillet.
- Season and Simmer: Add spices, simmer for 10 minutes.
- Finish with Butter: Stir in butter until melted. Garnish with parsley.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with naan bread and rice.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase cayenne pepper or add chili flakes.
- Adjust salt according to your preference.
- Feel free to customize the spice levels to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
Keywords: Butter Chicken, Indian Food, Creamy Chicken Recipe, Homemade Butter Chicken
