Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

When the cravings hit for something rich, indulgent, but attainable on a weeknight, look no further than this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. Imagine impossibly tender chicken bathed in a silky, spiced tomato cream sauce—bold, aromatic, and gently sweet. This dish harnesses timeless Indian flavors with modern accessibility, transforming pantry staples and a little yogurt magic into restaurant-style deliciousness right at home. Whether you’re a butter chicken devotee or a curious new explorer, this recipe brings the warmth and joy of a classic favorite onto your table in less time than it takes to order takeout.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this dish so rewarding is how each ingredient is purposefully chosen for maximum flavor and perfect texture. You don’t need a bunch of specialty products—these humble staples combine to create something extraordinary, from the tender marinated chicken to the luscious, fragrant sauce.

• Chicken thighs: More flavorful and juicy than breast, they hold up beautifully to a quick marinade and saucy simmer.
• Salt: Brings out the natural flavors in both the chicken and sauce.
• Garlic powder: Gives the marinade a deep, savory undertone—you’ll taste the difference!
• Sweet paprika: Adds that classic warm color and a mild, earthy sweetness.
• Curry powder: Instantly brings complexity and that essential Indian-inspired twist.
• Greek yogurt: Tenderizes the chicken while adding subtle tang and creaminess.
• Vegetable oil: Perfect for browning the chicken without overpowering the sauce.
• Butter: The heart of the sauce—using it at the end gives a luscious, glossy finish.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma.
• Medium onion: Diced and sautéed, it forms the savory backbone of the dish.
• Canned tomato sauce: Delivers body and depth; the shortcut to a velvety tomato base.
• Sugar: Just a touch balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the spice blend.
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce ultra-creamy and smooth—the secret to true comfort.
• Cayenne pepper (optional): Craving heat? Add a little or a lot—totally up to you.
• Garam masala: Classic blend for earthy sweetness and aromatic lift.
• Parsley (optional): For a pop of freshness and color at the end.
• Naan bread & steamed rice: Absolute musts for scooping up every last drop of sauce.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken thigh chunks into a bowl with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and a generous spoonful of Greek yogurt. This quick marinade not only injects flavor but also works a little magic on the chicken—making it tender and ready to soak up the buttery sauce. Marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prep the rest; if you have extra time, even better!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your oil. The sizzle is your cue to add the marinated chicken. Spread the pieces out so they brown rather than steam, and let them cook for about 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally until each piece is beautifully golden and cooked through. Once done, set the chicken aside—don’t wipe out the pan!

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base

Reduce the heat to medium and add a tablespoon of butter into those flavorful drippings. Start scraping up those delicious browned bits from the chicken, adding a splash of water if stubborn. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, sprinkle in a pinch of salt, then sauté until everything is soft and aromatic. This step builds a foundation of flavor that will permeate your sauce.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and add sugar. Let it bubble away for 2–3 minutes to mellow and blend, stirring gently. Return the cooked chicken (with any juices!) to the skillet. Now for the real transformation: pour in the heavy cream, and marvel as the sauce turns that classic rich orange. Everything comes together quickly at this stage, so keep stirring to ensure all the flavors are mingling in harmony.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Now, sprinkle in the cayenne pepper (if you love a bit of heat), garam masala, a little more curry powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Let everything simmer gently for 10 minutes. The chicken will soften even further, and the sauce will thicken to that dreamy consistency you’re craving. Taste and adjust your seasonings—you are the chef here!

Step 6: Finish with Butter

To finish your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe, swirl in the remaining cold butter. Watch as it melts into the sauce, creating an extra-silky finish. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a burst of green, if you’re feeling fancy. Take a moment to inhale—the aromas are downright intoxicating!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the butter chicken generously over plates of fluffy steamed rice or tear off a piece of pillowy naan. This is comfort food at its finest, meant to be savored and shared. Bask in the compliments—no one will guess how simple it was to make!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A little sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro is all you need to brighten up the bowl with color and fresh flavor. For an extra special touch, try adding a drizzle of heavy cream before serving or a dusting of garam masala right on top—a feast for the eyes and taste buds.

Side Dishes

Nothing pairs better with the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe than a warm stack of naan bread, perfect for scooping up every last drop of sauce. Steamed basmati rice is a staple, but you could also serve it with fluffy jasmine rice or even a side of roasted vegetables to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve butter chicken in a deep, wide bowl with a swirl of cream and a ladle of sauce-heavy chicken right in the center for a restaurant-style presentation. Or, try making fun butter chicken wraps using naan bread for a weeknight twist—simply add greens and a dollop of yogurt for a portable flavor bomb.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your butter chicken cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, it’ll keep wonderfully for up to 3 days—making lunches and midnight snacking dangerously convenient!

Freezing

The Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe freezes like a dream. Pack cooled portions into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep its flavor and creamy texture for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to reheat.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the butter chicken gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If you find the sauce has thickened, add a splash of cream or water to loosen it up. Microwave reheating works too—cover to avoid splatters, and stir halfway through for even heat.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works just fine for this recipe. Just watch the cooking time closely as breast meat can dry out faster than thighs. Marinating is key for keeping breast juicy and tender.

Is there a way to make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can create a delicious dairy-free version by substituting coconut cream for the heavy cream and using your favorite plant-based yogurt and butter alternatives. The sauce will still be creamy with a hint of coconut for extra flavor!

How spicy is this butter chicken?

The beauty of the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is flexibility: the default recipe is mellow and kid-friendly, but you can dial up the cayenne to turn up the heat to your taste. Always taste at the end and adjust to suit your spice preferences.

Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

Definitely! Marinating the chicken for a few hours or overnight will increase tenderness and infuse even more flavor. Just keep the battered chicken covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

What if I don’t have garam masala?

Garam masala is traditional but if you can’t find it, combine a mix of cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and a pinch of cloves or nutmeg. It won’t be exact, but you’ll still achieve aromatic, restaurant-worthy results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a splash of comfort and excitement to your dinner lineup, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is the one to try. Every step rewards your effort, delivering big flavor with minimal fuss. Gather your favorite people, serve this dish hot, and watch it disappear—you might just start a new weeknight tradition!

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