Name: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Ingredients: 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; 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 for heat); 1 teaspoon garam masala; ½ teaspoon curry powder; ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish); Naan bread; Steamed rice

Alright, let me tell you about this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe that’s become a total game-changer in my kitchen. It’s exactly what I turn to when I want something cozy and flavorful but don’t have hours to spend cooking. The beauty? You get that rich, buttery, tomatoey sauce with tender chicken pieces that just melt in your mouth—without the fuss of complex ingredients or marathon prep.

What I love most is how versatile this recipe is. Whether you’re whipping it up on a busy weeknight or serving friends for a casual dinner, it hits the spot every time. Plus, since it’s homemade, you control the spices and creaminess so it’s as mild or as zesty as you want. Trust me, once you try this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe, it’ll become a staple you reach for on repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe brings together simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work beautifully as a team. Each one adds a layer of flavor, and I’ll share a few tips that help you get the best from them.

Skinless boneless chicken thighs: I prefer thighs over breasts because they stay juicy and tender, especially in creamy sauces like this one.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors throughout.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic punch without overpowering fresh garlic.
Sweet paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and beautiful color to the chicken.
Curry powder: A cornerstone spice that brings warmth and depth.
Greek yogurt: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds a slight tanginess to the marinade.
Vegetable oil: Good for sautéing without overpowering the dish’s flavor.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create the signature silky texture of butter chicken.
Garlic cloves: Fresh and minced for that aromatic base you can’t skip.
Onion: Diced finely to add sweetness and body to the sauce.
Tomato sauce: Forms the tangy, luscious base — canned works perfectly here.
Sugar: Just a touch to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Black pepper: For a bit of mellow heat.
Heavy cream: What gives the dish its creamy richness and rounds out the spices.
Cayenne pepper (optional): If you like it spicy, this is your friend.
Garam masala: The final flourish of aromatic spices that truly makes it authentically Indian-inspired.
Freshly chopped parsley (optional): A bright garnish that adds freshness to the final dish.
Naan bread and steamed rice: Perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce.

Variations

I absolutely love encouraging friends to make this recipe their own. Some tweaks here and there can completely change the experience, and that’s the fun of cooking at home. You can easily adjust the spice level, swap out ingredients for dietary needs, or add your favorite twists.

Use chicken breast instead of thighs: I’ve tried this when I wanted a leaner option, and while the texture is a bit firmer, it still tastes fantastic with the sauce.
Make it dairy-free: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free butter. I’ve done this for a friend who’s lactose intolerant, and it still turned out creamy and rich.
Add extra heat: If you’re a spice lover like me, doubling the cayenne or adding some fresh chopped chili peppers amps things up beautifully.
Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with paneer or tofu cubes. Cooking the sauce with these alternatives makes for a hearty, delicious twist.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Better Flavor

Start by cutting your chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks. Toss them with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. The yogurt not only adds moisture but also tenderizes the meat beautifully. I usually let this marinate for at least 30 minutes—if you’re pressed for time, even 15 minutes helps. Longer is better if you can plan ahead.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Till It’s Just Right

Heat vegetable oil in a pan and add half the butter. Once melted and sizzling, add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook over medium heat until they’re browned on the edges but not completely cooked through — this keeps them juicy. Setting the chicken aside once it’s partially cooked avoids overcooking later when it simmers in the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Butter Chicken Sauce

In the same pan, add the remaining butter and sauté minced garlic and diced onion until they turn soft and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Pour in the tomato sauce, then stir in sugar, salt, black pepper, garam masala, curry powder, and cayenne pepper if you’re using it. Let this simmer gently to meld the flavors — this is the heart of your sauce.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Simmering

Lower the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Return the chicken to the pan, mixing it well with the sauce. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly. Watch closely so it doesn’t boil vigorously and separate.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For me, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro brightens up the rich sauce perfectly. I also sometimes drizzle a tiny bit of extra cream on top for that restaurant-style look. It’s simple but adds that lovely visual and creamy note.

Side Dishes

I always serve this butter chicken with steaming hot basmati rice and freshly toasted naan bread. The rice is perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauce, while the naan makes a great hand-held option for scooping. Sometimes, I throw in a side of roasted veggies or a simple cucumber salad to lighten things up.

Creative Ways to Present

Whenever I have guests over, I like to serve the butter chicken in individual small bowls and garnish each with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Plating with vibrant sides like mango chutney and lemon wedges adds color and an extra flavor pop that everyone loves. It’s all about making it feel special but still approachable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The sauce thickens as it cools, so before reheating, I gently stir in a splash of water or cream to loosen it up. It keeps wonderfully for up to 3 days, making it a great option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

Butter chicken freezes surprisingly well. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. I recommend avoiding the microwave if possible to keep the sauce silky and the chicken tender.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the butter chicken slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a tablespoon or two of cream or water as it heats helps keep the sauce from getting too thick or sticking to the pan. This method keeps it tasting just as good as fresh.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works fine, but since it’s leaner, it can dry out more easily. To keep it tender, cook just until done and consider marinating it a bit longer. The creamy sauce also helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap out heavy cream for coconut milk and use dairy-free butter or oil instead. The flavor will be slightly different but still deliciously creamy and rich. Just keep an eye on the spices and adjust to your taste.
How spicy is this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?

The recipe is mildly spiced by default, perfect for most people who don’t want too much heat. If you enjoy spicier food, adding cayenne pepper or fresh chilies amps up the heat nicely without overpowering the dish’s signature creaminess.
Can I prepare the chicken marinade ahead of time?

Definitely! Marinating the chicken earlier in the day or even overnight helps deepen the flavors and tenderize the meat further. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated while marinating for food safety.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover butter chicken?

The best way is to gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of cream or water prevents the sauce from thickening too much and keeps the chicken juicy. Microwaving works but can make the sauce separate or the chicken tough.

Final Thoughts

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate every time I make it. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and flavor without any fuss, and I love how it always brings everyone to the table with smiles. If you’ve been on the lookout for an approachable butter chicken recipe that doesn’t sacrifice taste or time, this one’s for you. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love just like I did!