Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving something rich, comforting, and packed with bold flavors but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this dish comes together with simple ingredients and minimal fuss, yet tastes like something from a fancy Indian restaurant. It’s creamy, tangy, and just the right balance of spices – the perfect meal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress friends without breaking a sweat.

When I first tried making butter chicken at home, I used to think it always had to be complicated and time-consuming. But this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe changed everything for me. You’ll find that with just a few straightforward steps, you get tender chicken swimming in a luscious, buttery tomato sauce that’s so satisfying. Plus, it freezes beautifully if you want to meal prep or save leftovers for a quick dinner later.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe lies not just in its taste but also in its straightforward ingredients that you likely already have. These ingredients balance each other to build that rich, authentic flavor without any fancy hard-to-find items.

• Chicken Thighs: I prefer thighs because they stay juicy and tender even after cooking in the sauce.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds moisture and helps tenderize the chicken while giving a subtle tang.
• Garlic Powder & Fresh Garlic: Double the garlic means double the aroma and depth.
• Sweet Paprika & Curry Powder: These spices bring warmth and that classic butter chicken color.
• Butter: Essential for that rich, velvety finish—you don’t want to skip it!
• Onion: Forms the base of the sauce, giving sweetness as it cooks down.
• Tomato Sauce: The heart of the curry, providing the perfect tangy base.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy—you can’t really substitute this without losing the signature texture.
• Garam Masala: Adds that fragrant blend of spices essential for authentic flavor.
• Cayenne Pepper: Optional but recommended if you like a bit of a kick in your butter chicken.
• Salt and Sugar: Balancing salt and a hint of sugar round out all the flavors beautifully.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley at the end adds a lovely pop of color and freshness, but you can always swap it for cilantro if that’s more your style.

Variations

I love how customizable this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is. Feel free to tweak the spice level or swap ingredients depending on your dietary preferences – I’ve played around with it plenty of times and every version was a hit!

• Butter Chicken with Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free twist, I replaced heavy cream with coconut milk once and was amazed at how creamy and slightly sweet it turned out.
• Spicy Version: I bump up the cayenne and add some crushed red pepper flakes when I want extra heat, perfect if you like things fiery.
• Grilled Chicken: Try marinating chicken and then grilling or broiling it before adding to the sauce – it adds a nice smoky depth that my family loved.
• Vegetarian Butter Paneer: Swap chicken for paneer or tofu for a meat-free version; just cook it the same way for a delightful meal.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Tenderness

This step is where the magic begins. Toss your chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and creamy Greek yogurt. I like to let it marinate for at least 15 minutes—this not only boosts flavor but also helps keep the chicken super tender. You can even prep it an hour ahead if you have time, but don’t skip this part!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Lock in Juices

Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your marinated chicken in a single layer. You want to hear that satisfying sizzle! Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is beautifully golden and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this ensures even browning and keeps the chicken juicy.

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Butter Chicken Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, set it aside and reduce heat to medium. Add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet and deglaze by scraping up any yummy browned bits—trust me, that’s where the flavor hides! Then toss in the minced garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onion turns soft and translucent, filling your kitchen with the most inviting aroma.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer to Develop Deep Flavors

Stir in the tomato sauce and a teaspoon of sugar, letting it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. Then, return the chicken to the pan and pour in the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce transforms into that signature creamy orange color. Season with garam masala, curry powder, black pepper, and cayenne if you want heat. Let everything simmer on low for 10 minutes—this is where all the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Finish with Butter and Fresh Herbs

For that silky finish, stir in the last two tablespoons of cold butter and let it melt slowly into the sauce. I always sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top—not traditional, but I love the fresh contrast it gives. And voilà, your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is ready to impress!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it simple with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley because it adds a nice color pop and some freshness to those rich, creamy flavors. Some days I like to throw on a few fresh cilantro leaves or a drizzle of lemon juice to brighten things up even more.

Side Dishes

Nothing completes butter chicken like warm, fluffy naan bread to scoop up every bit of that luscious sauce. I also love serving it with steamed basmati rice — the fragrant grains balance the richness perfectly and soak up all the flavors. For a veggie side, simple roasted or steamed green beans or sautéed spinach work wonderfully to add color and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I’ve plated butter chicken in small individual bowls, garnished with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an elegant touch. Serving it with colorful roasted veggies on the side and some toasted naan wedges tucked in is always a crowd-pleaser. You can also use it as a filling for wraps or sandwiches for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens a bit as it cools, but it tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Just give it a good stir before reheating to loosen up the sauce.

Freezing

This recipe freezes like a dream. I let the butter chicken cool completely, then pack it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to eat, I just thaw it overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on the stove.

Reheating

I prefer reheating butter chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce is too thick. This helps prevent the sauce from breaking and keeps the chicken tender. Microwaving can work in a pinch, but I find the stovetop gives better texture and flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want to treat myself and my loved ones to something comforting, flavorful, and reliably delicious. It’s approachable enough for cooks of any skill level, but the end result tastes impressive enough to serve guests. I hope you enjoy making this buttery, creamy curry as much as I do—it’s bound to become a staple in your rotation just like it is in mine!

Print