If you’ve ever craved a rich, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug, then this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is just what you need. It perfectly balances creamy tomato goodness with tender spices, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special treat, this recipe is designed to bring restaurant-quality butter chicken right into your own kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple yet powerful ingredients. Each one has a role: spices bring warmth and depth, dairy adds creaminess, and fresh aromatics build that irresistible foundation.
- 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, thighs hold moisture well and absorb flavors better than chicken breast.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out all the natural flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlicky punch without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika: Brings a mild smokiness and beautiful color to the chicken marinade.
- ½ teaspoon curry powder: A key spice blend that introduces warmth and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds a gentle tang to the marinade.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for sautéing without affecting the flavor.
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided: Butter enriches the sauce with silky texture and depth.
- 6 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic elevates the sauce with aromatic sharpness.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Onions add sweetness and body to the sauce as they soften.
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce: The tomato base gives the dish its signature tangy richness.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomato sauce perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): For seasoning the sauce to perfection.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Cream rounds out the sauce with luxurious smoothness.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): A pinch adds a gentle kick for those who love spice.
- 1 teaspoon garam masala: A fragrant spice blend that punctuates the flavor profile with warmth.
- ½ teaspoon curry powder: Reinforces the intricate flavor layers of the sauce.
- ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by giving the chicken thighs a flavorful bath in a simple marinade made from salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and creamy Greek yogurt. This combination not only seasons the chicken but tenderizes it beautifully. After mixing, pop it into the fridge for at least 15 minutes so all those spices seep in.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Onion
While the chicken marinates, grab your skillet and warm up the vegetable oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and diced onion, stirring until they turn soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness and setting a delightful base for the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce followed by sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, and optional cayenne pepper for a hint of heat. Mix in your garam masala and extra curry powder. Let this flavorful sauce gently simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a luscious, creamy blend.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
In a separate pan, cook your marinated chicken over medium heat until beautifully browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. This step locks in the juiciness and gives the chicken a lovely color, making every bite irresistible.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Transfer the cooked chicken into the skillet with your rich tomato cream sauce. Stir in the remaining butter to add a final layer of richness, then let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes. This melds the flavors perfectly and ensures the chicken is coated in that velvety sauce you’ll want to savor.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your dish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro right before serving. Not only does this add a burst of color, but it also injects a fresh, herbaceous note that wonderfully balances the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
Butter chicken pairs magnificently with fluffy basmati rice, which soaks up every drop of that delicious sauce. You can also serve it with warm naan bread for scooping, or a side of roasted vegetables to add some texture and freshness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this dish in a bread bowl made from hollowed-out naan or pita. Or layer it over roasted cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative. Small ramekins of the saucy chicken also make great individual portions for dinner parties that impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover butter chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy evenings.
Freezing
This recipe freezes exceptionally well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in a microwave, stirring occasionally so the sauce stays smooth and the chicken doesn’t dry out. Adding a splash of cream or water can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work fine, but be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out quicker than thighs. Marinating well helps retain moisture.
Is this recipe very spicy?
Not unless you add the cayenne pepper. The base recipe offers gentle warmth and aromatic spices, making it kid-friendly and appealing to most palates.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and replace butter with a plant-based alternative. The dish will still be creamy and delicious but with a slight coconut undertone.
How long does the marinating step need to be?
While 15 minutes is enough for a quick marinade, if you have extra time, letting it sit for several hours or overnight will deepen the flavors and tenderness even further.
What’s the best way to serve butter chicken for meal prep?
Divide portions into containers with rice and a vegetable side on the side. This keeps everything fresh and ready to heat for a satisfying, balanced lunch or dinner.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about preparing this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe in your own kitchen. With its creamy tomato sauce and tender, flavorful chicken, it’s bound to become a weeknight favorite that you’ll come back to again and again. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and dive into this delicious adventure—you won’t regret it!
Print
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe offers a flavorful and creamy Indian-inspired dish that can be prepared in under an hour. Tender chicken thighs are marinated in a blend of spices and yogurt, then cooked to perfection and combined with a rich, buttery tomato cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it serves four and pairs beautifully with rice or naan.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
Sauce and Cooking
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 can (15 ounces) 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)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken thighs with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion, stirring occasionally until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: To the sautéed garlic and onion, add tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: In a separate pan set over medium heat, cook the marinated chicken pieces until they are browned on the outside and cooked through internally, approximately 6 to 8 minutes depending on thickness. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that juices run clear.
- Combine and Finish: Transfer the cooked chicken into the skillet with the simmering sauce. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and combine well. Reduce the heat slightly and let the butter chicken simmer for an additional 5 minutes to thicken the sauce and deepen the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish before serving. Serve hot with basmati rice or warm naan bread.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer than 15 minutes, up to overnight, will enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results compared to chicken breasts.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with coconut milk for a dairy-free variation, though the flavor will be different.
- Butter and oil are used together to balance flavor and cooking temperature; do not omit the butter for authentic richness.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.
