Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’ve been craving a rich, velvety Indian classic that’s both comforting and oh-so-satisfying, I have just the dish for you. This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe brings together tender bites of chicken smothered in a luscious tomato-cream sauce, perfectly spiced yet balanced so everyone at the table will want seconds. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but comes together in no time, making it your new weeknight favorite or special occasion winner to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role, from building layers of flavor to giving the dish its creamy, comforting texture and vibrant color. Here’s what you’ll need to create this rich masterpiece in your own kitchen.

• Skinless boneless chicken thighs (1 ½ pounds): These stay tender and juicy even with quick cooking, perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• Salt (1 teaspoon and extra to taste): Enhances every flavor element in the dish.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle garlicky depth without overpowering.
• Sweet paprika (1 teaspoon): Provides a mild sweetness and beautiful reddish hue.
• Curry powder (½ teaspoon and extra ½ teaspoon): Brings classic Indian spice blends that tie the flavors together.
• Greek yogurt (1 tablespoon): Helps tenderize the chicken while keeping the marinade creamy.
• Vegetable oil (3 tablespoons): For a perfect sear that locks in juiciness.
• Butter (3 tablespoons divided): Key for that rich, silky sauce finish and authentic butter chicken taste.
• Garlic cloves (6 minced): Fresh garlic to brighten the sauce’s flavor profile.
• Medium onion (diced): Sweated down for sweetness and texture.
• Tomato sauce (15-ounce can): Forms the heart of the sauce with its tangy base.
• Sugar (1 teaspoon): Balances the acidity of the tomato sauce.
• Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds mild heat and complexity.
• Heavy cream (2 cups): Creates the luscious, creamy consistency that’s signature to butter chicken.
• Cayenne pepper (optional, ½ teaspoon): For those who love a little gentle kick.
• Garam masala (1 teaspoon): A fragrant spice blend that rounds out the dish perfectly.
• Freshly chopped parsley (¼ cup, optional): Adds a lovely fresh, herbal pop and color at the end.
• Naan bread and steamed rice: Essential for soaking up every last drop of that heavenly sauce.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining bite-sized chicken thighs with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and creamy Greek yogurt. This marinade not only infuses the meat with flavor but also tenderizes it, ensuring each piece is succulent and packed with taste. Let this mixture rest for at least 15 minutes while you prepare other ingredients—this little wait makes a huge difference.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Next, heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces and cook them until they develop a gorgeous golden brown color and are cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. That nice sear locks in juices and adds a beautiful texture. After cooking, set the chicken aside but leave the flavorful oil in the skillet—it’s time for the sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base

Turn the heat down to medium and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet. Use this opportunity to scrape up any tasty browned bits from the pan as the base for your sauce. Add minced garlic, diced onion, plus a pinch of salt, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, filling your kitchen with that inviting aroma that makes you eager for dinner.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and stir in the sugar to balance its natural acidity. Let this simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors before reintroducing your cooked chicken to the pan. Now pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into that signature rich, orange color you expect in butter chicken.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Time to add some spice! Sprinkle in cayenne pepper for a mild heat if you like, along with garam masala, an additional pinch of curry powder, and black pepper. Lower the heat and let everything simmer together gently for about 10 minutes. This allows the spices to bloom and the sauce to thicken slightly, capturing deep, harmonious flavors.

Step 6: Finish with Butter

The final flourish is stirring in the remaining 2 tablespoons of chilled butter. As it melts, it gives the sauce a velvety sheen and indulgent mouthfeel that truly defines a butter chicken experience. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for color and a fresh herbal note.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your quick & easy homemade butter chicken recipe steaming hot with soft naan bread and fluffy steamed rice on the side. These accompaniments are perfect for scooping up every last bit of that creamy sauce, turning every forkful into a little celebration.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

While the dish is flavorful on its own, adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro instantly brightens the look and adds a subtle herbaceous lift. A drizzle of extra cream or a dollop of yogurt can also enhance the creaminess and make it visually inviting—and who doesn’t eat with their eyes first?

Side Dishes

Traditional naan bread is essential for any butter chicken feast, perfect for scooping and sopping up the luscious sauce. Pairing it with steamed basmati rice offers a neutral, fluffy companion that balances the richness and lets the spices shine through. For a crunchy contrast, a simple cucumber salad makes an excellent refreshing side too.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your meal into a feast by serving your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe family-style in a beautiful dish on the table, surrounded by bowls of saffron rice and garlic naan. You might also try layering the chicken and sauce over roasted vegetables or even stuffed inside warm naan for a fun twist. Presentation can turn a quick dinner into a special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover butter chicken tastes just as heavenly the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and delicious for quick lunches or easy dinner re-dos.

Freezing

If you want to make this dish in advance for busy days, butter chicken freezes beautifully. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some room for expansion and thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. Adding a splash of water or cream while warming helps restore the sauce’s silky texture, making each serving taste freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts can work, but thighs offer more juiciness and tenderness, especially with quick cooking. If you use breasts, just be careful not to overcook them to avoid dryness.

How spicy is this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?

This recipe has a mild to medium heat thanks to the optional cayenne pepper and the warmth of garam masala and curry powder. You can easily adjust the spice level up or down to suit your taste.

Is Greek yogurt necessary in the marinade?

Greek yogurt helps tenderize the chicken and adds tangy richness, but if you don’t have it on hand, a dollop of regular yogurt or even a splash of cream can work in a pinch.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap butter with coconut oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The flavor will shift slightly, but it will still be creamy and delicious.

What’s the best way to serve leftover butter chicken?

Leftovers shine when reheated and served over rice or even stuffed into wraps with fresh veggies for a quick lunch. You can also scoop it on naan with a bit of fresh salad for a full meal anytime.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and joyful about a homemade butter chicken that comes together so easily and tastes so incredible. This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is a true weekday hero and a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready to dive into creamy, flavorful warmth that feels like a big, delicious hug.

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