Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
If you’re craving something rich, creamy, and bursting with savory spice, look no further than this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. In just about half an hour, you’ll have beautifully tender chicken enveloped in a silky tomato cream sauce, all with the convenience of simple pantry ingredients. There’s no reason to wait for takeout when you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in your own kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s no fancy shopping trip required—the beauty of this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe lies in its accessible, everyday ingredients. Each one brings its own special magic, building bold flavors and gorgeous color while keeping your cooking truly effortless.
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless chicken thighs stay juicy and tender, perfect for soaking up all that luscious sauce.
- Salt: Essential for balancing the spices and enhancing the savory depth of your dish.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a mellow, robust flavor that infuses the chicken during marination.
- Sweet Paprika: Gives a mild, smoky warmth and a beautiful, vivid color.
- Curry Powder: Brings a hint of earthy spice, making the dish aromatic and layered.
- Greek Yogurt: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a slight tang to the marinade.
- Vegetable Oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection without overpowering flavors.
- Butter: Provides signature richness and creaminess—don’t skimp on this!
- Garlic (fresh): Minced cloves deliver big, flavorful punches to the sauce base.
- Onion: Diced onion melts into the sauce, giving it sweetness and body.
- Tomato Sauce: A can of tomato sauce forms the tangy, vibrant backbone of your Butter Chicken.
- Sugar: Just a touch takes the edge off the tomatoes and balances the spice.
- Black Pepper: Adds a whisper of heat and rounds out the flavors.
- Heavy Cream: The key to that ultra-creamy, irresistible orange sauce.
- Cayenne Pepper (optional): Spice lovers, this is your ticket to a gentle heat.
- Garam Masala: The warming spice blend that gives authentic Indian flair.
- Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley offers a burst of color and freshness on top (totally optional, but highly recommended).
- Naan Bread: Fluffy, soft naan is perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce.
- Steamed Rice: A classic, simple side that lets the flavors of your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe shine.
How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing the chicken thighs with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt in a medium bowl. Mix until every piece is well coated. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes while you prep everything else—this quick marinade ensures maximum flavor and that “melt-in-your-mouth” texture Butter Chicken is famous for.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once done, set the chicken aside (keeping the oil in the pan for that next flavor-building step).
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base
Turn the heat down to medium and drop in a tablespoon of butter. Scrape up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the pan with a wooden spoon, adding a splash of water if necessary. Add the minced garlic and onion with a pinch of salt and sauté until the onions are soft, sweet, and your kitchen smells heavenly.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Add the tomato sauce and sugar to the skillet. Let this mixture simmer for a couple of minutes, then return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in the heavy cream while stirring—the sauce will turn that classic butter chicken orange and start to look irresistibly creamy.
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Now add the cayenne pepper (if you want a little kick), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Let your sauce gently simmer over low heat for around 10 minutes to allow the complex flavors to develop and meld beautifully. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the salt or spices as you like!
Step 6: Finish with Butter
For that truly velvety finish, stir in the remaining two tablespoons of cold butter until melted and glossy. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for an extra pop of color if you like. Your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is now ready to serve!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the hot, creamy chicken into bowls or onto plates. Serve with warm naan bread and a mountain of fragrant steamed rice. Prepare yourself for the ultimate comfort food experience—dig in while it’s piping hot!
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing elevates your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe quite like a flourish of fresh herbs. Lightly sprinkle chopped parsley (or cilantro if you prefer) right before serving for a burst of color and a hint of freshness that balances the creamy sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
Naan bread is a must, perfect for scooping up every drop of that rich sauce. Steamed basmati rice makes a gentle backdrop for the bold flavors, soaking up the creamy tomato sauce with ease. For a fun twist, pair with pickled onions or a crisp cucumber salad to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe in individual mini skillets or bowls for a cozy restaurant-style feel. Or, make it the centerpiece of a family-style spread with big piles of naan, dollops of yogurt, and bowls of fresh herbs—everyone can make their own perfect plate!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe tastes even better the next day! Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. That creamy sauce thickens up nicely, so it’s extra spoonable and full of flavor by lunchtime.
Freezing
This cozy curry freezes beautifully. Let the butter chicken cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor when you’re ready to serve again.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your butter chicken in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring in between until heated through. Avoid boiling, which can cause the sauce to split or thicken too much.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Just keep a close eye as they cook—they tend to dry out faster than thighs, so a shorter cooking time will ensure your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe stays juicy.
Is the sauce spicy?
By default, this Butter Chicken is mild and creamy, making it family-friendly. If you love extra heat, add the optional cayenne pepper—or even a pinch more—until it’s just right for you.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with vegan margarine, swap the Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt, and use full-fat coconut milk in place of the cream. You’ll still get a rich, luscious sauce in your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe.
Which type of rice goes best with butter chicken?
Basmati rice is the classic pairing—it’s light, fluffy, and absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully. Jasmine rice or even plain white rice will also taste wonderful alongside your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe.
How can I add more vegetables to this meal?
Feel free to stir in a handful of baby spinach, peas, or diced bell peppers during the simmering stage. Not only will it add color, but you’ll also sneak more nutrients into every bite.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wished for a restaurant-style curry you could make anytime, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is your answer. It’s rich, comforting, and completely doable—even on a busy weeknight. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Print
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe that brings the essence of Indian cuisine to your table. Tender chicken simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For Marinating the Chicken:
- 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
For Cooking:
- 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)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Naan bread
- Steamed rice
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Cook marinated chicken in oil until golden brown. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Sauté garlic, onion, add tomato sauce, and sugar.
- Build the Sauce: Add cooked chicken, heavy cream, and spices. Simmer.
- Season and Simmer: Add remaining spices and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Finish with Butter: Stir in butter until melted for a silky finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice levels by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper.
- For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of chicken broth or coconut milk.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: Butter Chicken, Indian Butter Chicken, Chicken Curry, Creamy Chicken Recipe
