Name: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
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); 1 teaspoon garam masala; ½ teaspoon curry powder; ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional); Naan bread; Steamed rice

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a creamy, aromatic curry that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, you’ve just landed on your perfect weeknight dinner. This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is my personal gold standard: silky, comforting, and bursting with flavor, yet totally approachable for home cooks. The chicken becomes meltingly tender as it simmers in a luscious, spiced tomato-cream sauce, making each bite pure magic. Whether you’re an Indian food enthusiast or brand new to curries, this recipe comes together in a snap—no fancy techniques, just pantry staples and lots of love.

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how this ingredient list strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and bold flavor. Each element plays its own role in building rich taste and a vibrant, golden-orange sauce that’s seriously irresistible. Here’s exactly what you’ll need (plus a few handy tips for maximum deliciousness):

Boneless Chicken Thighs: The ultimate choice for juicy, flavorful bites that soak up every drop of sauce.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and drawing out its natural savoriness.
Garlic Powder: Builds a deep, aromatic base before we even start cooking.
Sweet Paprika: Adds warm color and subtle sweetness—that signature butter chicken tint!
Curry Powder: Just a touch in the marinade and sauce gives gentle complexity without overpowering the dish.
Greek Yogurt: Tenderizes the chicken and forms a creamy, tangy marinade.
Vegetable Oil: For searing the chicken and ensuring nothing sticks to your pan.
Butter: This is butter chicken, after all—don’t skimp! It turns the sauce silky and luxurious.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh, minced garlic takes the flavor up a notch with every sautéed bite.
Onion: Creates that crucial savory backbone for your buttery sauce.
Tomato Sauce: Pantry-friendly and fuss-free, it brings a mellow acidity to balance the richness.
Sugar: Just a pinch rounds out acidity and highlights the natural sweetness of tomatoes.
Black Pepper: A gentle heat that wakes up each flavor.
Heavy Cream: Absolutely key for that iconic velvety finish.
Cayenne Pepper (optional): Want a little fiery kick? Toss in a bit—totally up to your spice preference.
Garam Masala: The secret spice blend that pulls everything together with its warming aroma.
Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness for the perfect finishing touch.
Naan Bread: Ideal for scooping up every last bit of sauce on your plate.
Steamed Rice: The perfect, fluffy partner for soaking up all that dreamy sauce.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

This step is the secret to ultra-juicy, flavorful chicken. In a medium bowl, combine your bite-sized chicken thighs with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix everything so each piece is well coated in the spice and yogurt mixture. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes—just enough time to prep the rest of your ingredients and let the magic start to happen.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Set a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add your marinated chicken. Sear until beautifully golden and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes, stirring every so often for even color. When they’re done, lift the chicken out and set aside—be sure to leave all those tasty drippings and oil in the pan for the sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base

Lower the heat to medium and drop in 1 tablespoon of butter. Then, scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan (add a splash of water if needed). Toss in the minced garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt, and sauté until everything is soft, translucent, and fragrant. This is when the kitchen will start smelling incredible!

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Time to bring everything together. Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar, letting things simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld. Next, return the seared chicken to the skillet, then pour in the heavy cream. Gently stir until the sauce becomes smooth and takes on that classic rich orange color you crave in any Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

If you like your butter chicken with a touch of heat, now’s the moment to sprinkle in cayenne pepper. Add the garam masala, extra curry powder, and black pepper, then let the sauce bubble gently on low for about 10 minutes. This infuses every morsel with luscious, layered flavors—don’t rush this part!

Step 6: Finish with Butter

For the ultimate silky finish, stir in the last two tablespoons of cold butter and let it melt fully into the sauce. Top with chopped fresh parsley if you like, and watch the color pop. That’s it: your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is ready to serve, velvety and vibrant.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon hot portions over fluffy steamed rice or scoop up with warm naan bread. Gather everyone around and dive in—you won’t want to miss a drop of this irresistible sauce!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A classic finishing touch for your butter chicken is a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley (or cilantro, if you prefer) right before serving. You can also drizzle a bit of extra cream over the top for an eye-catching swirl. A wedge of lemon adds a fresh zing that brightens the rich sauce—trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Side Dishes

The best way to enjoy your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is with traditional accompaniments. Soft, pillowy naan is a must, perfect for scooping up sauce. Steamed basmati rice lets that buttery, spicy gravy shine front and center. For a pop of green, add a simple cucumber salad or pickled onions—both help cut the richness and keep things refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation up a notch by serving butter chicken in individual bowls with rice layered underneath, then garnished with a swirl of cream and fresh herbs. You could even tuck the chicken into warm naan wraps for an Indian-inspired sandwich experience. For parties, serve mini portions in small cups for a fun, easy appetizer—however you serve it, that unmistakable aroma will have everyone lining up for seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Butter chicken is one of those rare recipes that tastes even better the next day as the flavors marry overnight. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll easily keep for up to three days. The sauce may thicken slightly, but a splash of water or cream while reheating will bring it back to life.

Freezing

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe freezes beautifully. Just portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge so the cream sauce maintains its smooth texture when reheated.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the butter chicken gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce as it heats. Stir often, and avoid boiling to keep the creamy texture silky and smooth. The microwave works too—just use gentle power and stir halfway through heating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast is a little leaner but still makes a delicious butter chicken. Just be careful not to overcook it, as breast meat dries out faster than thighs.

Is this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe very spicy?

Not at all! The base recipe is mild and creamy, with just a gentle warmth from the spices. However, you control the heat—add or skip the optional cayenne pepper based on your taste.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you’re looking to lighten things up, you can substitute half-and-half or coconut cream for the heavy cream. The sauce might not be quite as rich, but it will still be wonderfully smooth and flavorful.

Can I prepare this dish in advance for a party?

Definitely. The flavors deepen as it sits, so making this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe a day ahead is a great idea. Simply reheat gently before serving for best results.

What should I do if my sauce is too thick?

If your sauce reduces a bit too much, just stir in a splash of water, broth, or a little more cream until you reach your desired consistency. Keep tasting as you go to balance flavor!

Final Thoughts

There you have it: my tried-and-true Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe—a real comfort food hero that doesn’t require advanced skills or hours at the stove. Every bite is creamy, vibrant, and truly restaurant-worthy. I hope you’ll give it a go soon and discover just how simple amazing homemade butter chicken can be!

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 11 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Say hello to your new favorite comfort food—Butter Chicken! This creamy, spiced dish is a rich, velvety masterpiece that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice for a delightful meal.

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, then set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base – Sauté garlic, onion, and spices in butter.
Build the Sauce – Add tomato sauce, sugar, cream, and mix well.
Season and Simmer – Add spices and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.
Finish with Butter – Stir in butter for a silky finish. Garnish with parsley.
Serve and Enjoy – Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.

Notes

You can adjust the spice levels to your preference by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of chicken broth or stock.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Indian