Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a creamy, rich dish that warms the heart and satisfies the soul, look no further than this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken. This classic Indian dish combines tender chunks of chicken simmered in a luscious tomato-based sauce, spiced just right. It’s a delightful harmony of flavors that will transport you to a bustling Indian kitchen—perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or when you want to impress friends with minimal effort.

Readers will love this recipe for its simplicity and comfort. In just a few straightforward steps, you can create a dish that feels special—perfectly paired with naan or fluffy steamed rice. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this butter chicken recipe promises to deliver delicious results every time.

This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.

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 for heat)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon curry powder
• ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Naan bread
• Steamed rice

Preparation and ingredients come together for a delicious flavor profile.

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

2. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Pour in the tomato sauce, followed by sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.

4. In a separate pan, cook the marinated chicken over medium heat until browned and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes.

5. Add the cooked chicken to the simmering sauce and stir in the remaining butter. Allow it to simmer together for a few more minutes to achieve a velvety consistency.

6. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving hot with warm naan bread and steamed rice.

Tips & Variations

• Ingredient substitutions: You can use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option. Coconut milk can be substituted for heavy cream for a different taste and lighter version.

• Optional variations: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or peas for added nutrition. You can also adjust the spices based on your heat preference or swap in other herbs like mint for garnish.

• Storage or reheating tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. This dish also freezes well—just thaw and reheat for a quick meal.

Recipe Information

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty level: Easy

Delicious homemade butter chicken ready to be enjoyed.