Name: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
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

Prepare to fall in love with the cozy magic of this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe! Imagine tender, juicy chicken tucked into a dreamy, creamy tomato sauce, freckled with warm Indian spices and finished with a swirl of butter—this dish delivers big flavor in under an hour. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or dressing up your next family dinner, this recipe is your shortcut to irresistible comfort food, all made from pantry staples.

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how each simple ingredient comes together to create something truly special. Every component, from the yogurt marinade to the buttery sauce, has its own delicious role in building layers of taste, color, and texture you’ll want to savor bite after bite.

Chicken Thighs: Offer extra flavor and tenderness for melt-in-your-mouth results.
Salt: Enhances every ingredient and creates a well-seasoned meal.
Garlic Powder: Adds instant depth without the fuss of mincing fresh cloves for the marinade.
Sweet Paprika: Brings gentle warmth and a gorgeous color to the dish.
Curry Powder: Delivers a recognizable Indian flavor; just a little packs big character.
Greek Yogurt: Makes the chicken incredibly tender and tangy as it marinates.
Vegetable Oil: Ideal for searing chicken thanks to its neutral taste and high smoke point.
Butter: The signature buttery richness that makes this dish truly luscious—don’t skimp!
Garlic (fresh): Transforms the sauce with savory aroma and zing.
Onion: Softens for a sweetness that balances out the spiced, creamy sauce.
Tomato Sauce: Gives the beautiful red color and tang you want in butter chicken.
Sugar: Cuts through acidity and rounds out the tomato base perfectly.
Black Pepper: Brings a subtle, peppery warmth to every bite.
Heavy Cream: Creaminess is key—a generous pour guarantees the silky sauce you crave.
Cayenne Pepper: Optional, but great for those who want a bit of heat.
Garam Masala: Signature earthy, floral spice blend for classic depth of flavor.
Parsley: An optional fresh, green flourish at the end—the color pops against the sauce.
Naan Bread & Steamed Rice: Essential for scooping, savoring, and soaking up every last drop.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine your chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until every piece is coated with the fragrant, golden marinade. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes—this quick marinade is the secret to juicy, flavorful chicken in the final dish.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Sear and stir occasionally for about 8 to 10 minutes, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once ready, scoop the chicken out of the pan and set it aside, but don’t clean the skillet—those flavorful browned bits are recipe gold!

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base

Drop a tablespoon of butter into your skillet and turn the heat to medium. Deglaze the pan by scraping up all those crispy pieces (add a little splash of water if you need to). Add your minced garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt. Sauté gently until the onions turn soft and translucent, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aroma.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and add the teaspoon of sugar. Stir everything together, letting it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors can meld. Return the cooked chicken (and all its juices!) to the pan, then stir in the heavy cream. Watch as the sauce transforms into that classic, rich orange color you know and love.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Pile on your spices: cayenne pepper (if you want a kick), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Adjust salt as needed. Turn the heat down and let it all simmer for 10 minutes, giving the sauce plenty of time to mellow and infuse the chicken with every ounce of flavor.

Step 6: Finish with Butter

Right before serving, swirl in the remaining cold butter. This last touch gives the sauce its signature silkiness and makes every spoonful even more irresistible. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, if you like.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot butter chicken onto fluffy rice and warm naan. Dig in while it’s steamy, creamy, and absolutely packed with flavor—every bite is worth the little bit of effort!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A finishing shower of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the butter chicken adds bursts of color and a light, herbal contrast to the luscious sauce. For even more visual (and taste) flair, you can drizzle a touch of cream on top or sprinkle on crispy fried onions.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong with classic sides like steamed basmati rice or pillowy naan bread—their mildness soaks up all that sauce and makes each bite a joy. For a special touch, try adding roasted vegetables or a tangy cucumber raita on the side for freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe in shallow bowls for a cozy, comforting feel, or ladle it family-style in a big platter for easy sharing. Skewer the marinated chicken and grill for a smoky twist, or spoon the sauce over crispy baked potatoes as a fun, fusion weeknight treat. Don’t forget a sprig of herbs or a swirl of cream for the final flourish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool your leftovers to room temperature, then transfer them into an airtight container. Your butter chicken will keep well in the fridge for up to three days—perfect for a second round of cozy lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

For longer storage, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe freezes beautifully. Once cooled, ladle portions into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that just-cooked richness, gently warm your butter chicken on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of cream or water if it gets too thick. Microwave reheating works too, but give it a good stir so the sauce stays silky and the chicken stays tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works just fine here—just be sure not to overcook it, as it tends to dry out more quickly than thighs. The key is keeping pieces bite-sized and watching for doneness.

Is this dish spicy?

Not particularly! The sauce is mild and creamy, but you can easily make it spicier by increasing the cayenne pepper or adding a diced chili. Omit the cayenne for a totally mild version perfect for the whole family.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, coconut milk, or even plain yogurt for a lighter twist, but keep in mind that the iconic velvety sauce comes from full-fat cream. Each alternative brings a slightly different flavor and texture.

Can I make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! The flavors actually deepen if you make it ahead and let it sit—just reheat gently before serving. It’s a meal-prepper’s dream, whether you’re stocking up your freezer or simply planning for the week.

How can I adjust the salt and spices for my taste?

Always taste your sauce before serving and adjust as needed. If you’re using a store-bought tomato sauce or salted butter, the salt level can vary, so add a little at a time until it’s just right for you.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tried this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe, I think it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, just as it is in mine. It’s an unbeatable blend of comfort, flavor, and simplicity—so grab your skillet and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to something truly delicious tonight!