Name: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 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 for heat); 1 teaspoon garam masala; ½ teaspoon curry powder; ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish); Naan bread; Steamed rice

Why Make This Recipe

Butter chicken is a favorite dish for many people. It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor. This quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe allows you to enjoy the comforting taste of this classic Indian dish right in your kitchen. You don’t need to spend hours cooking, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.

🧰 Kitchen tools commonly used in similar recipes

Before starting, many home cooks like to have these basic tools ready:

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

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

Directions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
Build the Sauce: Add tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Season and Simmer: Return the chicken to the pan. Pour in the heavy cream and add cayenne pepper, garam masala, and curry powder if desired. Stir and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter for a rich flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the butter chicken hot, garnished with fresh parsley if you like. It pairs perfectly with naan bread and steamed rice.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Serve this butter chicken with warm naan bread or a bowl of fluffy steamed rice. You can also pair it with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy dipping naan in the creamy sauce!

How to Store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

To store leftover butter chicken, allow it to cool down to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave.

Tips to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate longer if you have time.
You can adjust the spice levels by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
Using a mix of chicken thighs and breasts can change the texture if you prefer.

Variation

You can make a vegetarian version by substituting chicken with paneer or chickpeas. For a healthier option, consider using coconut milk in place of heavy cream.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast can be used, but thighs tend to stay more tender and juicy.

2. Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes cayenne pepper, which adds heat. You can leave it out if you prefer a milder dish.

3. Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead and reheat when ready to serve. The flavors will even deepen with time.