Name: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 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 for heat); 1 teaspoon garam masala; ½ teaspoon curry powder; ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish); Naan bread; Steamed rice

If you’re craving a dish that brings warmth, richness, and a burst of comforting flavors all in one bowl, look no further than this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. It’s a creamy, luscious classic from Indian cuisine that combines tender chicken pieces bathed in a dreamy tomato and butter sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without hours in the kitchen. This recipe is my go-to when I want big flavors with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a white pan, there is a thick layer of bright red tomato sauce with a smooth and slightly chunky texture covering the bottom and sides. On top of the sauce, a pile of golden brown cooked chicken pieces with visible herbs and spices sits in the center. A wooden spoon is partially placed on the sauce near the chicken, showing some sauce on its surface. The edges and inside of the pan have bits of sauce splashed around. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the flavor balance just right in this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe depends on simple but essential ingredients that meld beautifully together. Each one plays an important role in building the creamy texture, vibrant color, or irresistible aroma that this dish delivers.

Skinless boneless chicken thighs (1 ½ pounds): Juicy and tender, perfect to soak up all the spices and sauce.
Salt (1 teaspoon plus extra to taste): Enhances and balances all the flavors.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle depth and a mellow garlic essence.
Sweet paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives that rich, slightly smoky warmth and lovely color.
Curry powder (½ teaspoon + ½ teaspoon): Builds authentic Indian-inspired flavor complexity.
Greek yogurt (1 tablespoon): Tenderizes the chicken while lending a light tang for balance.
Vegetable oil (3 tablespoons): For searing chicken perfectly and cooking aromatics.
Butter (3 tablespoons, divided): The star of the sauce, making it ultra-silky and indulgent.
Garlic cloves, minced (6): Fresh flavor that brightens the sauce with every bite.
Onion, diced (1 medium): Adds natural sweetness and body to the sauce base.
Tomato sauce (one 15-ounce can): Provides the rich, slightly tangy backbone.
Sugar (1 teaspoon): Just enough to balance acidity and deepen flavor.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Mild heat and nuanced spice.
Heavy cream (2 cups): Creates that rich, luscious texture that defines butter chicken.
Cayenne pepper (½ teaspoon, optional): Adds a gentle kick for those who like some heat.
Garam masala (1 teaspoon): The fragrant, warming spice blend that completes the dish.
Freshly chopped parsley (¼ cup, optional): A fresh garnish that brings a pop of color and herbaceous brightness.
Naan bread and steamed rice: Essential for soaking up every last bit of that glorious sauce.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by giving your chicken a flavor boost with a simple marinade. Combine the chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and that creamy Greek yogurt. This mix tenderizes the meat while layering on aromatic spices. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes — this little pause sets the foundation for juicy, flavorful chicken.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet and gently cook the marinated chicken until it’s golden and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll want to stir occasionally so it browns evenly. The golden crust seals in moisture and texture before we move on, and be sure to remove the chicken but keep the oil in the pan — it holds great flavor magic.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base

Turn the heat down to medium and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet. As it bubbles, add minced garlic and diced onions with a pinch of salt, sautéing until the onions are soft and translucent. This step builds the aromatic base that sets the tone for everything delicious to come.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle in the sugar, letting this simmer gently for a few minutes. This combination tempers the tomato’s acidity and sweetens the sauce naturally. Once it’s bubbling lightly, add the cooked chicken back in and stir to coat perfectly before pouring in the heavy cream. Watch as the sauce transforms to a beautiful creamy orange color.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Now, add your seasonings: cayenne pepper if you want a slight kick, garam masala, additional curry powder, black pepper, and a bit more salt to taste. Let the sauce simmer on low for about 10 minutes, allowing these layers of flavor to mingle and deepen so every bite is fragrant and rich.

Step 6: Finish with Butter

For that signature silky finish, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter, which will melt into the sauce creating a luscious, glossy texture. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for color and subtle freshness, and your homemade butter chicken is ready to wow.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your butter chicken with warm naan bread and fluffy steamed rice to soak up all that creamy sauce. This moment of digging in is the reward — each bite feels like a warm hug, creamy and bursting with flavors that you made yourself with such ease!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

A blue pot filled with a thick, creamy orange sauce with visible chunks of meat throughout. The sauce has green herb bits scattered on top and a few black pepper specks. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. The inside of the pot is light beige, contrasting with the bright orange sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro adds a wonderful fresh burst to counterbalance the richness of the sauce. For an extra touch, a few slices of green chili or a dollop of yogurt on top can brighten the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

Naan bread is a classic partner, perfect for mopping up the sauce, but don’t overlook steamed basmati rice — it helps temper the dish’s creaminess. A simple cucumber raita or a crisp salad can also provide refreshing contrast to the butter chicken’s lush flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe in mini cast iron skillets for a rustic touch, or garnish with toasted nuts for an unexpected crunch. You could even wrap it in warm flatbreads with fresh greens for a delicious butter chicken wrap, perfect for a casual twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Butter chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier.

Freezing

You can freeze butter chicken in portions for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool completely before sealing to maintain the creamy texture once thawed.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or cream if it thickens too much. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that silky smooth sauce in top form.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely, though thighs offer extra juiciness and tenderness that work beautifully in this dish. If you use breasts, be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out faster.

How spicy is this butter chicken recipe?

This recipe is mild by default, but you can easily adjust the heat with cayenne pepper or fresh chilies to suit your taste.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

You can substitute heavy cream and butter with coconut milk and vegan butter alternatives to keep it creamy and delicious without dairy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance and gently reheat it before serving. It’s a great make-ahead dish that stays flavorful.

What’s the best way to serve leftover butter chicken?

Leftovers are fantastic for wraps, over rice bowls, or even turned into a comforting butter chicken pizza topping for a fun twist.

Final Thoughts

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is one of those rare dishes that brings a restaurant-quality meal to your home kitchen with minimal effort. The combination of fragrant spices, creamy sauce, and tender chicken will quickly turn this into a family favorite. I encourage you to give it a try, share it with loved ones, and enjoy the cozy deliciousness that only butter chicken can deliver!