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 have ever dreamed of enjoying a rich, creamy, and luscious Indian classic right in your own kitchen without spending hours on prep and cooking, then you are about to be delighted. This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe delivers all the irresistible flavors of traditional butter chicken with a fraction of the fuss. With tender chicken thighs simmered in a velvety tomato-based sauce that’s spiced just right, this dish is a masterpiece of taste and comfort that you can whip up in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners, this recipe brings warmth, depth, and smiles to the table effortlessly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl with decorative floral patterns is placed on a white marbled surface, filled with multiple pieces of raw meat coated in a reddish-orange spice mix with visible specks of herbs, showing a rough and uneven texture. The meat pieces are piled loosely in the center of the bowl, with some spice scattered lightly inside the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, fresh, and pantry-friendly ingredients come together to form this outstanding butter chicken. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and achieving that creamy texture and vibrant color that make this dish so unforgettable.

1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, these cut into bite-sized chunks for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural taste of chicken and balances the spices.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides depth and warmth to the marinade.
1 teaspoon sweet paprika: Adds a mild smoky sweetness and beautiful red hue.
½ teaspoon curry powder: Lends subtle earthiness and a signature Indian spice note.
1 tablespoon Greek yogurt: Tenderizes the chicken while creating a silky marinade base.
3 tablespoons vegetable oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
3 tablespoons butter (divided): Critical for that signature buttery richness and sauce silkiness.
6 garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic sharpness and depth.
1 medium onion (diced): Caramelizes to build a flavorful savory foundation for the sauce.
1 15-ounce can tomato sauce: The luscious base giving the sauce its tangy sweetness and vibrant color.
1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes with a hint of sweetness.
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): Essential seasoning to bring the sauce to life.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
2 cups heavy cream: The magic ingredient that makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a little kick, this adds subtle warmth without overpowering.
1 teaspoon garam masala: A fragrant Indian spice blend that brings bold, aromatic notes.
½ teaspoon curry powder: To deepen the sauce’s classic flavor profile.
¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish for added vibrancy and brightness.
Naan bread: Perfect for scooping up every last drop of the fragrant sauce.
Steamed rice: The ideal companion to soak up the rich, creamy flavors.

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

To start, toss those tender chicken thighs with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and creamy Greek yogurt. This marinade not only infuses incredible flavor into the chicken but also helps make it irresistibly tender. Give it a good mix so every piece is well coated. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes; it’s the perfect time to prep your other ingredients or take a deep breath before the deliciousness begins.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—this is where the magic begins with a beautiful sizzle. Add your marinated chicken and let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes before stirring, allowing it to develop a gorgeous golden crust. Cook through, about 8 to 10 minutes, then remove the chicken and set it aside, leaving the flavorful oil behind to build the sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base

Lower the heat to medium and melt a tablespoon of butter in the skillet. Use a spatula to scrape up any tasty browned bits left from the chicken—these gems add depth to your sauce. Toss in the minced garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt, then sauté until the onion softens and becomes fragrant. This step creates the foundation of flavor that makes this butter chicken so memorable.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce along with sugar to balance the acidity, then let everything simmer gently for a couple of minutes. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and give it a good stir to coat the pieces in the rich sauce. Now pour in the heavy cream and watch the sauce transform into a gorgeous shade of orange, creamy and inviting.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Add the optional cayenne pepper if you like things spicy, along with garam masala, additional curry powder, black pepper, and extra salt to taste. Turn the heat down to low and let the whole dish simmer for 10 minutes, allowing all those delightful spices to harmonize and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Finish with Butter

For that final touch of luxurious richness, stir in the remaining two tablespoons of cold butter. This melts in gently, giving the sauce a silky finish that makes every bite heavenly. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top if you want to add a bright, fresh note and a splash of color.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is best enjoyed piping hot. Serve it alongside fluffy steamed rice and warm naan bread for scooping up every luscious spoonful. Now, sit back, dig in, and savor one of the most comforting, flavor-packed dishes you’ll ever make at home.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

A white pan filled with a smooth red tomato sauce, covering the bottom layer evenly. On top, there are small brown cooked meat pieces scattered in the middle. A flat wooden spoon rests on the edge of the pan, touching the meat and sauce. The background shows a white marbled countertop. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding freshly chopped parsley or cilantro gives a pop of color and a hint of fresh herbaceous flavor that brightens the dish beautifully. A drizzle of cream or a few fenugreek leaves can take presentation up a notch and enrich the taste even further.

Side Dishes

This butter chicken pairs seamlessly with classic Indian staples like naan and basmati rice to complete the meal. For a lighter touch, serve with a cucumber raita or a crisp green salad to balance the creamy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving your butter chicken in mini cast-iron skillets or colorful bowls for individual portions. You can also layer it over baked potatoes or inside wraps with fresh veggies for a casual, flavorful meal on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it an excellent next-day lunch or dinner option.

Freezing

If you want to keep butter chicken on hand for longer, freeze it in portioned containers. It freezes well for up to 2 months, so you can thaw and enjoy this quick & easy homemade butter chicken recipe whenever cravings strike.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the smooth texture of the sauce. Add a splash of cream or water if the sauce thickens too much during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but thighs stay juicier and more tender, especially when cooked in a creamy sauce like this one.

Is this recipe very spicy?

This recipe is mild-moderate in spice but you can easily adjust heat by adding or omitting the cayenne pepper to suit your taste.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! The chicken can be marinated ahead, and the sauce can be made in advance and combined just before serving for the freshest taste.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute coconut milk or full-fat yogurt for a lighter or dairy-free option, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce longer uncovered or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry if you prefer a thicker consistency.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly joyful about creating a restaurant-worthy butter chicken at home in such little time, and this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe delivers exactly that. It’s perfect for when you want comfort food that feels special but is remarkably simple. Gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a bowl of pure creamy delight. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it will fast become your go-to dinner for cozy nights and celebrations alike.