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

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 22 reviews

If you’ve been craving a cozy, creamy, and flavor-packed meal without devoting half your day to the kitchen, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is destined to become your new go-to. Juicy bites of marinated chicken simmered in a lusciously spiced tomato-cream sauce, all ready in under an hour—what’s not to love? Get ready for those restaurant flavors at your own dinner table, plus an aroma that’ll have everyone sneaking tastes straight from the pan.

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the beauties of this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is just how approachable the ingredients are. Each one brings something special—whether it’s the richness of cream, the warmth of spices, or the brightness of fresh herbs. Don’t worry, you don’t need a specialty store or any tricky techniques!

Chicken Thighs: Opt for boneless, skinless thighs as they stay extra tender and juicy, soaking up all the delicious marinade.
Salt: Seasoning every component ensures the final dish pops with flavor.
Garlic Powder: Adds a mellow, sweet garlic note right into the chicken.
Sweet Paprika: Gives the chicken a gentle smokiness and gorgeous color.
Curry Powder: A blend of warming spices, it’s the base note that ties everything together.
Greek Yogurt: Acts as a natural tenderizer for the chicken and provides a tangy backbone.
Vegetable Oil: High smoke point makes it perfect for searing the marinated chicken.
Butter: No butter chicken would be complete without a generous knob or two for that creamy finish.
Fresh Garlic: The savory backbone of your sauce—don’t skimp.
Onion: Diced and sautéed, it melts into the sauce and sweetens as it cooks.
Tomato Sauce: The tangy, rich ingredient that brings body and color to your gravy.
Sugar: Just a pinch helps mellow the tomatoes’ acidity for balance.
Black Pepper: Brings a subtle heat and depth to the sauce.
Heavy Cream: The secret to that signature buttery, silky texture.
Cayenne Pepper (optional): For those who like a little warmth in every bite.
Garam Masala: A finishing spice that perfumes the sauce with sweet and earthy notes.
Fresh Parsley (optional): Brightens the final dish with a pop of color and freshness.
Naan & Steamed Rice: The classic accompaniments—great for soaking up every drop of that dreamy sauce.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Let your chicken soak up flavor right from the start. Toss bite-sized pieces of thigh meat with Greek yogurt, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, and curry powder, making sure every piece is coated in the spiced mixture. Give it at least 15 minutes (longer if you can spare it!)—this quick marination not only tenderizes the meat but infuses it with bold, aromatic notes that will shine through in every bite.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Now, let’s get that irresistible golden crust on your marinated chicken! Heat your skillet with vegetable oil over medium-high and add the chicken. Sear for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges are caramelized and the inside is perfectly juicy. Once done, transfer the chicken out and keep those flavorful brown bits in the pan—they’re precious for the sauce!

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base

Turn the heat to medium and melt a tablespoon of butter into the same skillet. This is where things start to smell incredible. Add minced garlic, diced onion, and a pinch of salt, scraping up all the lovely fond left behind. Cook until your onion softens and the garlic releases its aroma—this base will deeply flavor your whole dish.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and add sugar, letting everything bubble gently for a few minutes. Return the chicken (plus any juices) to the skillet and bathe it in the sauce. Now, the magic touch: stir in the heavy cream. The sauce will transform before your eyes into a luxurious shade of orange, hinting at the creamy decadence to come.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Final flavor tweaks make all the difference. Sprinkle in cayenne pepper for a touch of heat (or leave it out to keep things mild), along with garam masala, curry powder, black pepper, and any remaining salt to taste. Let this mixture simmer on low for about 10 minutes so the spices have a chance to bloom and mingle, giving the sauce even more depth.

Step 6: Finish with Butter

Just before serving, swirl in the last two tablespoons of cold butter for an extra-silky finish. This step makes all the difference, giving your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe that restaurant-style gloss and rich flavor. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’d like, then take a moment to appreciate the colors and aroma!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer your butter chicken to a warm serving dish, then invite everyone to the table with a whisper of fresh herbs on top. The creamy sauce and tender chicken are perfect with heaps of fluffy steamed rice and warm naan—just watch how quickly it disappears.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A handful of freshly chopped parsley (or cilantro, if that’s more your style) scattered over the top brings a burst of color and a subtle herbaceous finish. If you love a bit of drama, add a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of garam masala right before serving—both make your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe equally photo-worthy and delicious.

Side Dishes

Steamed basmati rice and pillowy naan bread are the loyal companions every butter chicken deserves. The rice soaks up every last drop of sauce, while chewy naan is just begging to be torn and dunked. A light cucumber-yogurt raita or crisp kachumber salad add a cooling, crunchy counterpoint if you have a few extra minutes.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress at your next gathering? Serve your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe in individual bowls with colorful rice pilaf, or pile it high on a platter surrounded by wedges of naan. For a playful twist, use the leftovers as a filling for wraps, make butter chicken sliders, or even drizzle over fries for a comforting Indo-fusion snack!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover butter chicken is a gift you’ll actually look forward to. Transfer any remaining chicken and sauce into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify overnight, so don’t be surprised if you love it even more the next day.

Freezing

If you want to make life even easier, the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe freezes wonderfully. Let everything cool completely, then seal in freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months—simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for maximum creaminess.

Reheating

Reheating is a breeze. Warm your butter chicken gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir occasionally until everything is hot and steamy—just don’t rush it in the microwave, as slow, gentle heat helps preserve the creamy texture and prevent splitting.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs are especially juicy and hold up well to the creamy sauce, tender chicken breast works well too. Just be careful not to overcook them so they stay moist and flavorful.

Is the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe spicy?

Not by default! The recipe is cozy and mild, but if you want more heat, just increase the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. You’re totally in control of the spice level.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute coconut cream or a non-dairy heavy cream alternative for the heavy cream, and use a plant-based butter. The flavor changes slightly but it still delivers that creamy, comforting experience.

How do I double the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?

It’s easy! Just double all ingredients and consider using a larger skillet or doing the chicken in batches. The marinating and simmering times stay the same—just ensure there’s enough room in your pan for the sauce to bubble away.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Definitely. Marinate your chicken the night before and keep it in the fridge, then finish the sauce and cook everything when you’re ready. You can even portion leftovers into meal-prep containers with rice for grab-and-go lunches.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know just how simple (and irresistible!) this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe can be, I hope you’ll make it a regular part of your dinner rotation. Gather your favorite people, set out the naan, and get ready to revel in the best homemade comfort food around!