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 19 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner, look no further than this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. Bursting with creamy tomato flavor, just the right blend of warm spices, and melt-in-your-mouth chicken, it’s the perfect way to bring restaurant-quality Indian cuisine right to your kitchen—without a lot of fuss. Whether you’re new to butter chicken or a longtime fan, this is the dish you’ll return to, again and again, for weeknight cravings or special gatherings alike.

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the layered flavors—each ingredient in this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe has a purpose. Fresh spices, creamy dairy, and quality chicken are all you need to elevate this dish into something magical. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Chicken thighs: Juicy, boneless, and perfect for absorbing all the wonderful marinade flavors.
Salt: Pulls out the moisture and unlocks flavors in both the marinade and sauce.
Garlic powder: Lends a punchy base note that’s mellowed in the cooking process.
Sweet paprika: Provides a signature red color and slightly sweet undertone.
Curry powder: Adds that unmistakable warmth and complexity.
Greek yogurt: Tenderizes the chicken and makes the marinade luxuriously creamy.
Vegetable oil: High smoke point for a perfect sear on your chicken.
Butter: The star of the show—adds richness and the sauce’s signature silkiness.
Fresh garlic: For deep, authentic flavor in the sauce base.
Onion: Builds sweetness and depth as it cooks down into the sauce.
Tomato sauce: Brings a velvety body and a vibrant color.
Sugar: Rounds out acidity for that comforting balance.
Black pepper: Gives a subtle kick to every bite.
Heavy cream: A must for the creamy, dreamy texture you crave.
Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who want to turn up the heat ever so slightly.
Garam masala: Brings fragrant spice, tying all the flavors together beautifully.
Freshly chopped parsley (optional): A burst of green at the finish for freshness and color.
Naan bread & steamed rice: The perfect, classic partners for scooping up every last drop of sauce.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start off by mixing chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt in a bowl. Give everything a good toss to ensure the chicken pieces are completely coated—this step infuses rich flavor into every bite and keeps the chicken juicy. Let the magic happen for at least 15 minutes while you prepare your other ingredients. If you have a bit more time, you can marinate for up to an hour in the fridge.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat your favorite large skillet over medium-high and add the vegetable oil. Lay the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer and let them sizzle for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally. The goal here is that irresistible golden crust that locks in all those flavors. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate, but leave the infused oil behind—it’s the foundation for your sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base

Reduce the heat to medium and drop in a pat of butter. As it melts, scrape up any golden bits from the pan; these contain so much flavor. Toss in your minced garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt, and sauté until the onions turn soft and sweet-smelling—this step transforms the base into something deeply savory and aromatic.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato sauce and a little sugar to balance it out. Allow the mixture to simmer for a couple of minutes before nestling the cooked chicken right back into the pan. Now, pour in the heavy cream slowly while stirring—watch as your sauce turns a stunning orange, just like your favorite takeout spot.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Add your garam masala, more curry powder, black pepper, and cayenne if you like it spicy. Lower the heat and let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This lets the sauce thicken slightly and the flavors to become perfectly blended. Taste and adjust salt if necessary—this is the moment when the dish becomes truly irresistible.

Step 6: Finish with Butter

To finish, swirl in two more tablespoons of cold butter. This final touch gives your sauce that signature glossy look and velvety mouthfeel. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a beautiful contrast, and you’re ready to plate up.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe piping hot, paired with fluffy steamed rice and pillowy naan. Get ready for happy faces and clean plates all around!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A shower of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro adds not just a pop of color but a touch of freshness that balances the rich sauce. For extra flair, a drizzle of cream swirled on top just before serving turns this dish into a showstopper that looks as luscious as it tastes.

Side Dishes

The Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe shines brightest when paired with classic staples. Fluffy basmati rice soaks up the sauce beautifully, and soft, warm naan is ideal for swiping up every morsel. Add a crisp cucumber salad or a spoonful of tangy mango chutney on the side to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Embrace creativity by serving butter chicken as a “naan pizza” with sauce and shredded chicken on top of grilled naan, or tuck the saucy chicken into lettuce wraps for a lighter twist. Individual ramekins make for elegant dinner party servings, perfect for impressing your guests with your take on restaurant-worthy butter chicken.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making reheated butter chicken even more craveworthy the next day.

Freezing

This recipe is freezer-friendly—just let the chicken and sauce come to room temperature before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It’ll last for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

For the creamiest results, reheat butter chicken gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the velvety texture. If you’re in a hurry, microwave in short bursts, stirring often, to keep the sauce from separating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast will work just fine, but keep an eye on cooking time to prevent dryness. Thighs are recommended for their extra tenderness and flavor, but use whichever cut you prefer or have on hand.

Is this recipe spicy?

The beauty of this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is that it can be as mild or as fiery as you like—just adjust the cayenne pepper to taste, or leave it out entirely for a gentler heat profile that kids and spice-shy eaters will love.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can swap in full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use half-and-half as a lighter option. Just know that the sauce may be a bit less rich but still totally delicious and dreamy.

Can I make the sauce in advance?

Yes! The sauce can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge. When ready to finish, simply reheat gently, add your cooked chicken, and finish with butter and herbs right before serving.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

If your sauce is thinner than desired, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1/3 cup of water and stir it in during the simmering step. Give it about five minutes, and you’ll end up with a gorgeously thick sauce that clings perfectly to every bite.

Final Thoughts

There’s something just so comforting and celebratory about serving a pan of Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe—it’s a dish that brings people together, time after time. If you love vibrant flavors and the satisfaction of cooking from scratch, give this one a go. Your kitchen (and everyone at your table) will thank you!