Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken, a flavorful dish that’s both comforting and simple to make. With aromatic spices and a silky tomato-cream sauce, it’s the perfect meal for family dinners or impressing guests. Serve it with naan bread and steamed rice for a complete, satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This butter chicken recipe delivers the rich, creamy flavors you crave, without requiring hours of preparation. The combination of marinated chicken cooked in a spiced tomato sauce, followed by a generous swirl of heavy cream and butter, makes it irresistible. It’s an easy recipe that will become a go-to favorite for any occasion, perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike.

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Marinade:

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

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

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)

To Serve:

Naan bread
Steamed rice

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, leaving the oil in the pan.
Prepare the Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the minced garlic, diced onion, and a pinch of salt. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar, then let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing well, and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until the sauce turns a rich orange color.
Season and Simmer: Add cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or more spices, if desired.
Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter, letting it melt into the sauce for a smooth and silky finish. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the butter chicken hot with naan bread and steamed rice for a complete, satisfying meal.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Marinate Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Variations

Vegan Version: Substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based version. Use coconut cream or almond milk for the sauce.
Spicy Version: Add more cayenne pepper or fresh chopped chilies for an extra spicy kick.
Lighter Version: Reduce the amount of butter or substitute with a healthier oil, such as olive oil, to lighten up the dish.
Different Protein: Swap the chicken for boneless chicken breast, or even paneer for a vegetarian alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken breast, though chicken thighs tend to be more tender and juicy, making them ideal for butter chicken.

2. Can I make this butter chicken ahead of time?

Yes, butter chicken can be made in advance. Just refrigerate it after cooking and reheat it before serving.

3. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, half-and-half can be used as a lighter alternative, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy than if you use heavy cream.

4. Can I freeze butter chicken?

Yes, butter chicken freezes well. Let it cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

5. How can I make the sauce thicker?

To make the sauce thicker, you can simmer it for a longer period or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) and stir it into the sauce.

6. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can add more cayenne pepper or fresh chopped green chilies to increase the heat level.

7. What can I serve with butter chicken?

Butter chicken is typically served with naan bread and steamed rice, but you can also pair it with roti or other flatbreads for a delicious meal.

8. Can I use canned tomato sauce instead of fresh tomatoes?

Yes, canned tomato sauce works perfectly in this recipe, as it helps create the smooth and rich sauce.

9. Can I use non-dairy substitutes in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version. Make sure to check the seasoning since non-dairy alternatives might slightly alter the flavor.

10. Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

Yes, you can reduce or omit the sugar if you prefer a less sweet sauce, or substitute with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.

Conclusion

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is a perfect way to enjoy a comforting, flavorful dish without spending hours in the kitchen. With its creamy texture, aromatic spices, and tender chicken, it’s a family-friendly meal that’s sure to impress. Serve it with naan and rice for a complete, satisfying dinner that everyone will love!