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, for serving; Steamed rice, for serving

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that doesn’t take forever to make, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with luscious tomato cream sauce, tender marinated chicken, and a perfect blend of spices, this recipe comes together in just 45 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this butter chicken delivers restaurant-quality taste without the fuss, making it an absolute kitchen favorite.

A blue pot filled with creamy orange-colored curry sauce thick with chunks of tender meat throughout. The sauce has a smooth texture with some small bits and is speckled with green herbs and black pepper pieces across the surface. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface, with sauce slightly sticking to the pot’s edges. The handles of the pot are visible on the top and bottom sides. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple yet essential ingredients each play a vital role in creating the authentic taste, vibrant color, and smooth texture that make this butter chicken impossible to resist.

1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs: Chosen for their tenderness and juiciness, perfect for soaking up the sauce.
1 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors throughout the dish.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds aromatic depth quickly and easily.
1 teaspoon sweet paprika: Brings a subtle smoky sweetness and beautiful red hue.
½ teaspoon curry powder: Infuses that classic Indian spice character without overpowering.
1 tablespoon Greek yogurt: Helps tenderize the chicken while adding a slight tang.
3 tablespoons vegetable oil: For sautéing chicken perfectly without burning.
3 tablespoons butter: Divided use for richness and glossy, velvety sauce texture.
6 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic brings vibrant, punchy flavor to the sauce.
1 medium onion, diced: Sautéed until translucent to provide natural sweetness and body.
1 15-ounce can tomato sauce: The backbone of the sauce, lending acidity and color.
1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity of tomatoes for a harmonious sauce.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat to lift the profile.
2 cups heavy cream: Creates that signature creamy, luxurious sauce we all love.
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like a bit of heat in their curry.
1 teaspoon garam masala: The warm, sweet, and complex spice blend that rounds it all off beautifully.
½ teaspoon curry powder: A second addition to deepen the flavor complexity.
¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal finish and a pop of green color.
Naan bread and steamed rice: Essential for soaking up every last bit of sauce and making it a full meal.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing the chicken chunks in salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. This marinade is your golden ticket to tender, flavorful meat. Letting it sit for at least 15 minutes not only allows the spices to penetrate but also helps the chicken retain moisture while cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat up vegetable oil in a skillet until shimmering, then add your marinated chicken pieces. Cook them over medium-high heat until they’re golden brown and perfectly cooked through—about 8 to 10 minutes. This step locks in the juices and builds a beautiful base of flavor. Once cooked, set the chicken aside but keep that flavorful oil in the pan.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base

Lower the heat to medium and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet. This adds a silky richness right from the start. Add the minced garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onions are translucent and soft, releasing sweet aromas that will form the heart of the sauce. If you notice any browned bits at the bottom, scrape them up – that’s pure flavor gold!

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle in the sugar to tame any acidity. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes, then return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir everything together before pouring in the heavy cream, which transforms the sauce into that iconic rich and creamy texture with a gorgeous orange tint.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Now add the cayenne pepper if you want a little kick, along with garam masala, extra curry powder, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce on low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing every spice to mingle and deepen the overall flavor. Taste and adjust salt to your liking – this flexibility is what makes it your own special dish.

Step 6: Finish with Butter

Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter to melt luxuriously into the sauce, giving it that velvety finish that tastes like pure indulgence. For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped parsley on top just before serving to brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

A white bowl holds three main layers: on the left side, there is a thick orange curry with visible chunks of chicken covered in creamy sauce and sprinkled with small green herb bits; on the right side, a fluffy layer of white rice with small green herbs scattered on top; placed against the back edge of the bowl, four folded pieces of lightly browned naan bread rest upright, showing toasted spots and soft texture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro adds a burst of freshness and color contrast to the creamy orange sauce. A dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of extra butter on top can also make each serving feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Nothing complements this butter chicken better than fluffy steamed rice or warm, soft naan bread. The rice soaks up every drop of the luxurious sauce, while naan is perfect for scooping and savoring each bite. You can also serve it alongside a simple cucumber salad or roasted vegetables to add a refreshing crunch and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For an inviting family-style meal, serve the butter chicken in a large beautiful bowl surrounded by bowls of sides, herbs, and lemon wedges for squeezing. To impress guests, plate individual portions garnished with a swirl of cream and parsley, paired with naan triangles elegantly stacked on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Butter chicken keeps remarkably well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to preserve the sauce’s creaminess and the chicken’s tenderness. It’s perfect for quick lunches or dinner the next day!

Freezing

If you want to save butter chicken for longer, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When thawed and reheated, the flavors remain vibrant and delicious, making it a convenient make-ahead meal to have on hand.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. Adding a splash of water or cream during reheating can help maintain the luscious texture. Microwaving is fine too, but low and slow is best for preserving flavor and creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely, but keep in mind chicken breasts are leaner and can dry out more easily. Cook them carefully and consider marinating a bit longer or adding extra cream to maintain moisture.

Is this recipe very spicy?

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is mild by default but you can always add cayenne pepper to taste for a bit of heat. It’s quite flexible to suit all spice preferences.

Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter option?

You can try using half-and-half or coconut milk, but the sauce will be less rich and slightly thinner. Heavy cream gives that signature buttery texture that makes this dish so indulgent.

What if I don’t have garam masala?

You can make a simple substitute by combining equal parts ground cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and black pepper. While not exact, it’ll provide a warm spice note similar to garam masala.

How long does it take to make this recipe?

From start to finish, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe takes about 45 minutes. It’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner without requiring a lot of prep time.

Final Thoughts

This recipe is a true gem that combines speed, ease, and incredible flavor into one pot of cozy deliciousness. I can’t wait for you to try this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe and discover how simple it is to turn your kitchen into a warm, aromatic haven. Trust me, once you taste this creamy, tender chicken bathed in a luscious sauce, it will quickly become your go-to meal for any occasion.