Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Butter chicken is a beloved Indian comfort dish known for its creamy, spiced tomato sauce and tender chicken. This quick and easy homemade version lets you enjoy rich flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for a weeknight meal served with naan or rice.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine the chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to marinate.
2. Step 2: Heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Step 4: In a separate pan, cook the marinated chicken over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked chicken to the simmering sauce. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and combined. Let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes to meld the flavors.
6. Step 6: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve the butter chicken hot alongside naan bread and steamed rice.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
• Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs but may result in a less juicy texture.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat—add more for a spicier dish or leave it out for mild flavors.
• Letting the chicken marinate longer (up to 2 hours) can deepen the flavor.
• Serve with basmati rice or garlic naan for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender in this dish. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them to avoid dryness.

Is this recipe spicy?

This version is mildly spiced. You can increase the cayenne pepper or add chili powder to make it spicier according to your taste.

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 73 reviews

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe offers a creamy, flavorful Indian-inspired dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Juicy marinated chicken thighs are cooked to perfection and simmered in a rich tomato and cream sauce, seasoned with traditional spices. Served with warm naan bread and steamed rice, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well to coat all the pieces evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
2. Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce: Heat the vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper if using, garam masala, and additional curry powder. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
3. Cook the Chicken: While the sauce simmers, heat another pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through, roughly 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Transfer the cooked chicken into the skillet with the simmering sauce. Stir well to coat all pieces in the creamy tomato sauce. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, stirring until melted and incorporated. Let the combined dish simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes to blend the flavors fully.
5. Serve: Garnish the butter chicken with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot, accompanied by warm naan bread and steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• You can adjust the cayenne pepper amount or omit it altogether depending on your preferred spice level.
• Use boneless chicken thighs for juicier, tender meat; chicken breasts can be substituted but may be less moist.
• Marinating the chicken longer than 15 minutes, ideally up to 2 hours, enhances flavor and tenderness.
• For a richer sauce, you can substitute some cream with coconut milk for a slightly different twist.
• Garam masala can be found in most grocery stores or international markets; it adds authentic flavor to the dish.

Keywords: Butter Chicken, Indian Butter Chicken, Easy Butter Chicken, Chicken Curry, Creamy Chicken Curry, Indian Cuisine, Weeknight Dinner