If you’re ready for the ultimate comfort food that’s guaranteed to wow everyone at your table, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner. With tender chunks of marinated chicken bathed in an irresistibly creamy, spiced tomato sauce, every bite bursts with flavor and warmth. You don’t have to be a chef or spend hours in the kitchen—this recipe makes classic butter chicken a breeze right in your own home. Trust me, it’s as satisfying to cook as it is to eat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This beloved dish is all about building deep flavor from just a handful of pantry staples and a splash of cream. Each ingredient pulls its weight, making the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe as rich, aromatic, and crave-worthy as any restaurant version you’ve tried.
- Chicken Thighs: Opt for skinless, boneless thighs for maximum juiciness and tender texture.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out and balancing all the flavors in both the chicken and the sauce.
- Garlic Powder: Adds subtle depth and savory aroma to the marinade.
- Sweet Paprika: Gives the chicken a lovely color and mild, peppery sweetness.
- Curry Powder: A hit of spice and earthiness that infuses every layer with classic Indian flair.
- Greek Yogurt: The secret to tenderizing the chicken while lending a touch of tang.
- Vegetable Oil: Perfect for browning the chicken without overpowering the sauce’s flavors.
- Butter: The star of the show—makes the sauce ultra creamy and luxurious (don’t be shy!).
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced to create a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Onion: Diced and sautéed for a subtly sweet, aromatic background.
- Tomato Sauce: A can of tomato sauce brings classic tang and color to the rich gravy.
- Sugar: Just a pinch to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Black Pepper: Adds warmth and a little heat to the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Makes everything silky-smooth and luscious—don’t skimp!
- Cayenne Pepper (optional): If you like a gentle kick of heat, this is your friend.
- Garam Masala: A blended spice mix that adds signature fragrance and warmth.
- Fresh Parsley: An optional burst of freshness and color for garnish.
- Naan Bread & Steamed Rice: Butter chicken’s best friends—perfect for scooping and soaking up every last drop.
How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining your bite-sized chicken thigh pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and a generous spoonful of Greek yogurt in a mixing bowl. Massage the marinade into every nook and cranny for maximum flavor, then let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This short rest makes the chicken unbelievably juicy and ensures every bite is packed with taste. If you have time, you can marinate it longer, but even this quick soak does wonders.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat up your skillet with a good splash of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. When it’s shimmering, add the marinated chicken. Sear until golden on the outside and just cooked through, about 8-10 minutes, stirring here and there so nothing sticks or burns. Once cooked, set the chicken aside—but don’t clean the pan! All those tasty browned bits at the bottom will add rich flavor to your butter chicken sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base
Drop a tablespoon of butter into the same skillet and turn the heat down to medium. Scrape up any stuck-on bits as the butter melts, even adding a splash of water if needed—this is where your sauce gets its deep, savory kick. Toss in minced garlic and diced onion, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and sauté until the onion softens and turns translucent. Your kitchen should already be smelling pretty spectacular!
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar, letting it all simmer together for a couple minutes to deepen the flavor. Return your cooked chicken (and all its juices) to the skillet, then pour in the heavy cream. As you stir, watch as the sauce transforms into that signature buttery orange color—absolute magic in a pan.
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Time to spice things up! Add cayenne pepper if you’re after a gentle heat, plus the garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This “rest time” is the secret—flavors meld, the sauce thickens, and the chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. Adjust salt and spices for that perfect balance.
Step 6: Finish with Butter
Now for the grand finale: stir in the remaining two tablespoons of cold butter right before serving. This one small step gives the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe its signature shine and a silky, restaurant-quality finish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a hint of color if you’re feeling fancy.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the creamy butter chicken over steamed rice, pile on extra sauce, and serve with warm, pillowy naan. Gather everyone around, dig in, and enjoy—there truly is nothing quite like it!
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped cilantro on top of your finished dish not only adds a delightful pop of color but also balances the rich sauce with a fresh, herbal lift. Don’t forget an extra swirl of cream on top for that professional, “just like the restaurant” look. A lemon wedge on the side is a fun touch if you love a hint of brightness.
Side Dishes
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe absolutely shines with fluffy steamed basmati rice and freshly baked naan bread. The rice soaks up all the buttery sauce, while the naan is perfect for scooping up every last morsel. For a lighter side, pair with a crunchy cucumber salad or simple roasted vegetables to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to shake things up? Try serving the butter chicken in a big shared bowl for a cozy, family-style dinner. For parties, ladle the sauce into mini cups with bite-sized naan for a fun appetizer. Or, spoon it over crispy baked potatoes or roasted cauliflower for a modern, crave-worthy twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover butter chicken stores beautifully! Simply transfer any extras to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making the leftovers even more irresistible the next day. Be sure to store the rice and naan separately to keep everything at its best.
Freezing
The Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Cool the dish completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir occasionally until heated through. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring every so often. The key is to warm it up without letting the sauce separate.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works well if you prefer leaner meat. Just watch the cooking time so it doesn’t dry out—thighs do offer a bit more succulence, but both will be delicious in this recipe.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
You can swap heavy cream for unsweetened coconut cream and use plant-based butter for a dairy-free twist. The result will be slightly different but still wonderfully creamy and full of flavor.
How spicy is the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?
The base recipe is mild with just a whisper of warmth. For those who love heat, add cayenne pepper to taste, or up the garam masala for a spicier kick. You control the spice level!
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The sauce (without the chicken) can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce and add the cooked chicken just before serving for maximum tenderness.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Stovetop reheating is ideal for this richly sauced dish. Add a splash of water or cream if needed and stir as it gently heats through to preserve that luxurious texture. Microwaving works in a pinch, just go slowly to keep the sauce from splitting.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s as simple as it is sensational, it’s time to give the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe a try. Whether you’re new to Indian-inspired dishes or just want the cozy comfort of creamy, saucy chicken, this recipe truly delivers. Gather your favorite people, serve up a steaming bowl, and watch how quickly everyone comes back for seconds!
