Name: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup plain full-fat yogurt; 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons curry powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 cup butter, divided; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 cup heavy or whipping cream; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste; Chopped fresh cilantro; Cooked rice (basmati or jasmine recommended); Naan bread

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If you’re craving rich, creamy, and downright comforting Indian flavors without the fuss, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It brings together tender bites of chicken marinated in a yogurt-spiced mix, simmered in a luscious tomato and cream sauce that’s bursting with warmth and just the right amount of spice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress without spending hours, this recipe offers all the indulgence of restaurant-style butter chicken made simply and at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two glass mixing bowls placed side by side on a white marbled surface. The left bowl has three separate layers: a pile of golden-brown powder spices on top, a creamy white layer beneath the spices, and a small mound of light yellow mashed ginger and garlic on the side with an orange spoon resting beside them. The right bowl contains bite-sized pieces of light yellow chicken marinated and covered evenly with the creamy spice mixture, giving it a textured, thick coating. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Nothing complicated here—just a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavor. Each element plays a vital role: the yogurt tenderizes the chicken, spices bring that signature Indian warmth, and butter and cream make everything irresistibly silky and smooth.

Plain full-fat yogurt (1/2 cup): Helps tenderize the chicken and adds a tangy base for the marinade.
Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): Gives a bright, zesty kick that livens up the marinade.
Garlic (6 cloves, minced): Essential for depth and that unmistakable savory aroma.
Curry powder (2 tablespoons): Brings the warm, complex spice blend that defines butter chicken.
Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds earthy undertones and complements the curry powder perfectly.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 pound, cut into bite-size pieces): The star protein that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing onions just right.
Butter (1/4 cup, divided): One of the keys to the rich, creamy sauce and silky texture.
Medium onion (1, chopped): Adds sweetness and body to the sauce.
Tomato sauce (1 can, 15 ounces): Forms the vibrant, tangy base of the sauce—choose pure tomato sauce if possible.
Heavy or whipping cream (1 cup): Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
Sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances acidity from the tomato sauce and rounds out the flavors.
Garam masala (1 teaspoon): The fragrant final spice touch that elevates the dish.
Salt (1 teaspoon, adjust to taste): Enhances and amplifies all the flavors.
Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon or to taste): Adds just enough heat to give a gentle kick without overpowering.
Fresh cilantro (for garnish): Brings freshness and a lovely green pop when serving.
Cooked rice (basmati or jasmine recommended): The perfect cozy base to soak up that buttery sauce.
Naan bread (optional): Great for dipping and savoring every bite of the sauce.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing together the yogurt, grated ginger, minced garlic, curry powder, and ground cumin in a bowl. Toss in the chicken pieces and coat them well with this fragrant mixture. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to seep in and the yogurt to tenderize the meat. The longer it sits, the more flavorful your butter chicken will be—sometimes I even prep it the night before!

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Begin the Sauce

Heat olive oil and half the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and golden, which builds the sweet, caramelized base everyone loves in butter chicken sauce. This step is crucial because it adds depth of flavor and richness to the dish.

Step 3: Add Tomato Sauce and Spices

Pour in the tomato sauce followed by sugar, garam masala, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This allows the spices to marry and the tomato sauce to thicken just enough to cling to every bite of chicken.

Step 4: Cook the Marinated Chicken

While the sauce simmers, heat a separate skillet to cook the marinated chicken until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. This step locks in juiciness and adds a lovely texture contrast when combined with the smooth sauce later on.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce with Cream and Butter

Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and pour in the heavy cream along with the remaining butter. Stir gently while cooking on low heat to blend the sauce with the tender chicken. The cream and butter transform the sauce into a silky, decadent finish that’s simply irresistible. Make sure it doesn’t boil at this stage—just warm it through perfectly.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

The image shows two side-by-side views of a dark brown cast iron pan on a white marbled surface, each with a wooden spoon inside. On the left, the pan contains a mix of sautéed onions at the bottom, creamy white sauce poured over some parts, and red and brown spices sprinkled mostly in the center and right side, creating a patchy and layered look. The wooden spoon rests on the right side of the pan, slightly covered in the mixture. On the right, the same pan holds a thick, smooth orange sauce spread evenly with cooked golden yellow chunks of seasoned meat piled in the center. The wooden spoon is on the right side, partially submerged in the sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh chopped cilantro is more than just decoration; it injects a burst of herbaceous brightness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the butter chicken. Sprinkle a generous handful on top right before serving to make the plate look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Basmati or jasmine rice is the classic and best-loved choice to accompany this dish. The fragrant grains soak up that smooth sauce wonderfully. If you want to go traditional, warm naan bread is amazing for scooping up chicken and sauce, making every bite more interactive and flavorful.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your butter chicken in small bowls with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh cucumber raita to cool things down. You can also turn it into a butter chicken wrap with naan, yogurt sauce, and crisp salad greens for a delightful grab-and-go meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Butter chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, so leftovers can sometimes taste even better than the first day.

Freezing

You can freeze butter chicken for up to 2 months. Simply transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to leave some room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your butter chicken again, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of cream or water can help bring back that luscious texture if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more tender and flavorful, making them a fantastic choice for this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.

Is this recipe very spicy?

This recipe has a gentle warmth thanks to the cayenne pepper, but it’s easily customizable. You can reduce or omit the cayenne to make it milder or add extra if you like your butter chicken with a kick.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and swap heavy cream for coconut cream to keep it creamy and delicious without dairy.

What can I use instead of plain yogurt in the marinade?

You can use Greek yogurt or even buttermilk as a substitute. Both will tenderize the chicken nicely and maintain the tangy flavor profile essential to the dish.

How long does it take to prepare this recipe?

The active cooking time is about 30 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes needed for marinating. This makes it perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner—no long hours required.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe because it truly brings the heart and soul of Indian comfort food right into your kitchen with minimal effort. Whether it’s a special occasion or a cozy night in, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. So roll up your sleeves, get cooking, and enjoy every buttery, flavorful bite!