If you’re craving a dish that combines rich flavors with simple preparation, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It brings together tender chicken thighs bathed in a luscious, creamy tomato-based sauce that’s perfectly spiced without overwhelming your palate. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is designed to deliver restaurant-quality taste right in your own kitchen in just 45 minutes. Get ready for a meal that’s as comforting as it is impressive!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe plays a vital role, from the succulent chicken thighs to the fragrant spices and creamy sauce. These essentials come together easily and guarantee a dish full of color, depth, and mouthwatering texture.
- 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs: Perfectly tender and juicy, thighs keep the dish moist and flavorful.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Brings out the natural flavors in the chicken and balances the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth that complements the fresh garlic perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika: Offers a mild smokiness and rich red color that makes the dish irresistible.
- ½ teaspoon curry powder: Introduces subtle warmth, building the classic butter chicken flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt: Tenderizes the chicken while adding a slight tanginess to the marinade.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for searing the chicken and bringing out that delicious golden crust.
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided): Essential for that creamy, luxuriously smooth sauce finish.
- 6 garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic infuses aroma and bold flavor throughout the dish.
- 1 medium onion (diced): Offers sweetness and texture to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce: The hearty base that gives butter chicken its signature tangy richness.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances acidity and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): To season the sauce perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and aromatic undertones.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Makes the sauce wonderfully creamy and smooth.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a touch of heat if you enjoy a bit of spice.
- 1 teaspoon garam masala: A warm and aromatic spice blend that brings authentic Indian flavor.
- ½ teaspoon curry powder: Reinforces the spicing with extra depth.
- ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): A bright, fresh finish that adds color and a herbaceous note.
- Naan bread: Perfect for scooping up every bit of creamy sauce.
- Steamed rice: A classic accompaniment that soaks up all those bold flavors.
How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken thighs in salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and creamy Greek yogurt until every piece is beautifully coated. This simple marinade not only seasons the chicken but tenderizes it, prepping it for that perfect sear. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes—it’s a small step that makes a big difference in flavor and juiciness.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook them with love for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re gorgeously golden brown and cooked through. This step locks in those savory flavors and creates a delicious crust that will stand out in the final dish. Once done, set the chicken aside and keep that flavorful oil in the pan—it’s going to be the base of our sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base
Lower the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Use this opportunity to deglaze the pan by scraping up those golden bits stuck to the bottom—those little treasures are flavor magic. Toss in the minced garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt, then sauté gently until the onions turn translucent and fill your kitchen with a lovely aroma. This builds the savory foundation of our sauce.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle the sugar to round out the acidity. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes, allowing everything to meld together. Then reintroduce the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring so every morsel gets coated in that rich sauce. Pour in the heavy cream next, and watch the sauce transform into a gorgeous orange-hued, velvety mix that promises indulgence in every bite.
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Now it’s time to layer in the warmth from the spices: cayenne (if you like heat), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Let this simmer on low for about 10 minutes, so all those fragrant spices marry beautifully with the creamy sauce and tender chicken. Taste and adjust the salt or spice levels as you prefer—this is your creation!
Step 6: Finish with Butter
To achieve the signature silky finish, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter and let it melt slowly into the sauce. This final flourish creates that luxurious mouthfeel butter chicken is famous for. For a touch of freshness, sprinkle with chopped parsley just before serving. Now your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is ready to delight!
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of green but also a subtle herbal brightness that lifts the richness of the dish. Some folks like a drizzle of extra cream or a squeeze of lemon juice to add an exciting twist. Feel free to customize your garnishes to make it truly your own.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside fluffy steamed rice, which soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly. Soft, warm naan bread is another classic pairing—use it to scoop up every last bit of that luscious butter chicken. For a lighter option, a simple cucumber and tomato salad or some sautéed greens work beautifully to balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a sprig of parsley and a wedge of lemon on the side. You might also arrange it over a bed of saffron rice for a festive pop of color. Using small clay pots or rustic serving dishes adds charm and an authentic vibe that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Butter chicken tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store leftover portions in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing to keep the sauce fresh and creamy.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully and is perfect for meal prep. Portion the butter chicken into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from curdling. You can add a splash of water or cream if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as slow reheating preserves the creamy texture better.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works fine, but thighs are more forgiving and remain juicy and tender throughout cooking. If using breast, be careful not to overcook to prevent dryness.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The dish is mildly spiced with an option to add cayenne pepper for heat. You can adjust the spice levels based on your preference to keep it family-friendly or add a kick.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The flavor will shift slightly but still be deliciously creamy and rich.
How long does the marinade need to rest?
While 15 minutes is the minimum, marinating for an hour or overnight will deepen the flavor and tenderness even more if you have the time.
What can I do with leftover sauce?
The sauce is so flavorful it can be used as a dip for bread, mixed into pasta, or even drizzled over roasted vegetables.
Final Thoughts
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is a game-changer for anyone wanting to enjoy a comforting, flavorful Indian-inspired dish without hassle. It’s rich, creamy, and satisfying—exactly what you need after a busy day or for sharing with friends and family. I promise once you make it, you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds and wanting to keep it in your regular dinner rotation. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe offers a rich, creamy, and flavorful Indian-inspired dish made with tender marinated chicken thighs simmered in a luscious tomato and cream-based sauce flavored with aromatic spices. Ready in just 45 minutes, it pairs perfectly with naan bread and steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
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
Cooking
- 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)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix thoroughly to ensure the chicken is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors while you prepare 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 it turns golden brown and is 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. Deglaze the pan by scraping up any browned bits with a splash of water if needed. Add the minced garlic and diced onion along with a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar, then let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well. Pour in the heavy cream and 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. Adjust salt and spices to taste.
- Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce for a silky, rich finish. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the butter chicken hot, accompanied by naan bread and steamed rice for a complete and comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase cayenne pepper or add chopped green chilies while cooking.
- Use chicken thighs for the juiciest and most flavorful results; chicken breast can be used but may be less tender.
- Marinating the chicken for longer will deepen the flavors, even up to a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- To make the dish lighter, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Garam masala can be found at most grocery stores in the spice aisle or in Indian specialty stores.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
