Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe because it hits all the right notes: creamy, flavorful, and wonderfully comforting. Whenever I’m short on time but craving something that tastes like it’s from a restaurant, this recipe is my go-to. You’ll find that the balance of spices and the richness from the butter and cream make it feel indulgent without being complicated.

What makes this recipe really special is how approachable it is—I remember the first time I tried making butter chicken at home, I was intimidated by all the steps and ingredients. But with this quick and easy version, you get all the deliciousness without the fuss. It comes together in under an hour, making weeknight dinners a total breeze!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe are straightforward but powerful—they work together to create that creamy, spicy magic. I always recommend using fresh garlic and good-quality tomato sauce to boost the flavor.

• Chicken thighs: They stay juicy and tender, unlike breast meat which can dry out fast.
• Greek yogurt: This adds a subtle tang and helps tenderize the chicken during the marinade.
• Sweet paprika: Gives a lovely smoky depth without overpowering the dish.
• Curry powder & Garam masala: The cornerstone spices that bring authentic warmth and complexity.
• Butter & vegetable oil: Using both adds richness and helps cook the chicken evenly.
• Heavy cream: It’s the secret to making the sauce silky and luscious.
• Onion & garlic: Essential aromatics that build the flavor base for the sauce.
• Tomato sauce & sugar: Balances acidity with slight sweetness for a well-rounded sauce.
• Cayenne pepper (optional): If you like a bit of heat, it adds just the right kick.
• Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, bright note when sprinkled on top.

Variations

I love that this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is so flexible—you can easily tweak it based on what you like or what you have on hand. I often play around with the spice level depending on my mood or who I’m serving.

• Milder Version: I’ve toned down the cayenne pepper for my kids, and they still adore the creamy sauce without the heat.
• Vegan Twist: Swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream—still dreamy and delicious.
• Extra Smoky: Occasionally, I add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with naan bread.
• Spice Boost: If you’re like me and love heat, adding extra cayenne or even some crushed red pepper flakes amps it up perfectly.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken with Love

Start by mixing your bite-sized chicken thighs with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt in a bowl. I always give it a good mix with my hands so every piece is coated evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes—this quick step makes a huge difference, tenderizing the meat and giving it that subtle tang.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your marinated chicken and cook carefully, stirring occasionally so it browns evenly—all those golden bits add flavor to your sauce later. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked through, scoop the chicken out and set aside, but don’t clean the pan; those brown bits are gold!

Step 3: Sauté Your Aromatics & Build the Sauce Base

Turn the heat down to medium and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the same skillet. Scrape up any brown bits left from the chicken—you’ll love the depth it adds. Then toss in the minced garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt, sautéing until the onions turn translucent and the kitchen smells amazing. This step is where the magic of flavor really starts.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce and Reintroduce the Chicken

Add the tomato sauce and sugar next, letting it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly. Then it’s time to return the chicken to the pan. Stir everything together, and slowly pour in the heavy cream—watch as the sauce transforms into a vibrant, creamy orange color. This is when your kitchen starts to smell like your favorite Indian restaurant!

Step 5: Season, Simmer & Finish with Butter

Season with cayenne pepper if you want some heat, plus garam masala, curry powder, black pepper, and adjust salt to taste. Let everything simmer gently on low heat for about 10 minutes so the flavors can meld beautifully. Finish off by stirring in the last 2 tablespoons of cold butter—it melts into the sauce, making it silky and rich. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top brightens it up perfectly.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my butter chicken with freshly chopped parsley because it adds a lovely pop of color and freshness, cutting through the richness. Sometimes I like to sprinkle a little extra garam masala or a squirt of lemon juice for brightness—you’ll find your own favorite garnish over time!

Side Dishes

This butter chicken pairs perfectly with warm naan bread—ideal for scooping up that delicious sauce. I also love serving it alongside fluffy steamed basmati rice to soak up every bit of flavor. For a healthier touch, some simple roasted or sautéed veggies make a great addition too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this butter chicken in individual mini cast-iron skillets or colorful ramekins. It makes the meal feel extra special and restaurant-worthy. Adding a bowl of mango chutney or a crisp cucumber raita on the side gives it an elegant flair and keeps guests coming back for more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers can be even better the next day—just make sure to keep it sealed well to preserve freshness.

Freezing

If you want to make this in advance, freezing works great. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and label with the date. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeks!

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the butter chicken on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally so the sauce doesn’t separate. Adding a splash of water or cream helps refresh the sauce consistency. Microwave works in a pinch, but stovetop warming keeps the texture perfect.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you find as much joy in making this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe as I do—it’s truly a kitchen favorite that always feels special yet never takes all day. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together around the table. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your top go-to comfort meals too!

Print