Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is the answer when you’re craving rich, creamy comfort packed with flavor—without spending hours in the kitchen! Even if you’ve only got 45 minutes, you’ll be rewarded with beautifully tender, spice-kissed chicken in a luscious tomato cream sauce that tastes like it simmered all day. Your whole house will smell incredible, and I guarantee you’ll want to mop up every last drop with warm naan.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is that every ingredient does serious heavy lifting. Each one, from the Greek yogurt to the garam masala, builds layers of creamy, aromatic, slightly tangy goodness. Don’t skip or skimp—each plays its tiny part in transforming weeknight chicken into something special!

• Skinless boneless chicken thighs: These stay succulent and juicy, soaking up every bit of spice. If you can’t find thighs, chicken breast also works, but try not to overcook it.
• Salt, garlic powder, & sweet paprika: They infuse the chicken with baseline flavor and a lovely hint of smoky warmth—use sweet paprika for that classic color!
• Curry powder: A shortcut spice blend that brings golden color and complexity without needing a dozen separate spices.
• Greek yogurt: Tenderizes and moistens the chicken as it marinates, plus offers the sauce a gentle tang.
• Vegetable oil & butter: A winning combo for sautéing—oil prevents burning, while butter adds a luscious flavor you just can’t fake!
• Garlic & onion: The aromatic base; use fresh for deeper flavor (and that dreamy smell when you sauté).
• Tomato sauce: Gives body and a mellow depth—using canned sauce makes things simple, but go for a good-quality one if you can.
• Sugar: Just a touch balances the tomatoes’ acidity and rounds out the sauce.
• Heavy cream: This is where the magic happens—creaminess, silkiness, and richness galore!
• Black pepper, garam masala, cayenne (optional), curry powder: Each one adds a finishing pop: warmth, spice, and a subtle kick (only if you want it spicy).
• Parsley (for garnish): Totally optional, but its fresh green pop looks and tastes wonderful as the final touch.
• Naan bread & steamed rice: Trust me, you’re going to want these for scooping and soaking up all that glorious sauce!

Variations

I always say that a recipe is just a jumping-off point, and this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is endlessly adaptable. Don’t be shy—tweak the heat, lighten up the sauce, or throw in some veggies to make it totally your own!

• Lighter Dairy-Free Butter Chicken: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and use a plant-based yogurt in the marinade for a rich, dairy-free experience that’s still ultra-creamy.
• Extra Veggie Version: Add a big handful of baby spinach, peas, or steamed cauliflower florets into the sauce in the last five minutes to boost nutrition and color—perfect for picky eaters.
• Mild or Spicy: Control your heat! Skip the cayenne for gentle flavor or go big on garam masala and chili powder if you’re craving more kick.
• Grilled Chicken Twist: Fire up the grill and give your marinated chicken a quick char before finishing it in the sauce for irresistible smoky flavor.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, toss your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and a scoop of creamy Greek yogurt. Massage everything together (clean hands work best) so every nook and cranny gets coated. Set it aside to marinate while you prep the other ingredients—even 15 minutes is enough to make the chicken extra-juicy and flavorful!

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat oil in your largest skillet over medium-high and scatter in the marinated chicken. Let it cook undisturbed at first so it gets a lovely golden edge, then stir and continue until all the pieces are cooked through and lightly browned—about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer the chicken out and keep all the tasty juices and bits in the pan.

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce Base

Turn the heat down to medium and add a knob of butter to the same pan. As it melts, scrape up any browned bits (a splash of water helps if anything sticks—those are pure flavor!). Now add minced garlic, diced onion, and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onion is soft, golden, and everything smells amazing—about 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce and Chicken

Pour in the tomato sauce and a teaspoon of sugar, then let it bubble away for a couple of minutes. Return the chicken (and any juices) to the pan and stir in the heavy cream—watch the sauce turn a gorgeous deep orange right before your eyes. Add cayenne (if you want some heat), garam masala, extra curry powder, black pepper, and stir. Let it all simmer gently for at least 10 minutes so the flavors can marry and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Butter Gloss & Serve

Just before serving, swirl in the last cold bits of butter for that irresistible silky finish. Sprinkle on plenty of chopped parsley for brightness, then spoon the saucy chicken over fluffy rice and warm naan. Serve up your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe with lots of napkins, because it will be a hands-on, heartwarming kind of meal!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Nothing beats a shower of freshly chopped parsley (or cilantro) right before serving—its fresh green pop balances the richness of the sauce beautifully. A swirl of cream on top looks gorgeous if you’re feeling fancy, and a sprinkle of extra garam masala will delight any spice lover.

Side Dishes

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe screams for pillowy naan—perfect for scooping—or a mound of fluffy basmati rice to soak up every drop of that buttery sauce. Add a crisp cucumber salad or some roasted veggies for a color and crunch contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party wow-factor, try serving butter chicken in individual mini bowls with grilled naan triangles on the side. Layer it “rice-bowl” style for meal prep or a picnic, or set up a DIY naan wrap bar for build-your-own Indian street food magic!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your butter chicken cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Stored correctly, it’ll keep for up to 4 days in the fridge—and it honestly gets even better as the flavors deepen and meld together.

Freezing

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe freezes like a dream! Let it cool, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to three months and is a lifesaver on busy nights—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat butter chicken in a pot over medium-low, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce has thickened up too much. Microwave works too, but go low and slow to keep the chicken tender and sauce silky.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something genuinely joyful about digging into a homemade bowl of creamy, vibrant butter chicken—and this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe ensures you don’t need hours or a restaurant reservation to enjoy it. Try it once, and I think you’ll agree: it’s a new weeknight favorite worth sharing with everyone you love!

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