Quick and easy homemade butter chicken hits all the right notes: it’s creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly simple. Whether you’re whipping it up on a busy weeknight or impressing guests at a dinner party, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious. The warm aroma of spices wafts through the kitchen, instantly transforming your home into a cozy haven. Let’s not waste any time and dive right into mastering this family favorite.
Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
A creamy and flavorful butter chicken that is surprisingly simple to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 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
- 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
- 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
- In a bowl, combine chicken with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sear until browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, pour in the remaining tablespoon of oil and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, add the heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and the remaining curry powder. Return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Stir in the last tablespoon of butter before serving and garnish with parsley. Serve hot with naan and rice.
Notes
Marinate the chicken the night before for enhanced flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month, leaving out the cream until reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Why This Butter Chicken Never Fails
If you’ve ever feared that homemade butter chicken would be a complicated endeavor, I’m here to set the record straight. This version is foolproof and retains all the deliciousness you’d expect. Packed with spices, creamy goodness, and tender chicken, it uses simple techniques to guarantee success every time. No more takeout regrets; with a few ingredients and some confidence, you’ll serve up a dish that rivals the best restaurants.
Your Ingredient Lineup
For this easy butter chicken, grab the following fresh ingredients:
- 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
- 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
- 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
Make sure you have everything ready to go; it makes for a seamless cooking experience.
Cooking Method Made Simple
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes—this adds depth to the flavor.
Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sear until browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Once browned, remove the chicken and set aside. This step builds that beloved caramelization.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, pour in the remaining tablespoon of oil and add the butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Don’t skimp on sautéing; it forms the base of flavor for your sauce.
Make the Sauce: Add the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. The sauce thickens slightly; that’s what you want.
Creamy Goodness: Reduce heat to medium-low, add the heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and the remaining curry powder. Return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer for another 10 minutes, so the chicken absorbs the creamy goodness and is cooked through.
Finishing Touches: Just before serving, stir in the last tablespoon of butter for that shine and flavor enhancement. Serve hot, garnished with parsley, alongside warm naan and fluffy steamed rice.
You’ll find this simplified method cuts down on fuss while maximizing flavor—perfect for the average home cook.
Healthy Reasons to Love This Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: Approximately 420
- Protein: 30 grams
- Carbs: 12 grams
- Fat: 30 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
Balanced and filling without feeling heavy, this dish is a great way to enjoy hearty flavors while still keeping nutrition in mind. Plus, the creaminess and spices can help satisfy those comfort food cravings without the need for greasy alternatives.
How to Serve It Best
This butter chicken is incredibly versatile and fits right in for any occasion. Serve it for a quick family dinner, or dish it up for friends during a cozy weekend gathering. Naan bread for dipping and rice for scooping elevate the experience, making every bite fulfilling. Sprinkle a bit more parsley on top for visual interest, and perhaps pair it with a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch.
Smart Reheat Tricks
To keep your butter chicken fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month, but remember to leave out the cream until you reheat. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat on low on the stovetop, and slowly stir in some extra cream to return that velvety texture we love.
Expert Tips
Spice Level Management: Use cayenne pepper judiciously. If your family isn’t fond of heat, start with a pinch and adjust as needed.
Make Ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before to enhance the flavor even further. It saves time on the day you cook.
Add Veggies: Sneak in some spinach or bell peppers during the sauce simmer for added nutrition—nobody will complain about a little extra color on their plate.
Flavor Experiments
Seasonal Twist: Add diced butternut squash to the sauce in the fall for a lovely seasonal touch and natural sweetness.
Flavor-Forward: A splash of coconut milk instead of cream gives it an exotic twist with subtle coconut notes
Unexpected Kick: Try adding a tablespoon of peanut butter for a rich, nutty flavor that complements the spices beautifully.
Curious Cooks Ask
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine, but be mindful not to overcook them as they can dry out faster than thighs do.
What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
You can substitute it with regular plain yogurt or even sour cream. Just remember that adding yogurt helps tenderize the chicken, so avoid anything too low-fat.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes! Just remember to add the cream later, as freezing can change the texture. Once it’s thawed and heated, stir in the cream for that velvety finish.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Of course! Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or paneer for a delicious vegetarian option that maintains the richness of the dish.
With this trusty recipe, quick and easy homemade butter chicken is never more than a few steps away. Happy cooking!