Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

It’s hard to resist the allure of a hearty dish like butter chicken, which brings the warmth and comfort of Indian cuisine straight to your kitchen. The creamy sauce, infused with spices, envelops tender chicken pieces, bringing an explosion of flavor and a satisfying meal. I often whip up this quick and easy homemade butter chicken on busy weeknights when I want something delightful yet uncomplicated.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This recipe stands out for several reasons. Firstly, it’s quick—done in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings when time is limited. Budget-friendly ingredients mean you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy restaurant-quality food at home. It’s also a kid-approved dish, as the creamy sauce is generally loved by little ones (with or without the optional cayenne for heat!).

“I tried this recipe last week, and it was not only simple but delicious! My kids couldn’t get enough, and I felt like a culinary rockstar.” – Emily R.

What truly sets this recipe apart is that it combines authentic flavors with accessibility. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner, a festive holiday gathering, or just treating yourself, this dish brings everyone together in the most delicious way.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Let’s dive into a quick overview of how to turn a few simple ingredients into a mouthwatering butter chicken. The process is easy and intuitive—marinate the chicken, sear it to golden perfection, and then build a rich sauce to envelop it in creamy goodness. You’ll end up with a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.

Gather Your Ingredients

To whip this up, you’ll need the following essentials:

• 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
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a kick)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon curry powder
• ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Naan bread or steamed rice (for serving)

You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs provide more flavor and tenderness. Greek yogurt adds creaminess, but regular yogurt works well too!

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes.

2. Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add butter and then sauté minced garlic and diced onion until they’re fragrant and translucent.

4. Build the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes.

5. Season and Simmer: Add the heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.

6. Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining butter for that rich, velvety finish.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Add the cooked chicken to the sauce, letting it heat through and coat perfectly. Serve hot!

Best Way to Serve

Butter chicken is traditionally enjoyed with naan bread or steamed rice, both of which soak up that luscious sauce beautifully. Consider garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

For a complete meal, pair it with a simple cucumber salad or roasted vegetables. You could also serve it with some homemade raita to balance the spices or a side of naan for dipping.

Storage Tips

If you have any leftovers (which might be a challenge given how tasty this dish is), follow these storage guidelines:

• Refrigerator: Store the butter chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
• Freezer: If you plan to keep it longer, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Ensure you handle the chicken properly to avoid any food safety issues. Cooked chicken should be cooled down before refrigerating or freezing.

Pro Chef Tips

• Marination Time: For even bolder flavors, marinate the chicken overnight if possible.
• Cooking Temperature: Ensure your pan is hot enough to achieve a nice sear on the chicken.
• Balancing Flavors: Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Every palate is different!

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations you might love:

• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with chickpeas or paneer for a tasty vegetarian take.
• Spice It Up: Add diced green chilies during the onion cooking step for an extra kick.
• Different Protein: Try using shrimp or fish for an exciting twist on butter chicken.

Your Questions Answered

• How long does it take to make? This butter chicken can be made in about 30-40 minutes from start to finish.
• Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, chicken breast can be used, but consider using a bit of extra moisture to keep it tender.
• How can I make it dairy-free? Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the butter for a dairy-free version.

This quick and easy homemade butter chicken is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug on a plate. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe, and make it your own!

Quick and Easy Butter Chicken

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-vegetarian

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Description

A quick and comforting butter chicken recipe infused with spices and a creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a kick)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon curry powder
• ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Naan bread or steamed rice (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Prepare the sauce base: In the same skillet, add butter and sauté minced garlic and diced onion until they’re fragrant and translucent.
4. Build the sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let it simmer for a few minutes.
5. Season and simmer: Add heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Finish with butter: Stir in the remaining butter for a rich, velvety finish.
7. Serve and enjoy: Add the cooked chicken to the sauce, letting it heat through and coat perfectly. Serve hot!

Notes

For even bolder flavors, marinate the chicken overnight if possible. Consider garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for extra flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: butter chicken, Indian cuisine, quick recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food