Name: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Indian
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; Steamed rice

Jump to Recipe

Homemade butter chicken has always been a beloved dish in my kitchen, reminiscent of cozy weeknight dinners. The creamy, aromatic sauce paired with tender chicken is simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or enjoy a comforting meal with family, this quick and easy recipe has you covered. With its straightforward preparation and vibrant flavors, you’ll see why this dish is a go-to for many home cooks. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to bring the taste of Indian cuisine into your home without a lot of fuss.

Reasons You’ll Love Making It

What sets this butter chicken recipe apart from others is its speed and simplicity. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is also budget-friendly, utilizing easy-to-find ingredients that may already be in your pantry. Families will adore the rich, creamy sauce, and it’s kid-approved, making it a fantastic way to introduce your little ones to the bold flavors of Indian cuisine.

"This butter chicken blew our minds! So rich and flavorful, and it didn’t take long to make at all!" – A happy recipe tester

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

To create your delicious butter chicken masterpiece, you’ll want to marinate the chicken, cook it to juicy perfection, prepare a luscious sauce, and then serve it up with your favorite sides. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll be doing:

Marinate the Chicken: Infuse the chicken with spices and Greek yogurt for maximum flavor.
Cook the Chicken: Sauté until golden and tender.
Prepare the Sauce Base: Sauté onions, garlic, and spices for that lovely aroma.
Build the Sauce: Add in tomato sauce and cream for a luscious texture.
Season and Simmer: Let the flavors meld together beautifully.
Finish with Butter: Add richness and silkiness to the dish.
Serve and Enjoy: Pair it with naan or steamed rice.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to make this delightful dish:

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 heat)
1 teaspoon garam masala
½ teaspoon curry powder
¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
Naan bread
Steamed rice

Feel free to swap out chicken thighs for chicken breast if desired, but thighs provide more moisture and flavor.

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Step-by-Step Directions

Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (about 7-10 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Prepare the sauce base: In the same skillet, reduce heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the diced onion until softened (about 3 minutes), then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Build the sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Season and simmer: Add heavy cream, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and additional curry powder. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Finish with butter: Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until melted and the sauce is creamy.
Serve and enjoy: Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it in the sauce. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Best Way to Serve

To experience the full flavor of your homemade butter chicken, serve it hot with warm naan bread for dipping and fluffy steamed rice to soak up that delicious sauce. You can also pair it with a simple cucumber salad or raita to add a refreshing contrast.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (which is sometimes a hard thing to do with this dish!), allow the butter chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. For longer storage, consider freezing it in portions; it will retain its flavor for up to 2 months. Just remember to label your containers!

Expert Advice

Marinate for longer: If you have time, marinating the chicken for a few hours or overnight enhances the flavors even more.
Adjust the spice level: Feel free to increase the cayenne pepper for a spicier kick or leave it out altogether for a milder version.
Freshness matters: Use fresh spices for the best flavor. Old spices can lead to a dull-tasting dish.

Creative Twists

If you’re feeling adventurous, try these variations:

Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with paneer or mixed vegetables for a delightful meat-free alternative.
Coconut Cream: Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream for a slight twist in flavor, giving it a tropical note.
Spice Infusions: Add your favorite spices like turmeric or cumin for additional depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to prepare?

This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works well, but thighs are recommended for their juiciness and flavor.

How do I reheat leftovers safely?

Reheat leftovers over low heat on the stove or microwave until thoroughly warmed, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Is there a dairy-free alternative?

Yes! You can use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and replace butter with a dairy-free butter substitute.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken in advance. Just store them separately until you’re ready to cook.

Now that you have all the insights needed, dive into this delicious Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe and savor every bite! Enjoy the warmth and rich flavors of this dish that never fails to impress.