Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Imagine a dish that tastes like straight-up comfort in a bowl but comes together with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. That’s exactly what you get with this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. Succulent chicken is bathed in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with just the right touch of spice. The best part? It’s ready before you know it, turning any night into a special occasion—with minimal cleanup. If you adore buttery, deeply spiced curries but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this is about to become your new go-to recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each plays an essential role—marinating the chicken ensures tenderness, the aromatics build a flavorful base, and the finishing touches turn it into something truly restaurant-worthy right at home.

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and full of flavor, these are perfect for soaking up the marinade and staying tender in the sauce.
• Salt: Enhances all the spices and brings out the best in every bite.
• Garlic Powder: Gives the marinade depth and that little hint of umami.
• Sweet Paprika: Adds a mild kick and beautiful color to your chicken.
• Curry Powder: Lends warmth and a gentle, lingering spice note to both the chicken and the sauce.
• Greek Yogurt: Acts as a tenderizer for juicy, flavorful chicken and helps the spices stick.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral in flavor, perfect for searing chicken without overpowering the other tastes.
• Butter: The hero ingredient that gives the sauce its signature silkiness and subtle richness.
• Fresh Garlic: Six whole cloves for big, bold, aromatic notes.
• Onion: A sweet, savory base that melds seamlessly into the sauce.
• Tomato Sauce: Brings tang, sweetness, and color while tying all the flavors together.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes for a smooth, crowd-pleasing finish.
• Black Pepper: Adds a gentle bite and complexity to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Takes the sauce from good to incredible—think ultra-luxurious texture.
• Cayenne Pepper: (Optional) For those who like a little heat alongside the buttery richness.
• Garam Masala: This classic spice blend is essential for authenticity and aromatic depth.
• Chopped Parsley: (Optional) For a burst of freshness and a pretty pop of green.
• Naan Bread & Steamed Rice: Ideal for scooping up every drop of that dreamy sauce.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing your chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt in a medium bowl. Toss it all together so every piece is well coated. Let that sit for at least 15 minutes—just enough time to chop your onions and garlic and get the rest of your ingredients lined up. The short marinade makes all the difference, infusing flavor and locking in moisture.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat your skillet over medium-high and pour in the vegetable oil. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer—don’t crowd the pan! Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring here and there, until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate but leave that flavorful oil in the skillet.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base

Turn the heat down to medium and add a tablespoon of butter to the same pan. Scrape up those delicious brown bits left by the chicken; a splash of water helps if needed. Toss in your minced garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt, then sauté until the onions turn soft and fragrant—this is when your kitchen starts smelling irresistible!

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Time for tomatoes! Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar, letting it bubble gently for a few minutes. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and mix well. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce turns a beautiful, creamy orange. This step is pure magic, as your butter chicken base transforms into something luscious and worthy of a restaurant menu.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in the cayenne (if you want extra heat), plus garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Let everything simmer on low for about 10 minutes so all those flavors can become best friends. Adding your remaining salt and spices now ensures the sauce is perfectly seasoned and deeply flavorful.

Step 6: Finish with Butter

To bring it all together, stir in the remaining two tablespoons of cold butter. Let it melt slowly for that signature glossy finish. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley for an herbal pop of color and freshness, making your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe look as good as it tastes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out your butter chicken while it’s hot, paired with soft naan bread or a mound of steaming white rice. The sauce begs to be scooped up, so be generous! With every bite, you’ll get tender chicken and a sauce that’s the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and creaminess.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Nothing finishes off the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe like a little flourish. Try a scatter of chopped parsley for color, or a swirl of extra cream for a luxurious touch. If you enjoy crunch, a sprinkle of toasted cashews or sliced almonds does wonders, too.

Side Dishes

Classic accompaniments include fluffy basmati rice or pillowy naan bread, both perfect for mopping up every bit of sauce. You might also serve alongside simple cucumber salad or roasted veggies for freshness and crunch. Really, this dish is adaptable to whatever you love most with your curries.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress guests by portioning the butter chicken into small bowls as an appetizer, or serve over rice in a big platter for family-style feasts. For a twist, try building “naan tacos” or stuffing leftovers into wraps for an unforgettable lunch the next day. The Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe truly shines no matter how you plate it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your butter chicken cool down, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, and the flavors often deepen with time—making leftovers sometimes even better than the original meal!

Freezing

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe freezes beautifully. Pop cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. It should keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the butter chicken gently in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or cream if needed to bring back its creamy texture. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each, until thoroughly hot.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works if you prefer leaner meat, though thighs stay juicier during simmering. Just keep an eye on cooking time to avoid drying out the meat.

What’s the secret to a really creamy sauce?

The combination of heavy cream and finishing with cold butter is key. This duo makes the sauce extra velvety, while long, gentle simmering helps everything meld together smoothly.

Is this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe really spicy?

Not by default—the base recipe has warmth but isn’t overly hot. The cayenne is optional, so you can control the heat level to suit your preference or skip it entirely if you like it mild.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! You can cook the sauce (without chicken) up to two days in advance and keep it chilled. Simply reheat, add cooked chicken, and finish with butter and garnishes when you’re ready to serve.

What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?

No worries—regular plain yogurt works well, or substitute with sour cream for a tangy twist. The important part is that it helps tenderize the chicken while lending subtle creaminess.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe that brings comfort cooking right to your kitchen without any stress. I hope you’ll give it a try, mix in your own favorite touches, and make it a regular star at your dinner table! Your taste buds will thank you.

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