Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking to bring a delightful restaurant favorite to your own kitchen table in no time, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is your new go-to dinner star. Creamy, vibrant, and irresistibly aromatic, it’s the perfect blend of comfort and excitement for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends alike. With a luxuriously rich tomato cream sauce, juicy marinated chicken, and a touch of gentle spice, this dish delivers all the iconic flavors of butter chicken, without complicated steps or lengthy marinades. Try it once, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe in your regular rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how the magic of this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe comes from simple, familiar ingredients that work together to create deep, complex flavor. Each addition gives its own special note to the final dish—from the tender chicken to the velvety sauce—making every bite satisfying and bright.

• Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are juicy and tender, perfect for soaking up all the flavorful marinade.
• Salt: Essential for drawing out the chicken’s moisture and enhancing every other flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers a mellow background savory note, making each bite richer.
• Sweet Paprika: Adds sweetness and brilliant color, plus a hint of smokiness.
• Curry Powder: Lends subtle warmth and complexity, both in the marinade and sauce.
• Greek Yogurt: Acts as a tenderizer, keeping the chicken extra juicy while contributing a tangy zing.
• Vegetable Oil: Used to brown the chicken and form the base of a flavorful sauce.
• Butter: Adds signature richness and that unmistakable creaminess.
• Garlic Cloves: Minced fresh garlic provides aromatic punch that permeates the sauce.
• Onion: Diced onion sweetens and deepens the overall flavor profile.
• Tomato Sauce: Gives the sauce body, tang, and a brilliant orange-red hue.
• Sugar: Balances the tomato’s natural acidity and rounds out the flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds a touch of gentle heat and complexity.
• Heavy Cream: Responsible for that iconic silky, luscious texture everyone loves in butter chicken.
• Cayenne Pepper (optional): Optional touch for anyone who likes a subtle kick of heat.
• Garam Masala: Deepens the sauce with sweet, warm, and earthy Indian spice flavors.
• Freshly Chopped Parsley (optional): Scattered on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Naan Bread & Steamed Rice: Perfect partners for mopping up every last bit of creamy sauce.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by tossing your chicken thigh pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and a generous spoonful of Greek yogurt. Make sure every piece is well coated—this quick marinade infuses the chicken with flavor and keeps it juicy. You can start marinating while you prep the rest of your ingredients; even a quick 15 minutes will make a difference.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your marinated chicken and let it sizzle, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown on the outside and cooked through—usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Once it’s done, take out the chicken and set it aside, leaving any tasty bits and oil in the pan for your sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base

Lower the heat and add a tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Scrape up any flavorful browned bits left from the chicken (add a splash of water if they stick). Add your minced garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt and sauté until the onion turns soft and fragrant. This savory foundation is what gives your final Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe its magic.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and sugar, stirring well to combine. Allow it to simmer gently for a couple of minutes, which mellows the tomato and brings out its sweetness. Return the browned chicken to the pan and toss everything together. Pour in the heavy cream, mixing until the sauce transforms into a gorgeous, creamy orange.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Now for the signature spices! Sprinkle in cayenne (if you want heat), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Let everything bubble together on low heat for about 10 minutes, so the flavors have a chance to meld. Taste the sauce and add more salt or spice as you like. This simmer is what develops that unmistakable butter chicken allure.

Step 6: Finish with Butter

For that unmistakable silky richness, stir in the final cold tablespoons of butter. Let them melt right into the sauce, creating a glossy, luxurious finish. Add freshly chopped parsley for a bright flourish, if you like.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

That’s it! Scoop generous portions over steamed rice or, even better, serve with pillowy naan to soak up every creamy morsel. Your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is ready to wow!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A flourish of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top adds color and a pop of freshness, but don’t hesitate to get creative—swirl in a spoonful of cream for dramatic flair, or sprinkle extra garam masala for a more intense aroma just before serving. Even a wedge of lemon can add a zesty lift.

Side Dishes

Classic steamed basmati rice or fluffy naan bread are hands-down the best companions for butter chicken. The rice soaks up the sauce, while the naan scoops up every last drop. For a complete meal, you might also offer a simple cucumber salad or a side of sautéed greens to balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, try serving your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe in shallow bowls with a swirl of yogurt and a sprinkle of toasted nuts for crunch. Or turn it into butter chicken wraps using naan or soft flatbread, piling on crisp veggies for a fun twist. It even makes a wonderful topping for baked sweet potatoes for a unique weeknight dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Lucky you. Let the butter chicken cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and some say the flavors get even better as they mingle together.

Freezing

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe freezes beautifully. Pack cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags—just make sure to leave a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.

Reheating

When you’re ready to revisit that creamy goodness, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened. Stir often to prevent sticking and preserve that silky texture. The microwave works too—cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until piping hot.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs offer more juiciness and flavor, chicken breast works if you prefer a leaner option. Be careful not to overcook breast meat, as it tends to dry out more quickly than thighs.

How spicy is this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?

It’s mild and kid-friendly by default, but you control the heat. The cayenne pepper is optional—add more or less depending on your tolerance and preference.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream for full-fat canned coconut milk and use a plant-based butter substitute. The result will be just as creamy and delicious with a faint coconut undertone.

What’s the best way to marinate if I have more time?

If you’re planning ahead, let the chicken soak in the marinade for several hours or overnight. This extra time amplifies the spices and makes the meat even more tender, though it’s not required for a great result.

Can I prepare this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe in advance?

Definitely! You can make the dish a day ahead and refrigerate it. The flavors develop beautifully overnight, making reheated leftovers taste even richer and deeper.

Final Thoughts

Bringing the warmth, color, and creaminess of a classic Indian favorite to your kitchen has never been easier or more rewarding. This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser—perfect for impressing friends or simply treating yourself. Don’t wait for a special occasion: give it a try and savor those spoonfuls of rich, saucy comfort any night of the week!

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