There is something truly magical about a rich, creamy curry that wraps you in warmth and comfort, and this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe does exactly that. It takes all the essential flavors of classic butter chicken—succulent marinated chicken, fragrant spices, a luscious tomato-based gravy, and velvety cream—and brings them together in a simple, approachable way that anyone can master. Whether you’re craving Indian takeout or a heartwarming dinner at home, this recipe promises a delightful dish bursting with flavor and ready to impress, all while being surprisingly straightforward to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is your first step to creating something truly special. Each one plays its own role, whether it’s adding depth, creaminess, or a pop of color, making sure your butter chicken tastes authentic and irresistible.
- 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, perfect for soaking up the spices and sauce.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the spices.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A quick way to add that unmistakable garlic aroma without extra chopping.
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika: Brings a mild smoky sweetness and vibrant red color.
- ½ teaspoon curry powder: Adds warmth and complexity to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt: Helps tenderize the chicken while adding creaminess to the marinade.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to a golden brown.
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided: Provides that silky richness butter chicken is famous for.
- 6 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with robust, aromatic goodness.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and body to the gravy.
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce: The base of the luscious gravy, with a tangy-sweet profile.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomato sauce for a smoother taste.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Ensures the sauce is decadently creamy and smooth.
How to Make Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. The yogurt is the real MVP here—it tenderizes the chicken and helps the spices cling beautifully. Let this mixture rest for at least 30 minutes so all those flavors sink in deeply.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—you want it hot enough to get a nice sear on the chicken. Cook the marinated chicken in batches so they brown evenly and develop a flavorful char, about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside; this step locks in juices and flavor.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Using the same skillet, melt one tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onion and cook on medium heat until it turns soft and translucent, which takes around 8 to 10 minutes. This slow cooking helps unlock the onion’s natural sweetness. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or so until you are greeted by that warm garlic fragrance.
Step 4: Simmer the Gravy
Pour in the tomato sauce, then stir in the sugar, salt (taste and adjust as you go), and black pepper. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat, cover, and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes. This simmer allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together, creating that rich, hearty base for your butter chicken.
Step 5: Combine & Finish
Return the browned chicken to the skillet, nestling it comfortably in the simmering sauce. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining tablespoon of butter. Let everything simmer uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes—this final step melds all the flavors perfectly and ensures the chicken is tender and cooked through, swimming in a creamy, dreamy sauce.
Step 6: Serve
Your Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve hot, paired with your choice of fluffy basmati rice or warm, soft naan to soak up all that luscious sauce. It’s a dish that instantly transforms any meal time into a celebratory feast.
How to Serve Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your presentation and flavor. Fresh cilantro sprinkled on top adds a bright, herbaceous note that contrasts beautifully with the richness. A light drizzle of cream or a few slivers of toasted almonds can add visual appeal and texture.
Side Dishes
Butter chicken pairs exceptionally well with traditional Indian sides like fluffy basmati rice, garlic naan, or even some lightly spiced vegetable pulao. You could also offer a crunchy cucumber salad or raita to refresh the palate between creamy bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern twist, serve your butter chicken in small bowls as part of a themed dinner alongside other Indian dishes like samosas, lentil dal, and fresh chutneys. You could also use the sauce as an indulgent topping for baked potatoes or as a rich pasta sauce for a fusion flair—there’s so much fun to be had!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply transfer any leftover butter chicken to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dish again with minimal effort.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When you want a quick homemade meal, just thaw and reheat for an instant crowd-pleaser.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your butter chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or cream to bring back that creamy consistency without losing a bit of flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast if you prefer. Keep in mind that breast meat cooks faster and can become dry if overcooked, so watch your cooking time carefully to maintain juiciness.
Is this recipe very spicy?
This Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is designed to be mildly spiced, making it approachable for most palates. If you like heat, feel free to add some chili powder or sliced fresh chilies to amp it up.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Replace the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter, and swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream to keep it creamy and dairy-free without sacrificing taste.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
While 30 minutes is the minimum for this recipe, marinating the chicken for several hours or overnight will deepen the flavors and make the meat even more tender.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftover butter chicken reheats wonderfully and can be enjoyed over rice or as a filling for wraps and sandwiches. You can even turn it into a butter chicken pizza topping for a fun dinner twist.
Final Thoughts
There really is nothing quite like a home-cooked bowl of butter chicken to warm your soul and delight your taste buds. This Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe brings all the bold, creamy flavors you love with a simplicity that fits perfectly into busy weeknights or leisurely weekend cooking. Dive in, savor every bite, and watch this recipe quickly become a cherished favorite in your meal rotation.
Print
Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
A quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe featuring tender marinated chicken thighs cooked in a rich, creamy tomato-based gravy infused with garlic, spices, and butter. Perfect for a comforting meal served with rice or naan.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 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
Cooking & Gravy
- 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
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine 1 ½ pounds chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, ½ teaspoon curry powder, and 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken in batches until browned and slightly charred, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove the cooked chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, approximately 8-10 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Gravy: Pour in the can of tomato sauce. Add 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste), and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
- Combine & Finish: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the gravy. Stir in 2 cups heavy cream and the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to finish cooking through.
- Serve: Serve hot with your favorite accompaniments such as steamed rice or warm naan bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 2 hours) can enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Adjust the curry powder quantity to control the spice level.
- Use heavy cream for the best rich, creamy texture; light cream can be substituted but may yield a thinner sauce.
- Butter can be substituted with ghee for a deeper flavor.
- Make sure to cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, ensuring a good sear and caramelization.
