There’s nothing quite like the rich, luscious flavors of a Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe to bring warmth and delight to your dinner table. This beloved Indian classic, reimagined with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, offers tender marinated chicken bathed in a creamy tomato sauce that’s both comforting and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re new to cooking Indian dishes or looking for a trusty weeknight favorite, this recipe combines vibrant spices and velvety texture without overwhelming your schedule.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, ensuring a dish that is both aromatic and beautifully textured. From the tender chicken thighs to the fragrant spices and creamy finish, you’ll find these essentials simple yet powerful in creating that authentic taste.
- Chicken thighs (1 ½ pounds, skinless, boneless): Their fattiness keeps the chicken juicy and tender throughout cooking.
- Salt (1 teaspoon + 1 teaspoon): Enhances natural flavors and balances the spices in the marinade and sauce.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle depth to the marinade layer.
- Sweet paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings mild heat and a warm red hue to the dish.
- Curry powder (½ teaspoon): Provides complex spice notes typical of traditional butter chicken.
- Greek yogurt (1 tablespoon): Tenderizes chicken and adds a touch of tanginess to the marinade.
- Vegetable oil (3 tablespoons): For searing chicken to get that beautiful caramelized crust.
- Butter (3 tablespoons, divided): The star of the dish, enriching the sauce with creaminess and richness.
- Garlic cloves (6, minced): Fresh garlic lends an unmistakably vibrant and aromatic punch.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Adds sweetness and texture as it softens in the sauce.
- Tomato sauce (15-ounce can): The base of the sauce that balances tang and sweetness.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Softens the acidity of tomatoes and rounds out flavors.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and seasoning complexity.
- Heavy cream (2 cups): Creates that iconic silky, indulgent sauce that clings to every bite.
How to Make Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken chunks in a blend of salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and creamy Greek yogurt. This combination not only seasons the chicken beautifully but also tenderizes it, setting the perfect foundation for flavors to come. Letting it rest for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator ensures every bite is juicy and well-seasoned.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Using a combination of butter and vegetable oil, sear the marinated chicken in batches over medium-high heat. This step is crucial because it locks in moisture and adds a golden-brown crust that gives the dish a lovely texture contrast. Don’t overcrowd the pot so each piece crisps perfectly before being set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Next, in the same pot, soften diced onions until translucent and sweet. Then add minced garlic just until fragrant. These aromatics build a rich, savory base that infuses every bit of sauce with depth and warmth. You’ll start to notice that inviting aroma that makes butter chicken so irresistible!
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce, then stir in sugar, salt, and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to deepen in flavor and reduce slightly. This step balances acidity with sweetness, creating the perfect environment for the remaining ingredients to shine.
Step 5: Combine and Finish Cooking
Return the golden chicken pieces to the bubbling sauce. Stir in the heavy cream along with the rest of the butter. This luxury of cream and butter melds into a luscious sauce that coats every chunk of chicken spectacularly. Let it simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes to marry all the flavors perfectly and finish cooking the chicken through.
Step 6: Serve
Give the butter chicken a final taste and tweak the seasoning if needed. Serve it hot, paired with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread to scoop up every last bit of that phenomenal sauce. This step turns a simple meal into a memorable feast.
How to Serve Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, a drizzle of cream, or a sprinkle of garam masala can elevate your butter chicken visual appeal and add fresh flavor layers. These little touches make the dish look as wonderful as it tastes and provide a slight herbal brightness to cut through the richness.
Side Dishes
Classic companions such as steamed basmati rice or garlic naan are the perfect vehicles for soaking up that decadent sauce. For a lighter option, try cucumber raita or a simple green salad to provide contrast and freshness alongside the hearty main.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your butter chicken in small bowls topped with toasted nuts like cashews, or dollops of cooling yogurt to balance the spice. Plating it over fluffy couscous, or even stuffing it into warm pita pockets, gives a novel spin and makes this dish ideal for casual gatherings or family dinners alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an excellent choice for easy next-day meals or packed lunches that still feel special.
Freezing
This butter chicken freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain the silky texture of the sauce.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. You can add a splash of water or cream if the sauce thickens too much. Microwave is fine too but watch closely to avoid overheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are leaner and will work fine, though thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender, which is ideal for this rich, creamy dish.
How spicy is this butter chicken recipe?
This version is mild with gentle warmth from the curry powder and paprika. You can easily adjust for more heat by adding chili powder or fresh chili peppers if you like it spicier.
Is Greek yogurt necessary for the marinade?
Greek yogurt tenderizes the chicken and adds tang, but if you don’t have it, a small amount of regular yogurt or even a splash of lemon juice can work as alternatives.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. It will give a slightly different flavor but still delicious and creamy.
What can I do with leftover sauce?
The sauce is fantastic over roasted vegetables, with grains like quinoa, or even as a dipping sauce for naan. It keeps well refrigerated and can be repurposed easily.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe enough — it’s a perfect combination of convenience and incredible flavor that impresses every time. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish invites you to slow down and savor every bite of its creamy, spiced goodness. Give it a try and make it your go-to comfort food classic!
Print
Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe features tender bite-sized chicken thighs marinated in aromatic spices and Greek yogurt, then seared and simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. Perfectly balanced with garlic, onion, and a blend of spices, this classic Indian dish is ideal for a comforting family meal served alongside naan or basmati rice.
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 Ingredients
- 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 chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix thoroughly to coat each piece, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1.5 tablespoons of butter and 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in batches, searing each piece for 3-4 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove the browned chicken and set aside to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, then stir in sugar, salt (adjusting to taste), and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine & Finish: Return the seared chicken pieces to the pot. Stir in the remaining 1.5 tablespoons of butter and 2 cups of heavy cream, mixing until fully incorporated. Maintain a gentle simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the sauce to develop a rich, creamy consistency.
- Serve: Taste the butter chicken and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the dish hot with warm naan bread, roti, or steamed basmati rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor even more.
- Use boneless chicken thighs for juicier and more tender results compared to breast meat.
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a slightly different flavor and a dairy-free option.
- Adjust the spices according to your preferred heat level by adding cayenne or chili powder if desired.
- Leftover butter chicken tastes great reheated and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
