Patrick Simon October 26, 2025

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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Name: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 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; 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

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

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There’s something truly comforting about the rich aroma of butter chicken simmering away on the stovetop. The velvety sauce, fragrant with spices, wraps around tender pieces of chicken, creating a dish that’s not just satisfying but a warm embrace on a chilly evening. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or craving a delightful homemade feast, Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is the perfect answer.

Why This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe Will Delight You

This easy butter chicken recipe stands out for several wonderful reasons. First and foremost, it strikes a beautiful balance between simplicity and flavor, making it accessible for even the busiest weeknight cooks. You can whip this dish up in under an hour while still achieving the depth of flavor that makes it a beloved favorite.

Here’s why you’ll want to add this recipe to your culinary repertoire:

Tasty and comforting: The blend of spices creates a dish that is both familiar and exotic.
Quick preparation: Gather a few ingredients, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
Customization options: Feel free to tweak the recipe to fit your taste or ingredient availability.
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike are sure to love this creamy, flavorful dish.
Perfect leftovers: Enjoy the flavors even more the next day!

Gather These Ingredients for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Getting your pantry ready for this recipe is an easy task! The ingredients play a vital role in building the beloved flavor profile of butter chicken. You may swap in turkey bacon for a lighter, leaner touch where necessary, ensuring that you retain the comforting essence without the extra fat.

Here’s what you’ll need:

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

These simple ingredients come together to create an unforgettable dish that will surely impress your friends and family!

Bringing It Together: How to Cook Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Creating your butter chicken is a breeze when you follow these simple steps. Prepare for your kitchen to fill with the wonderful aromas that hints at the delicious meal to come!

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly, then set it aside to marinate while you prepare your sauce base.
Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides, around 5-7 minutes. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked through yet; it will finish cooking in the sauce. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Build the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and stir in the sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you’re using it. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Season and Simmer: Add the marinated chicken back into the skillet, along with its juices, and pour in the heavy cream. Stir everything together and allow it to simmer on low heat for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and the garam masala and curry powder until well combined. This final touch adds an incredible richness to the sauce.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve your butter chicken hot with warm naan bread or over a bed of steamed rice.

Prep ~ 15 minutes, Cook ~ 30 minutes, Total ~ 45 minutes, Servings ~ 4, Kcal ~ 650 (estimate)

Prep Ahead: Plan for a Delicious Future

To make your cooking experience even smoother, consider prepping some ingredients ahead of time. You can marinate the chicken the night before and store it in the refrigerator; this will enhance the flavors even more. Additionally, chop your onions and garlic the day before, keeping them in an airtight container.

When it’s time to cook, simply follow the cooking steps as outlined. This preparation will save you valuable time and make dinner feel less daunting on busy evenings.

How to Store Leftovers: Tips for Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

Storing leftover butter chicken is simple! In an airtight container, it will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe containers; butter chicken can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, gently reheat them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Look out for a warm, bubbling consistency and an aromatic scent to ensure it’s perfect to enjoy again.

Perfect Pairings for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

To create a lovely meal experience, consider serving your butter chicken with the following options:

Warm naan bread: Perfect for scooping up the delicious sauce.
Steamed jasmine or basmati rice: A fragrant and fluffy side to absorb the richness.
Cucumber raita: A cooling yogurt-based dip to complement the heat in the dish.
Roasted vegetables: Seasonal veggies seasoned with spices for an earthy touch.
A fresh green salad: Crisp and refreshing, offering a nice contrast to the creamy dish.

Make It Your Own: Variations and Swaps

One of the best things about this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is its versatility. Here are some fun variations to try:

Add More Veggies: Toss in some spinach or peas towards the end of the cooking process for added nutrients and color.
Protein Swaps: If you’re looking for another protein option, you can use diced boneless chicken breasts or even ground turkey for a change.
Spice It Up: Feel free to increase the cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicy kick or add in some turmeric for an earthy flavor.
Cream Alternatives: If you want to lighten the dish, swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free version that still has richness.
Garnishes: Experiment with different garnishes like cilantro or mint for a refreshing lift.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets for Best Results

To ensure you get perfect results every time with your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe, keep these tips in mind:

Even Cooking: Ensure that the chicken pieces are cut uniformly to promote even cooking.
Oil Temperature: Get the oil hot enough before adding the chicken; it should sizzle as soon as it hits the pan.
Resting Time: Allow the butter chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to let flavors settle.
Thermometer Use: If unsure, ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Texture Check: The sauce should be creamy and thick, with the oil separating slightly on the surface when ready.

Your Questions Answered: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can, but chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender.
Is this recipe easy to make ahead?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken and prepping ingredients in advance can save time and enhance flavor.
Can I freeze the butter chicken?
Yes, you can freeze leftover butter chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in freezer-safe containers.
What if I don’t have garam masala?
If you can’t find garam masala, you can create a simple blend using cumin, coriander, and cardamom, or skip it entirely without losing much flavor.
How spicy is this recipe?
The cayenne pepper is optional, so you can adjust it to your heat preference.

Final Thoughts

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is a delightful and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also boasts a rich blend of flavors that will warm your soul and fill your heart. Whether it’s a weeknight supper or a family gathering, this dish promises to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So gather your ingredients, heat up the skillet, and enjoy the soulful flavors of butter chicken soon!

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Author: patrick
Total Time: 45
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and creamy butter chicken dish that is quick and easy to prepare, full of flavor and perfect for any occasion.

Instructions

In a bowl, combine chicken pieces, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well and set aside to marinate.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet.
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Pour in the tomato sauce, stir in sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Let simmer for about 5 minutes.
Add the chicken back into the skillet along with its juices and pour in heavy cream. Stir together and simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked.
Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and garam masala until well combined.
Garnish with parsley and serve hot with naan bread or steamed rice.