Delicious homemade butter chicken served with rice and garnished with cilantro.

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Homemade Butter Chicken is a delicious dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. It combines juicy chicken with a rich and creamy sauce that is bursting with flavor. This recipe is quick and easy, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings or when you want to impress friends and family without spending all day in the kitchen. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with naan bread or steamed rice, turning your meal into a comforting feast.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

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

Directions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken, salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

  2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

  3. Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent.

  4. Build the Sauce: Add tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes.

  5. Season and Simmer: Pour in the heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder. Mix everything together and add the cooked chicken back into the sauce. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes.

  6. Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until melted and combined.

  7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the butter chicken over rice or with naan, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Serve this mouthwatering Butter Chicken hot, paired with warm naan bread or a bowl of steamed rice. You can also add a side of your favorite vegetables to complete the meal. A refreshing salad or yogurt-based side can balance the richness of the dish.

How to Store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Store any leftover Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

  • For even more flavor, let the chicken marinate longer, ideally overnight.
  • Adjust the heat level by adding more or less cayenne pepper based on your preference.
  • To make it a bit healthier, you can swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a lighter version.

Variation

You can try replacing chicken with shrimp or paneer for a different protein option. Additionally, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the sauce for extra nutrition.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast can be used, but it might end up a bit drier. Cooking thighs usually provides a juicier result.

2. What can I use if I don’t have garam masala?
If you don’t have garam masala, you can mix equal parts of cumin, coriander, and cardamom as a substitute.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Butter Chicken is great for meal prep and can be made a day in advance. The flavors will deepen as it sits.