Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a soul-satisfying dinner that’s bursting with flavor and comfort in every bite, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is about to become a household staple. It combines tender chicken pieces with a lush, creamy tomato sauce and a blend of warm spices, delivering all the cozy, restaurant-style vibes right from your own stove. Plus, it’s weeknight-friendly and anyone—even if you’re new to Indian cooking—can whip it up with confidence. Rich, aromatic, and delightfully simple, this dish is a true celebration of the power of bold flavors and convenience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken lies in its straightforward ingredient list—nothing fussy, just key pantry staples and a few fresh items that each play a vital role. From the mellow richness of butter and cream to the vibrant spices, every ingredient has a purpose in building layers of flavor, texture, and that iconic golden color.
- Chicken thighs: Opt for boneless, skinless thighs cut into bite-sized pieces for juiciness—but chicken breast also works for a lighter option.
- Vegetable oil: Gives the chicken a golden sear without overpowering the taste.
- Butter: Infuses the dish with a signature silky richness and helps create that classic buttery sauce.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion brings a natural sweetness and savory base to the curry.
- Garlic: Just three cloves, minced, make all the difference in aroma and flavor.
- Fresh ginger: Grated ginger adds a gentle heat and depth that makes the sauce come alive.
- Garam masala: This warming spice blend is the heart of the dish—don’t skip it!
- Ground cumin: Lends earthy, nutty notes that complement the other spices beautifully.
- Paprika: Adds a mild heat and deep color to the sauce.
- Turmeric: Imparts that classic golden hue and a hint of earthiness.
- Chili powder: For subtle heat; feel free to increase or decrease to suit your spice preference.
- Salt: Essential for balancing and elevating all the flavors.
- Tomato sauce: A can of tomato sauce brings tangy body and deep color to the curry.
- Heavy cream: It’s what makes the sauce lusciously thick, smooth, and undeniably comforting.
- Sugar: Just a bit to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and round out the flavors.
- Lemon juice: Finishes everything off with brightness—you’ll taste the difference!
- Chopped fresh cilantro: For that vibrant pop of color and fresh, herbal finish on top.
- Cooked basmati rice or naan: Perfect companions for soaking up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your chicken pieces and cook them, turning occasionally, for about 5 to 6 minutes until they develop a golden crust and are nearly cooked through. This step locks in juiciness and sets the flavor foundation. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and set aside—don’t worry, it’ll finish cooking in that dreamy sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Using the same skillet (no need to wash, those browned bits are pure gold!), melt the butter and add your finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until it softens and turns slightly golden. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute. Instantly, you’ll notice how the kitchen fills with a deeply inviting aroma.
Step 3: Toast the Spices
Sprinkle in your garam masala, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds—this quick toasting helps the spices bloom, releasing their oils and amplifying their flavors. It’s a small touch that makes a massive difference in your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce bubble away for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. At this stage, the sauce will start smelling wonderfully complex and look beautifully rich.
Step 5: Creamy Finishing Touches
Lower the heat, then stir in the heavy cream, sugar, and fresh lemon juice. This trio smooths out the sauce, giving it that signature velvety texture and perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasonings if needed—everyone’s palate is a little different!
Step 6: Simmer Chicken in Sauce
Return the browned chicken pieces and any juices back to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Simmer everything together for 8 to 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly. The chicken should be juicy and deeply flavorful—and your kitchen will smell utterly irresistible.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Garnishes
Nothing makes Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken look more inviting than a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro. You can also drizzle a little extra cream for a dramatic swirl or add sliced red chilies for a bit of extra heat and color—it’s all about finishing with flair!
Side Dishes
Serve this butter chicken with steaming hot basmati rice or pillowy naan to soak up the rich sauce. For a shareable meal, add sides like crisp cucumber raita or a fresh kachumber salad. These accompaniments cool the palate and elevate every forkful.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken in small bowls as part of a mixed Indian-inspired spread, or ladle it over roasted cauliflower for a lower-carb twist. For gatherings, offer a DIY butter chicken wrap station with naan, pickled onions, and crisp lettuce—fun, interactive, and totally delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cooled butter chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making leftovers even more irresistible. Just be sure the sauce stays thick by letting it cool before covering tightly.
Freezing
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken freezes beautifully! Allow the curry to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. To avoid grainy texture, stir well after reheating so the creamy sauce regains its luscious quality.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your butter chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring until hot all the way through. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring often to keep the sauce smooth. Add a splash of cream or water if the sauce seems too thick as it warms up.
FAQs
Can I make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken dairy-free?
Yes! For a dairy-free version, simply replace the butter with vegan butter and substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream. You’ll still get a rich, luxurious sauce with a subtle coconut note that works beautifully with the spices.
What can I use instead of chicken thighs?
If you prefer a leaner option or just have chicken breasts on hand, go ahead and use them. Just be sure not to overcook the chicken so it stays tender and juicy.
How spicy is Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken?
This recipe is mild to moderate in heat, but you can easily adjust the spice by increasing or decreasing the chili powder to suit your taste. If you like it hot, add a pinch of cayenne!
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Absolutely! This dish is a fantastic make-ahead option. Prepare it a day in advance and let the flavors develop overnight. Just reheat gently before serving with lots of fresh cilantro on top.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is naturally gluten-free, just double-check that your store-bought spices and tomato sauce don’t have any additives containing gluten. Pair with gluten-free rice for a completely safe meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about making Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken from scratch—especially when it takes less than an hour and fills your home with the best aromas. If you’ve ever wished for restaurant-style comfort on a busy night, this is your sign to give it a try. Go ahead, grab your skillet, and see why this recipe is always a hit with family and friends!
Print
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe. Perfectly seasoned chicken simmered in a luscious tomato and cream sauce, this dish is a delight for the taste buds.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For Serving:
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Cooked basmati rice or naan
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet, brown chicken, and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger. Add spices, tomato sauce, cream, sugar, and lemon juice. Simmer.
- Combine: Return chicken to the skillet and simmer until cooked through.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro and serve with rice or naan.
Notes
- Chicken breast can be used instead of thighs for a leaner version.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute coconut cream and vegan butter.
- Adjust spices to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
