This Quick & Easy butter chicken recipe is a total weeknight game-changer, bringing together the bold flavors of Indian cuisine with a super approachable American twist. Tender chunks of marinated chicken get nestled in a rich, creamy tomato sauce that’s utterly irresistible and ready in well under an hour, all with simple steps and everyday ingredients. Whether you’re brand new to making restaurant-style curries at home or already a seasoned home cook looking for a fast meal, you’ll love how this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Trust me: once you’ve tried this Quick & Easy butter chicken, it’ll earn a treasured spot in your regular dinner rotation!

Quick & Easy Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of this recipe: every ingredient has a clear role, from juicy chicken thighs for richness to a swirl of cream that adds lushness without weighing things down. These essentials create that signature color and taste everyone loves in Quick & Easy butter chicken.

  • Chicken Thighs: Their dark meat stays juicy and flavorful throughout cooking, perfect for saucy dishes like butter chicken.
  • Salt: Brings out the natural flavor in both the marinade and the sauce.
  • Garlic Powder: Packs extra punch into the marinade without the need for mincing.
  • Sweet Paprika: Lends a gentle heat and gorgeous crimson color.
  • Curry Powder: A quick-hit of fragrant, familiar spice that builds authentic depth.
  • Greek Yogurt: Tenderizes the chicken and makes the marinade creamy, not dry.
  • Vegetable Oil: The neutral base for sautéing and building the sauce comfortably.
  • Butter: Adds the signature rich silkiness you expect in a classic butter chicken.
  • Garlic Cloves: Fresh and robust, the foundation of the aromatic sauce.
  • Onion: Adds savory sweetness and body, balancing all the spices.
  • Tomato Sauce: You get creaminess and tang without the fuss of pureeing fresh tomatoes.
  • Sugar: Just a touch mellows the acidity of the tomato and creates a gentle flavor balance.
  • Black Pepper: Builds savory warmth that lingers with every bite.
  • Heavy Cream: Achieves that luxurious, velvety texture you crave in butter chicken.
  • Cayenne Pepper (optional): Turn up the heat for those who love a little extra kick.
  • Garam Masala: Delivers authentic, gently spiced complexity right at the finish.
  • Parsley (optional): Brightens up the final dish with color and freshness.
  • Naan Bread: The ultimate vehicle for soaking up every last drop of that luscious sauce.
  • Steamed Rice: Keeps things classic and is perfect for creating a complete Quick & Easy meal.

How to Make Quick & Easy

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start off strong by tossing your bite-sized chicken pieces in a mixing bowl with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and a generous dollop of Greek yogurt. Mix until every morsel is coated in those fabulous flavors. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes (perfect time to prep your other ingredients), which helps the spices soak in and promises seriously juicy bites after cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Once your chicken has marinated, heat up the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the marinated chicken pieces, getting a satisfying sizzle. Stir occasionally, letting them cook for 8-10 minutes until golden and cooked through. The kitchen will smell amazing! Don’t forget: remove the chicken and set it aside, leaving all those lovely juices in the pan for the next step.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base

Reduce the heat to medium and melt a tablespoon of butter right into that same skillet. Use a spatula to scrape up all the delicious brown bits (they’re loaded with flavor!). Add in the garlic and onion, and sprinkle in a pinch of salt to help them soften. Sauté until the onion turns translucent and the kitchen smells irresistible—this forms the tasty heart of your Quick & Easy butter chicken sauce.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and stir in the sugar for a perfect balance of richness and tang. Let it simmer for a few minutes to meld. Next, return your cooked chicken (and those juicy bits!) to the skillet, followed by the heavy cream. Stir well—the sauce will turn a beautiful creamy orange that just shouts “eat me!”

Step 5: Season and Simmer

This is when your Quick & Easy butter chicken takes on its signature flavor. Sprinkle in the garam masala, curry powder, black pepper, and (if you like it spicy) cayenne pepper. Let everything gently bubble on low heat for about 10 minutes, giving the flavors time to blend and the sauce to reach ideal, scoopable consistency.

Step 6: Finish with Butter

For ultimate lusciousness, swirl in the remaining cold butter, letting it melt right into the sauce for an ultra-silky finish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you want a pop of color and herbal brightness. And that’s it— your homemade Quick & Easy butter chicken is ready for the table!

How to Serve Quick & Easy

Quick & Easy Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Top your butter chicken with a sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. Not only does this brighten up the dish visually, but it also offers a bit of freshness to balance the rich, creamy sauce. Some folks love adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added zing—totally up to you!

Side Dishes

You absolutely can’t go wrong with fluffy steamed basmati rice to soak up every drop of that spectacular sauce. Tear off pieces of warm naan bread to scoop up the chicken for a hands-on experience that’s fun and satisfying. For a little extra green, a simple cucumber salad or quick sautéed veggies on the side work like a charm with this Quick & Easy main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to mix things up? Ladle your butter chicken over cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter spin. Serve it in individual ramekins with naan tucked along the edge for a bistro-style vibe, or offer a DIY bowl with a choice of rice, grains, fresh herbs, and toppings so everyone can build their ideal Quick & Easy plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover butter chicken keeps beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers maybe even better than the first round.

Freezing

This is a fantastic recipe to stash away for future Quick & Easy dinners. Cool the chicken and sauce fully, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to keep the sauce smooth and creamy. A splash of water or cream can help loosen up the sauce if it has thickened overnight. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring every minute for even heating.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap in coconut yogurt for Greek yogurt and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream. Opt for vegan butter or a bit more oil to finish. The result is still incredibly tasty and creamy, keeping it Quick & Easy for everyone to enjoy.

Will chicken breasts work instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts are a fine substitute if that’s what you have. Just be careful not to overcook them, as thighs are more forgiving. Marinating the pieces well will help keep everything juicy in this Quick & Easy recipe.

How spicy is this dish—can I adjust the heat?

This butter chicken is mild as written, but you have complete control! Leave out the cayenne for zero heat, or add extra if you love things spicy. The base is family-friendly, which makes it such a Quick & Easy crowd-pleaser.

Can I use tomato puree or crushed tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?

You sure can! Tomato puree will give a slightly silkier texture, while crushed tomatoes yield a chunkier sauce. Either way, you’ll end up with a delicious take on this Quick & Easy favorite.

Is it okay to marinate the chicken longer than 15 minutes?

Definitely—if you have more time, let the chicken marinate in the fridge for up to 2 hours for even more flavor absorption. Just don’t skip the marinating altogether since it makes a world of difference for this Quick & Easy recipe!

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a comforting, scrumptious Quick & Easy butter chicken that delivers restaurant-level flavor at home without the stress. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and fall in love with how effortlessly it comes together. Gather your favorite people, pass around the naan, and enjoy every last bite!

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Quick & Easy Recipe

Butter Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 93 reviews
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Indian
  • Diet: Halal

Description

This Quick & Easy Butter Chicken is a creamy, flavor-packed main course inspired by both Indian and American cuisines. Tender chunks of marinated chicken are simmered in a velvety tomato-butter sauce, subtly spiced and finished with cream for that irresistible richness. Perfect for busy weeknights, this family-friendly dish comes together in under an hour and pairs wonderfully with naan and steamed rice.


Ingredients

For the 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

For the Butter Chicken Sauce

  • 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)

To Serve

  • Naan bread
  • Steamed rice

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken thighs with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix thoroughly so each piece is evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prep the remaining ingredients.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside; leave any remaining oil in the pan.
  3. Prepare the Sauce Base: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon, adding a splash of water if needed. Stir in the minced garlic, diced onion, and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and aromatic, about 3–4 minutes.
  4. Build the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce along with sugar. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors. Return the cooked chicken (and any juices) to the skillet. Mix to combine, then pour in the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce turns smooth and orangey.
  5. Season and Simmer: Add cayenne pepper (if desired for heat), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Adjust the salt if needed. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, so the flavors meld.
  6. Finish with Butter: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter to the sauce, stirring until melted and the sauce is glossy and smooth. If using, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with warm naan bread and fluffy steamed rice. Enjoy the creamy, spiced goodness of homemade butter chicken!

Notes

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.
  • Use chicken breast if preferred, but reduce cook time slightly to avoid drying out.
  • Feel free to substitute half-and-half or coconut cream for the heavy cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
  • Adjust cayenne and garam masala to taste for more or less heat.
  • Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen for up to a month.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 640
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 1280mg
  • Fat: 48g
  • Saturated Fat: 23g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 21g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 39g
  • Cholesterol: 220mg

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