Name: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
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

If you’ve ever craved restaurant-quality Indian flavors without the fuss, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. This one-pot marvel spotlights tender, juicy chicken enveloped in a silky tomato-cream sauce that bursts with warm spices, yet is mild enough for the whole family. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: it comes together with pantry staples and just a handful of steps. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or just want an approachable weeknight winner, this recipe will win you over with every creamy, saucy bite.

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is how each ingredient adds real depth—no fancy shopping trips required. These everyday staples create a showstopping sauce, juicy chicken, and that signature restaurant sparkle.

Chicken Thighs: Their extra juiciness soaks up all the rich flavor, leaving every bite melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Salt: The essential seasoning that pulls everything together!
Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, background warmth to our marinade.
Sweet Paprika: Gives that trademark color and gentle smoky-sweetness.
Curry Powder: A dash in both marinade and sauce for deeper, unmistakable flavor.
Greek Yogurt: Tenderizes the chicken, making it extra luscious.
Vegetable Oil: For sautéing, ensuring the spices bloom beautifully.
Butter: The heart of the dish—in every sauce swirl, you’ll taste that creamy richness.
Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced for max punch and aroma.
Onion: Diced small, it melts into the sauce bringing subtle sweetness.
Tomato Sauce: The backbone of our creamy, tangy, flavorful gravy.
Sugar: Balances out the acidity and marries all the flavors together.
Black Pepper: Lends a gentle kick, playing up the warm spices.
Heavy Cream: The ingredient that transforms your sauce from “good” to “crave-worthy.”
Cayenne Pepper: Optional, if you love a little heat (I always do!).
Garam Masala: Classic, aromatic Indian spice blend for beautiful finishing notes.
Fresh Parsley: Totally optional for garnish, but it brings a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Naan Bread & Steamed Rice: Absolutely essential for soaking up every bit of that glorious sauce.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and a generous dollop of Greek yogurt in a large bowl. This quick marinade deeply flavors each bite and ensures your chicken stays fork-tender after cooking—no complicated overnight steps needed. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or if you’re speedy, even as you prep the other sauce ingredients).

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat up half the butter with the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once nice and hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Get a light golden sear on both sides—just 4-5 minutes total, as the chicken will finish cooking in the sauce later. Scoop the chicken onto a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

In that same pan, melt the remaining butter and toss in the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until your kitchen smells incredible and the onion turns soft and translucent. This is where layers of flavor really start to build! Next, stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, curry powder, and (if using) cayenne, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer to wake up all those flavors.

Step 4: Creamy Upgrade

Pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly, watching as your sauce turns velvety and orange-hued—pure butter chicken magic! Lower the heat to avoid scorching and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and meld together. The luscious texture is truly the soul of this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the seared chicken back to the pan along with any of those delicious juices and sprinkle in the garam masala. Let everything simmer together gently for another 8-10 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and gloriously sauced. Taste and adjust for salt or a touch more sugar if needed.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Just before serving, shower your plates with a flurry of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for brightness and a burst of green. If you like an extra-luxurious finish, swirl in a spoonful of cream or a pat of butter right before serving—the simplest flourish really makes it feel special.

Side Dishes

This dish absolutely shines with big, pillowy pieces of naan bread, perfect for scooping up that rich sauce. Steamed basmati rice is another wonderful partner—the soft grains catch every drop of creamy tomato goodness. For a fresh balance, consider a light cucumber salad or crisp veggie slaw as well.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual butter chicken bowls over rice, topped with crunchy onion strings or a sprinkle of toasted almonds for texture. Or arrange a “build-your-own” naan platter, with all the fixings in colorful little bowls—great for dinner parties or fun family nights. However you serve it, the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe easily steals the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover butter chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container so the flavors stay fresh, and the sauce remains creamy and vibrant. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if you’re even more in love on day two!

Freezing

This recipe is totally freezer-friendly. Let the butter chicken cool completely, then portion it into airtight, freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months; just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best, creamiest results. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option for meal prep or busy weeks.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your butter chicken gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also warm individual servings in the microwave on medium power, stirring frequently to keep the sauce silky-smooth. Just avoid high heat, as it can cause the cream to separate.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast will work—just be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out a bit faster. Thighs are extra juicy and forgiving, so they’re my preferred choice for this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe.

Is there a way to make this dairy-free?

You can swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream. Coconut oil or vegan butter substitutes also work nicely for a dairy-free adaptation—just expect a subtle coconut note in the sauce!

How spicy is this dish?

Made as written, the dish is rich and creamy with a mild warmth. For spicier results, simply increase the cayenne or add your preferred hot sauce at the table. You control the heat—perfect for all palates.

Can I prepare the chicken or sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! You can marinate the chicken overnight if you like, or prep the sauce base up to two days in advance and keep it refrigerated. When ready to eat, just combine and finish cooking for speedy, stress-free dinners.

What can I substitute for garam masala?

If you’re out of garam masala, a combination of ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and a pinch of cloves can mimic its aromatic profile. The flavor will be a bit different, but still totally delicious in the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve experienced just how craveable and fuss-free this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe really is, you’ll want to make it again and again. With bold flavors, luscious sauce, and a super-simple process, it’s perfect for cozy nights in or impressing friends at your next dinner. Give it a try and make your kitchen smell—and taste—like magic!