Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Butter chicken is a beloved dish that transcends dinner tables, bringing warmth and comfort in every bite. When I first experimented with a homemade version, I was pleasantly surprised by how quick and easy it turned out to be, all while preserving that rich, authentic flavor we crave. This go-to recipe features tender chicken enveloped in a creamy, fragrant sauce, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or anytime you’re in the mood for a flavor explosion.
Why you’ll love this dish
There are countless reasons to whip up this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken! First and foremost, it’s incredibly straightforward to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without hours spent in the kitchen. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, using simple ingredients likely already in your pantry.
But that’s just the beginning. The dish is also kid-approved, thanks to its creamy texture and subtly spiced flavor that appeals to all palates. And if you’re looking to impress guests at your next dinner party, few meals will do so quite like homemade butter chicken, complete with fluffy naan and steaming rice on the side.
“This butter chicken is a game-changer! It’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to make. My whole family devoured it!” – Happy Home Cook
How this recipe comes together
Creating this culinary delight is simpler than it may sound. Follow along as we guide you through the process, from marinating the chicken to savoring the final dish. The following steps will help you assemble a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your kitchen.
What you’ll need
To make this scrumptious butter chicken, you’ll need the following 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 (for serving)
- Steamed rice (for serving)
Feel free to consider substitutions for dietary preferences. For example, you can swap out chicken thighs for chicken breast for a leaner option, or use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
Step-by-step instructions
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Marinate the chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well, cover, and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
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Cook the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the vegetable oil. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking until they’re browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
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Prepare the sauce base: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter, garlic, and diced onion, cooking until soft and translucent, around 3-4 minutes.
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Build the sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Season and simmer: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir in the heavy cream, garam masala, and additional curry powder. Simmer on low for another 10-15 minutes until everything is well-coated and the sauce thickens slightly.
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Finish with butter: Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until melted and incorporated, adding a lovely richness to the dish.
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Serve and enjoy: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice for a complete meal.
Best ways to enjoy it
Butter chicken shines brightly on its own but becomes even more delightful with thoughtful pairing. Serve it with fluffy naan bread, perfect for scooping up all that luscious sauce. Steamed basmati rice is another excellent side dish—it allows you to soak up every flavor in the dish. For an added touch, consider a side of cooling cucumber raita or a simple salad to balance the richness.
Storage and reheating tips
Proper storage is essential to maintain the deliciousness of your butter chicken. Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. In the refrigerator, it should last up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore creaminess. Always ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when reheating.
Helpful cooking tips
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Always marinate: Marinating the chicken not only infuses flavor but also tenderizes the meat, leading to a juicy texture.
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Balancing spiciness: If you prefer a milder sauce, feel free to reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. Conversely, if you enjoy a kick, add more!
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Use quality spice: Freshly ground spices elevate the dish. If you can, try to source fresh garam masala for a deeper flavor profile.
Recipe variations
Switch things up with these creative twists to suit your taste or dietary preferences:
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Vegetarian twist: Substitute the chicken with paneer, tofu, or a medley of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots for a vegetarian version.
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Heat it up: Add chopped green chilies or extra cayenne for those who like it spicy.
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Ingredients swap: Try using coconut milk for a dairy-free version while keeping the creamy texture.
Your questions answered
How long does it take to prepare?
This recipe typically takes about 45 minutes from prep to finish, with most of that time spent marinating the chicken.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast is a leaner option and works just as well in this recipe—just be cautious not to overcook it.
Is butter chicken healthy?
While it’s indulgent with the cream and butter, using lean chicken and incorporating plenty of spices creates a well-rounded dish. Just be mindful of the portion sizes!
With these easy steps and tips, your homemade butter chicken is set to become a family favorite! Enjoy creating this delightful meal that fills your home with warmth and invites everyone to the table.
Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Marinate the chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well, cover, and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the vegetable oil. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking until they’re browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce base: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter, garlic, and diced onion, cooking until soft and translucent, around 3-4 minutes.
- Build the sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Season and simmer: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir in the heavy cream, garam masala, and additional curry powder. Simmer on low for another 10-15 minutes until everything is well-coated and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish with butter: Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until melted and incorporated, adding a lovely richness to the dish.
- Serve and enjoy: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice for a complete meal.
