Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

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Update : February 20, 2026

Delicious homemade butter chicken served with rice and cilantro garnish.

why make this recipe

Butter Chicken is a beloved dish known for its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken. It’s a great choice for those who want a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe allows you to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right at home. It’s perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort!

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. In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and diced onion until fragrant and the onion is soft.
  3. Add the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes.
  4. In another pan, cook the marinated chicken over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through.
  5. Add the cooked chicken to the sauce. Stir in the remaining butter. Let it simmer for a few more minutes to combine the flavors.
  6. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.

how to serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Serve your Butter Chicken hot and fresh, paired with warm naan bread and fluffy steamed rice. This combination soaks up the rich sauce and makes for a satisfying meal. You can also sprinkle extra parsley on top for a pop of color.

how to store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

To store leftovers, let the Butter Chicken cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay good for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove or in the microwave until it’s heated through.

tips to make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

  • Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes or longer for more flavor.
  • Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. You can add more salt or pepper if desired.
  • For a thicker sauce, you can simmer it longer to reduce it.
  • If you like it spicier, add more cayenne pepper.

variation

If you want to make this dish vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken with paneer or mixed vegetables. The cooking method remains the same, but cook the vegetables just until tender.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast, but thighs are more tender and juicy in this dish.

2. Can I freeze Butter Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze Butter Chicken in an airtight container. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

3. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can use coconut milk or a mix of milk and cornstarch for a lighter option, but it may change the flavor slightly.

Print
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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Enjoy a restaurant-quality Butter Chicken dish with a rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, perfect for family dinners or impressing guests.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and diced onion until fragrant and the onion is soft.
  3. Add the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes.
  4. In another pan, cook the marinated chicken over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through.
  5. Add the cooked chicken to the sauce. Stir in the remaining butter. Let it simmer for a few more minutes to combine the flavors.
  6. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.

Notes

Marinate the chicken longer for more flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste and simmer longer for a thicker sauce. Substitute chicken with paneer or mixed vegetables for a vegetarian option.

  • Author: jessica-baker
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: butter chicken, Indian cuisine, easy dinner, chicken recipe, creamy chicken dish

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