If you have ever craved the rich, comforting flavors of Indian cuisine but thought it might be too complicated to make at home, I’ve got good news. This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is your golden ticket to a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss. Imagine tender, juicy chicken bathed in a luscious, buttery tomato sauce spiced just right—comfort food that’s surprisingly straightforward to whip up on any weeknight or special occasion. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels indulgent yet comes together faster than you think, bringing warmth and vibrant taste straight to your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, balancing creaminess with spice, and creating that signature velvety texture that makes butter chicken so irresistible.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Juicy pieces that soak up the marinade beautifully and stay tender during cooking.
- Plain yogurt: The base for the marinade, adds tang and helps tenderize the chicken for maximum succulence.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the marinade with a fresh citrus kick to balance the richness.
- Garam masala: The soul of the spice mix, offering warmth and complexity to the dish.
- Ground cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon: These spices blend for that authentic Indian flavor profile, adding depth, earthiness, and a hint of color.
- Garlic powder and ground ginger: Essential aromatics that build layers of savory, spicy notes.
- Salt and black pepper: The classic seasoning duo to enhance all flavors harmoniously.
- Butter: The key to the signature richness and creamy texture of the sauce.
- Onion, garlic, and fresh ginger: Sautéed to golden perfection, they form the flavorful foundation of the sauce.
- Crushed tomatoes: Add natural sweetness and acidity to balance the creamy elements.
- Heavy cream or coconut milk: Gives the sauce its luxurious creaminess, with a dairy-free option for flexibility.
- Honey (optional): A touch of sweetness that rounds out the flavors perfectly.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): A garnish that lifts the dish with its fresh, herbaceous finish.
How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing plain yogurt, lemon juice, and all the spices for the marinade in a bowl. This combination not only infuses the chicken with fragrant spices but also tenderizes each piece for a melt-in-your-mouth finish. Coat your chicken pieces thoroughly in this mixture, cover, and refrigerate for anywhere from 30 minutes up to 2 hours—the longer, the better the flavor develops.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until melted and shimmering. Cook the marinated chicken in batches to ensure even browning and thorough cooking. You want a nice golden crust on the outside while keeping the chicken juicy inside. Once cooked, set the chicken aside—don’t worry, it will finish cooking later in the sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt the remaining butter for that unbeatable buttery richness. Sauté the finely chopped onions until they turn beautifully golden—that caramelization adds natural sweetness and depth. Then add minced garlic, grated ginger, and spices, cooking until the mixture is fragrant and the kitchen fills with warming aromas. This is where the sauce starts to really build its character.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and let them simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes to deepen the flavors and thicken slightly. Now stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk), honey if you like a hint of sweetness, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes, transforming into that lush, velvety butter chicken sauce you crave.
Step 5: Combine & Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, coating all the pieces generously with the sauce. Let the dish simmer for 10 minutes so the chicken absorbs that luscious, buttery tomato goodness. This final step ties all the flavors together beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s ready to serve piping hot and bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro leaves sprinkled on top not only add a pop of vibrant green color but also provide a fresh, herby aroma that contrasts wonderfully with the rich sauce. For a little extra indulgence, a drizzle of cream or dollop of yogurt can make it feel even more special and luxurious.
Side Dishes
This butter chicken pairs best with fluffy basmati rice that soaks up every drop of the silky sauce. Alternatively, warm naan bread offers the perfect tool for scooping and savoring each bite. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp cucumber salad or lightly sautéed green vegetables to balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel like jazzing things up? Serve your butter chicken in individual mini cast iron skillets or beautiful ceramic dishes for a stunning presentation. Garnishing with toasted nuts like cashews or almonds adds an unexpected crunch and nutty flavor. To impress guests, offer a platter with rice, naan, and colorful chutneys on the side for a vibrant, communal dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Butter chicken leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even more delicious. Just be sure to cool it properly before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and taste.
Freezing
You can freeze butter chicken for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. For best results, cool completely before freezing to prevent ice crystals, and consider freezing plain rice separately to preserve its texture. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat the butter chicken gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwave reheating works too but keep it covered and heat in short intervals to avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine and cook quickly, but they can be a little leaner and less forgiving if overcooked. Thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful, but both are great options depending on your preference.
Is this recipe spicy?
This version is mildly spiced to appeal to most palates, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or fresh chilies if you like it hotter. The spices can be customized to suit your family’s taste.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and use dairy-free butter or oil to keep the sauce creamy without any dairy. The flavor is still rich and satisfying with these substitutions.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Definitely! Marinating the chicken overnight actually intensifies the flavors. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated and covered. This makes the cooking process even faster since the chicken will be well-seasoned beforehand.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover butter chicken?
Reheating gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or cream works best for preserving the sauce’s texture and the chicken’s tenderness. Microwave reheating is quick but do it in short bursts and stir often to avoid drying out.
Final Thoughts
This recipe truly makes Indian home cooking approachable and fun without sacrificing any of the rich, comforting flavors. I promise that once you try this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe, it will become a staple in your dinner rotation. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day, brings family and friends together, and satisfies those craving big flavors with minimal effort. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen when it came together in no time at all.
Print
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe offers a rich, creamy, and flavorful Indian classic made from tender marinated chicken simmered in a spiced tomato cream sauce. Perfectly balanced with traditional spices and a smooth texture, it’s a comforting meal that comes together in just over an hour, ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup (120g) plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Cooking and Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
- 1 (14 oz / 400g) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free version)
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix plain yogurt, lemon juice, and all the spices listed for the marinade (garam masala, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper). Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until golden and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, ground turmeric, and optional chili powder, cooking until fragrant, around 1-2 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and stir well. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and the flavors meld.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk), honey if using, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes, ensuring it is creamy and well blended.
- Combine & Serve: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the pan with the sauce. Coat the chicken evenly and simmer together for an additional 10 minutes to fully absorb the flavors and heat through. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot with basmati rice or naan bread.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk.
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 2 hours) enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Adjust chili powder quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Butter chicken is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Pair this dish with basmati rice or naan for a complete meal.
