If you’re craving something soul-satisfying, cozy, and absolutely delicious, let me introduce you to my Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. This dish delivers tender bites of chicken in the creamiest, silkiest tomato gravy, bursting with bold spices and just the right touch of richness. Perfect for weeknights or impressing friends, you won’t believe how quickly it all comes together—no fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients required. It’s every bit as comforting as your favorite takeout, only brighter and fresher. Let’s get cooking!

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe has its own special job, from building the vibrant color to delivering deep, layered flavors. No single element is wasted, so try not to skip or substitute! Together, they create a harmony you’ll want to savor by the spoonful.

Chicken thighs: Boneless and skinless for maximum juiciness and quick cooking, cut into bite-sized pieces for even marination.
Salt: Enhances flavors and helps tenderize the chicken during marination and seasoning the sauce.
Garlic powder: Lends an earthy backbone and extra pop to the marinade.
Sweet paprika: Provides a beautiful color and a touch of sweetness, balancing the heat.
Curry powder: Delivers subtle warmth and classic, aromatic undertones.
Greek yogurt: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a light tang, essential for a buttery-soft bite.
Vegetable oil: The neutral base for searing your spiced chicken—helps with that perfect golden exterior.
Butter: Adds unmistakable richness and silkiness to the final sauce, especially when stirred in cold at the end!
Fresh garlic: Plenty of minced cloves to infuse every bite with bold flavor.
Onion: Sautéed until fragrant, the diced onion becomes a sweet, savory base for the sauce.
Tomato sauce: A can of tomato sauce gives the signature color, tang, and slightly sweet foundation of the gravy.
Sugar: Just a pinch to mellow the acidity of the tomatoes and round out the flavors.
Black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and complexity alongside other spices.
Heavy cream: The secret to that creamy, luscious texture—don’t skimp!
Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who crave a touch of heat, add to taste.
Garam masala: The classic finishing spice blend that pulls everything together—warm, sweet, and fragrant.
Chopped parsley (optional): For a fresh pop of color right before serving.
Naan bread & steamed rice: Indispensable for scooping up every drop of the sauce.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine the bite-sized chicken thighs with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt in a medium bowl. Mix until every piece is well-coated with the marinade—get in there with clean hands for best results! Let it rest for at least 15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients. This short marinade soaks the chicken with flavor and results in a tender texture in every bite.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the marinated chicken, making sure not to crowd the pan. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Set the chicken aside, keeping all those delicious browned bits and extra oil in the pan—these scraps are flavor gold for your sauce!

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base

With the skillet still hot, drop in 1 tablespoon of butter. As it melts, scrape the pan to deglaze and loosen any caramelized bits—add a splash of water if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onion becomes soft, fragrant, and beautifully golden; this will lay the foundation for your creamy, savory sauce.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle in the sugar. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, drawing out the tomato’s natural sweetness. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat every piece. Now pour in the heavy cream—this is the magic moment! Stir gently as the sauce transforms into a luscious orange color.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in the cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, additional curry powder, black pepper, and adjust the salt. Drop the heat to low and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes. This gentle bubbling helps the flavors meld, thicken the sauce, and ensures your chicken is juicy and brimming with flavor.

Step 6: Finish with Butter

Finally, add the remaining cold butter. Stir until it melts and vanishes into the sauce, creating that signature glossy, silky finish. If you like, shower the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color just before serving.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Spoon generous helpings of the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe over fluffy rice or serve with warm naan. Dive in and savor every creamy, spiced bite! Don’t be shy about seconds—this dish was made for sharing and lingering over.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

The finishing touches can elevate your butter chicken from tasty to totally irresistible. A scattering of freshly chopped parsley adds brightness and a pop of color, while a drizzle of cream right before serving adds an extra layer of luxury. For a touch of crunch, toss a few sliced almonds or fried shallots on top for an unexpected twist.

Side Dishes

Don’t skip the sides! Steamed basmati rice is my go-to; its fluffy, fragrant grains soak up all the glorious sauce. Classic naan bread is non-negotiable in my household—tear off a piece while it’s hot and mop up every last bit of gravy. If you want something lighter, a crisp cucumber salad with a touch of lemon perfectly balances the richness of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner-party vibe, ladle the butter chicken into small serving bowls and arrange a platter of naan triangles and rice alongside. Or, try serving it family-style in a hefty Dutch oven, letting everyone scoop their own. You can also top the dish with edible flowers or microgreens for an unexpectedly beautiful presentation—an easy way to wow your guests with minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, lucky you! Let the butter chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors only deepen and intensify overnight, making those leftovers even more irresistible the next day.

Freezing

Butter chicken freezes beautifully. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, pressing out as much air as possible. It will stay fresh for up to three months. This is perfect for busy nights when you want a homemade meal with zero fuss—just thaw and reheat!

Reheating

To reheat, simmer gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce looks a little thick, add a splash of cream or water to loosen it up. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each interval for even heating. The creamy texture and flavors will still shine!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you absolutely can! While chicken thighs offer extra juiciness and flavor, chicken breast works well for a leaner option—just be careful not to overcook so it stays tender.

Is there a dairy-free substitute for the cream?

For a dairy-free twist, use full-fat coconut milk in place of heavy cream and dairy-free yogurt for marinating. You’ll still get a rich, creamy sauce with a slightly different, delicious profile.

How spicy is this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?

It’s mild by default, but the optional cayenne lets you adjust heat to your taste. Add more or less cayenne depending on your spice preference—or leave it out entirely for a truly gentle, family-friendly dish.

Can I make this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! The flavors develop beautifully as it sits, so making it a day ahead is a great option for easy entertaining or meal prep. Just reheat gently and serve with fresh rice or naan.

What’s the best way to get vibrant color in the sauce?

Using sweet paprika along with tomato sauce gives a rich, orange hue. Simmering gently, and finishing with a swirl of cream, ensures the sauce looks as luscious as it tastes!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe! It’s the kind of dish that instantly warms up the kitchen, leaves everyone asking for seconds, and proves homemade comfort food can truly be simple. Give it a try soon, and who knows—you might never order takeout butter chicken again!