Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe – Quick & Flavorful

Name: Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe - Quick & Flavorful
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
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 (for sauce, adjust to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups heavy cream

Posted on December 26, 2025

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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. Ah, butter chicken. Just the mention of its name conjures images of creamy, tomato-based curry, tender pieces of marinated chicken, and that unmistakable, comforting aroma. It’s no wonder this dish has captured the hearts (and stomachs!) of so many around the globe. Its rich, slightly sweet, and subtly spiced flavor profile is universally adored, making it a go-to for family dinners, impressive potluck contributions, or simply a comforting weeknight treat. What truly sets this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe apart is its ability to deliver restaurant-quality taste without requiring hours in the kitchen. We’ve streamlined the process, ensuring you can achieve that authentic, velvety texture and deeply satisfying flavor with minimal fuss. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with a homemade butter chicken that’s both incredibly delicious and surprisingly accessible.

Ingredients:

1 ½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 teaspoon salt (for chicken marinade)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (for chicken marinade)
1 teaspoon sweet paprika (for chicken marinade)
½ teaspoon curry powder (for chicken marinade)
1 tablespoon Greek yogurt (for chicken marinade)
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 (for sauce, adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups heavy cream

Marinating the Chicken

To start our Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe, we need to get our chicken ready. In a medium bowl, combine the bite-sized chunks of chicken thighs. Sprinkle them with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika, and ½ teaspoon of curry powder. Add the 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt. Now, get your hands in there and mix everything thoroughly, ensuring each piece of chicken is well coated. The yogurt will help tenderize the chicken and make it incredibly succulent. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For an even richer flavor, you can marinate it for up to 4 hours.

Searing the Chicken

Once the chicken has had a chance to marinate, it’s time to give it some color and flavor. Heat 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you might need to cook the chicken in batches to ensure it sears properly rather than steams. Cook each batch for about 3-4 minutes per side, until nicely browned and slightly crispy. The browning process is key to developing deep flavor. Remove the seared chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t worry if it’s not cooked all the way through at this stage; it will finish cooking in the sauce.

Building the Flavor Base

Now that our chicken is seared, let’s build the aromatic foundation for our sauce. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Reduce the heat to medium. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic cloves and diced onion. Sauté, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onions are softened and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; burnt garlic can turn bitter. This step is crucial for creating that warm, inviting aroma that is characteristic of butter chicken.

Simmering the Sauce

Next, we’ll introduce the core of our sauce. Pour the 15-ounce can of tomato sauce into the skillet with the softened onions and garlic. Stir well to combine. Add the 1 teaspoon of sugar, which helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, and the 1 teaspoon of salt for the sauce. Season with ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. This simmering time helps to cook down the tomato sauce and create a smoother consistency.

Combining and Finishing

Finally, it’s time to bring everything together. Return the seared chicken, along with any accumulated juices from the plate, back into the skillet with the tomato sauce. Stir everything to coat the chicken evenly. Pour in the 2 cups of heavy cream. Stir gently until the sauce is smooth and creamy, and the chicken is fully submerged. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the butter chicken simmer for another 10-15 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through completely and absorb all the delicious flavors of the sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt if needed. The sauce should be rich, creamy, and subtly spiced. Serve hot, ideally with basmati rice and naan bread.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your very own delicious Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe, ready to impress! This recipe delivers that rich, creamy, and flavorful experience you love, all without the fuss. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients and a few clever steps can create something truly spectacular. We hope you enjoy making and, more importantly, devouring this comforting dish. Don’t be afraid to make it your own by experimenting with the spice levels or adding your favorite garnishes. This butter chicken is incredibly versatile and perfect for a weeknight treat or a special occasion. Serve it hot with fluffy basmati rice, warm naan bread, and a dollop of cooling yogurt or raita for a truly authentic and satisfying meal.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! The flavors of this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe actually deepen and meld beautifully if made a day in advance. Simply refrigerate it and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of water or cream if it seems a little thick after refrigeration.

What if I don’t have garam masala? Can I substitute something in the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?

While garam masala is key to the authentic flavor, you can create a good substitute by combining ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and a pinch of ground cloves. The exact ratios can vary, but a good starting point is 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon coriander, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and a tiny pinch of cloves. This will provide a similar warmth and complexity to your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe.