Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe: Easy Delicious Guide

The first time I smelled homemade butter chicken bubbling on the stove, it was like being wrapped in a warm hug laced with garlic and a little chaos. Everyone’s been raving about it latelyTikTok, random Facebook aunties, even my neighbor who usually burns toast. And hey, this is one trend I’ll happily keep following.

This dish blends tender chicken, creamy tomato sauce, and a cozy mix of spices that somehow taste both bold and gentle. It’s shockingly simplemore pantry-friendly than you’d thinkand comes together faster than a takeout wait. The perfect mix of an easy butter chicken with comfy, couch-dinner vibes. Full details in the blog!

I first made this while juggling a grumpy toddler and a boiling-over potclassic Tuesday. But miraculously, it turned out legit good, like a shortcut version of the stuff my college roommate’s mom made. I’ve tested it, tweaked it, burned it once tooso you don’t have to. You’ll love the secret!

Print

Why You’ll Love This Quick Butter Chicken Recipe

This homemade butter chicken recipe is your ultimate go-to for those evenings when you crave deeply comforting flavors but are short on time. It’s incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple, coming together in just 30-45 minutes! The rich, creamy tomato sauce, succulent chicken, and a medley of warm, aromatic spices create a truly soulful meal that feels like a warm embrace.

What makes this dish a weeknight star is its reliance on readily available ingredients. You won’t need a special trip to an exotic market; just your pantry staples and a few fresh items. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or indulging in a restaurant-quality meal at home, you’ll appreciate how approachable and adaptable this classic Indian butter chicken is.

And for the perfect finishing touch? It pairs exquisitely with fluffy steamed basmati rice or warm, pillowy naan bread, making for an unforgettable and incredibly easy Indian butter chicken dinner that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

What You’ll Need: Core Ingredients and Tools

The brilliance of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create this flavorful dish:

• Chicken & Marinade: We recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juicy texture and forgiving nature. They’re marinated in Greek yogurt (for tenderness and a subtle tang) and a blend of spices like paprika and curry powder for a foundational warmth.
• The Rich Sauce: Canned tomato sauce forms the robust base, while heavy cream delivers that signature luxurious creaminess. Essential spices like garam masala, garlic, and ginger powder (or fresh alternatives) provide incredible depth of flavor.
• The Essential Extras: Unsalted butter is crucial for the dish’s name and richness! A touch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, and optional cayenne pepper allows you to adjust the heat to your preference.

As for tools, you’ll be happy to know that minimal equipment is required. All you really need is one large skillet or Dutch oven, a mixing bowl, and a sturdy spoon or spatula. Simple, right?

Pro Tip for Faster Prep: If you have a food processor, pulse your onions and garlic together into a fine paste. This quickens the sautéing process and ensures a smooth sauce textureno tears necessary!

How to Make Butter Chicken (Step-by-Step Guide)

This dish might taste fancy, but the process is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these manageable steps to create a truly delicious butter chicken:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine your cubed chicken thighs with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or ideally 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to tenderize.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until beautifully browned and lightly cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Build the Sauce: In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), add another tablespoon of butter. Sauté finely chopped or pulsed onions and garlic over medium heat until softened, translucent, and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the tomato sauce, garam masala, remaining spices (e.g., turmeric, chili powder), and a pinch of sugar. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen.
4. Combine & Finish: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated, ensuring it doesn’t come to a rapid boil. Return the seared chicken to the simmering sauce, stirring gently to coat. Let everything warm through and mingle on low heat for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the chicken to finish cooking and absorb the rich sauce. Stir in the final tablespoon of butter for extra richness just before serving.

Shortcut Option: If you’re truly short on time, you can cook the marinated chicken directly in the sauce after it has simmered for a few minutes. While searing adds a layer of flavor, cooking the chicken directly in the sauce still yields a wonderfully tender and delicious result!

Serving and Storage Tips

This luscious butter chicken truly shines when served warm with its traditional companions: fluffy basmati rice and warm naan breadthe ultimate comforting dinner duo. Garnish generously with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro for a vibrant pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note.

Have leftovers? Consider yourself lucky! Here’s how to properly store and enjoy your delicious butter chicken for days to come:

Storage Method	How Long It Lasts	Reheating Tips
Refrigerator	Up to 3-4 days	Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much to restore its luscious texture.
Freezer	Up to 2 months	Transfer cooled butter chicken to an airtight, freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. When reheating, add a touch of fresh cream for optimal texture.

Pro Tip: Freeze individual portions in airtight containers. It’s like a convenient, flavorful ready-meal, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, satisfying dinner!

Fun Variations to Try

If you’re feeling adventurous or want to customize this recipe, here are some delightful ways to shake things up:

• Go Dairy-Free: For a lighter or dairy-free alternative, swap the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. It introduces a subtle sweetness and a wonderfully creamy texture.
• Boost the Spice: For those who love a bit of heat, double the cayenne pepper in the sauce or add a finely chopped green chili during the onion sauté step.
• Vegetarian Option: Easily transform this into a vegetarian delight by substituting the chicken with pan-fried paneer cubes, roasted cauliflower florets, or even chickpeas. The rich, flavorful sauce complements almost any main ingredient.

Consider this recipe your culinary canvasfeel free to add your own creative twists or savor it as the classic it is. Either way, you’re in for a treat!

Expert Insight: Mastering Homemade Butter Chicken

Achieving the perfect balance of creamy texture and bold spices is key in homemade butter chicken. Marinating the chicken with yogurt and spices tenderizes the meat while infusing layers of flavor, making this classic dish both comforting and richly aromatic. Don’t rush the simmering process; allowing the sauce to gently meld helps all the complex flavors to deepen.

The Journey to Homemade Butter Chicken

Perfecting my homemade butter chicken recipe took a fair bit of trial and errorthere were definitely a few too many creamy splatters and some over-spiced attempts along the way! But after a handful of dedicated kitchen experiments, I finally captured that ideal rich, buttery, and subtly spiced flavor profile that my family absolutely adores. This recipe is genuinely the culmination of all those flavorful adventures, designed to bring that same joy and authentic taste into your home with ease.

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!

FAQs ( Homemade Butter Chicken )

Conclusion

This easy homemade butter chicken recipe truly comes together in about 30-45 minutes, delivering a rich, fragrant, and creamy sauce that offers comforting warmth at the end of any day. You’ll love the incredibly tender chicken, infused with aromatic spices, while the buttery richness makes every single bite a comfort-food triumph. Honestly, it’s one of those dishes that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas from start to finishand tastes even more incredible the next day as the flavors deepen.

Feel empowered to personalize your dish by playing with the spicesperhaps an extra pinch of garam masala or a dash of cayenne for a pleasant kick. Remember, leftovers store beautifully in the fridge, and a splash of milk or cream can perfectly revive that luscious sauce when reheating. Here’s a pro tip from my own kitchen: freeze individual portions! This way, you’ll always have a delicious, authentic butter chicken dinner ready to go on your most hectic nights. Trust me, this recipe is a definite keeper.

Have you given this homemade Indian butter chicken a try yet? I’d absolutely love to see your creations or hear about any special memories this dish might evoke for you. Drop a comment below, share your photos, or pass it along to a friend who could use a little easy comfort magic in their kitchen. Here’s to delightful dinners and happy kitchensone buttery, flavorful spoonful at a time!