Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

When the aroma of spiced chicken wafts through the kitchen, you know you’re in for a treat. This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe brings rich, velvety flavors together in just about 30 minutes, and it’s a weeknight lifesaver for anyone craving Indian-inspired comfort food. The secret lies in the marinated chicken seared to perfection, soaking up all the flavors in every bite.

This recipe is perfect for busy families, friends gathering for dinner, or anyone who loves a hearty and satisfying meal. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for an easy meal prep option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender chicken thighs create a juicy base for the sauce.
• The creamy, flavorful sauce envelops every bite for a comforting experience.
• It cooks up in just 30 minutes, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner.
• The customizable spice level lets you tailor it to your taste.

What You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients for this delightful meal.

For the Chicken

• 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

For Cooking

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons butter (divided)

For the Sauce

• 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

For Garnishing

• ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

For Serving

• Naan bread
• Steamed rice

Greek yogurt can be substituted with sour cream.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts.
• Use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free option.
• Substitute olive oil for vegetable oil.
• Fresh parsley can be replaced with cilantro.

How to Make It

Get ready to whip up this incredible dish.

1. Marinate the Chicken

Combine chicken, salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt in a bowl. Mix until well coated, and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes for flavor infusion.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and diced onion, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Build the Sauce

Stir in tomato sauce, sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes to incorporate the flavors.

5. Season and Simmer

Return the chicken to the skillet, and pour in heavy cream. Stir to combine, then add cayenne pepper, garam masala, and additional curry powder. Simmer on low heat for an additional 5-7 minutes.

6. Finish with Butter

Add the remaining tablespoon of butter, stirring until melted into the sauce. This step enhances the creaminess and flavor of the sauce.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the butter chicken warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Pair with naan bread or steamed rice for a complete meal.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Yes, up to 3 months, best in individual portions.
Reheat: Microwave until hot, about 2-3 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• For more depth of flavor, let the chicken marinate longer, if possible.
• Adjust the spice level by omitting or adding cayenne pepper to your taste.
• Ensure the butter is melted completely to achieve a smooth sauce.
• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor impact.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with warm naan bread for dipping in the sauce.
• Accompany with steamed rice for a filling meal.
• Perfect for dinner parties or cozy family evenings.