Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Say hello to your new favorite comfort food—Butter Chicken! This creamy, spiced dish is a rich, velvety masterpiece that’s surprisingly easy to make right in your own kitchen. With juicy chicken simmered in a luscious tomato-cream sauce, it’s the perfect meal to cozy up with. Serve it with warm naan and fluffy rice for a restaurant-worthy dinner that’s ready in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken

Fast & Flavorful: Ready in just 45 minutes without sacrificing bold, authentic taste.
Simple Ingredients: No hard-to-find spices or complicated steps.
Family-Friendly: Mild and creamy, with optional heat if you like it spicy.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1½ pounds boneless, skinless 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

For the Sauce

3 tablespoons butter (divided)
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
¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

For Serving

Warm naan bread
Steamed basmati or jasmine rice

Instructions

Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, toss chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let sit while you prepare the sauce (or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes).
Cook the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken in batches and sear until golden and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add garlic and onion, and cook until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
Make the sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Finish the sauce: Stir in heavy cream, remaining butter, garam masala, curry powder, and cayenne (if using). Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the chicken back in: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and coat well in the sauce. Simmer for 5 more minutes until everything is heated through and creamy.
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice and warm naan.

Tips for the Best Butter Chicken

Use chicken thighs for extra juicy and flavorful results.
Don’t skip the yogurt marinade—it tenderizes the chicken and adds tangy depth.
Customize the heat by adjusting the cayenne pepper to your preference.
Make it lighter by swapping heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of cream or water if the sauce thickens too much.

What to Serve with Butter Chicken

Fluffy basmati rice or jasmine rice
Buttery garlic naan or roti
Cooling cucumber raita or plain yogurt on the side
Fresh chopped salad or pickled onions for contrast

Final Thoughts

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort. It’s creamy, spiced, rich, and totally comforting—everything you want in a go-to weeknight meal. Whether you’re serving guests or just satisfying your own cravings, this butter chicken is guaranteed to hit the spot.