Name: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
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, 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; Naan bread; Steamed rice

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 36 reviews

I’m so excited to share this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe with you because it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but doesn’t take all day to make. It’s creamy, flavorful, and just the right amount of comforting — perfect for a weeknight dinner or any time you’re craving something a bit special without the fuss. When I’m short on time but still want that rich, buttery sauce and tender chicken, this recipe is my go-to.

What I really love about this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is how straightforward the steps are, yet the flavors feel like you’ve spent hours simmering. Plus, it’s flexible enough to tweak with spices or creaminess levels depending on what you like. Trust me, once you try making it yourself, you’ll wonder why you ever bought takeout!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity Meets Flavor: It uses simple ingredients but layers spices for a rich and authentic taste.
Quick Marination: The chicken only needs 15 minutes to marinate, so you can get dinner on the table faster.
Creamy, But Balanced: The heavy cream and butter melt into the tomato sauce for indulgence without overpowering the spices.
Flexible & Customizable: You can easily dial up the heat or adjust spices to suit your family’s preferences.

A white bowl holds three main layers: at the back, folded pieces of golden-brown naan bread with toasted spots; in the middle, a mound of fluffy white rice sprinkled lightly with chopped green herbs; and in the front, chunky pieces of chicken covered in a thick, smooth, orange curry sauce with green herb bits and visible black pepper flakes. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a white pumpkin-shaped decoration blurred in the background, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe come together to create that perfect balance of savory, tangy, and creamy goodness. Each one plays its part—from the spices to the creamy base, and even the simple marination step that tenderizes the chicken.

Chicken thighs: Using boneless, skinless thighs keeps the meat tender and juicy, which is key in butter chicken.
Greek yogurt: This adds tang and helps tenderize the chicken during marination, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth.
Sweet paprika & curry powder: These spices add warmth and a subtle earthiness that’s classic in Indian cooking.
Tomato sauce: It forms the base of the sauce, giving richness and a smooth texture once simmered with cream.
Heavy cream: This makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and balances the spices beautifully.
Butter: Added at the end, it brings that silky sheen and depth that’s signature to butter chicken.
Garam masala & cayenne pepper: They layer in authentic spice complexity; adjust cayenne to control heat.
Garlic and onion: Essential aromatics that build the flavor foundation in the sauce.
Parsley: Optional, but fresh herbs add a lovely pop of color and a fresh finish.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how forgiving this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is when it comes to personal tweaks. Over time, I’ve played with spice levels and creaminess depending on my mood or who I’m cooking for, and every variation has been a win.

Variation: For a lighter version, try substituting half the heavy cream with coconut milk — I did this once, and it gave a lovely tropical twist that still felt indulgent.
Spice Level: If you like more heat, I bump up the cayenne and add a pinch of chili powder — just go slow so you don’t overpower the creaminess.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free yogurt and coconut cream if you’re avoiding dairy, it still comes together nicely while keeping it creamy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken to Lock in Flavor

Start by mixing the chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and that creamy Greek yogurt. Give it a good toss so every chunk is nicely coated — this little step makes a big difference in flavor and tenderness. I usually pop it in the fridge for at least 15 minutes, but if you can spare more time, even better. Just don’t skip the yogurt; it’s the secret to juicy chicken here.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken for a Beautiful Color

Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken. You’ll want to cook it until golden brown and cooked through, which usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally but give it space to sear properly, so you get those tasty browned bits. When it’s done, take it out and set aside—the magic continues in the sauce!

Step 3: Build Flavors with Garlic & Onion

Drop a tablespoon of butter into the pan, reduce the heat to medium, and toss in the minced garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt. Sauté these until the onion is translucent and soft — this step fills your kitchen with that irresistible base that every great butter chicken needs. If the pan gets too dry or the bits are sticking, add just a splash of water to deglaze and scoop up all the flavor.

Step 4: Stir in Tomato Sauce and Simmer

Once your aromatics are soft and fragrant, add the tomato sauce and a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity. Let this mix simmer gently for 2-3 minutes before adding the chicken back to the pan. Pour in the heavy cream and give everything a good stir until the sauce turns into that luscious orange hue we all love. This is where the magic of butter chicken really starts to shine!

Step 5: Spice it Up and Let it Meld

Add the garam masala, curry powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you like a little heat. Let your sauce simmer on low for about 10 minutes so all those flavors really get to know each other. Taste as you go — you can always add a bit more salt or spices now to get it just right for your palate.

Step 6: Finish with Butter for Silkiness

The final step is my favorite: stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter until it melts into the sauce, giving it that silky smooth finish. Don’t rush this part; letting the butter gently melt adds richness and that velvety texture that sets this recipe apart. If you have fresh parsley, sprinkle some on top – it adds a lovely brightness.

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Pro Tips for Making Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Don’t Skip the Yogurt in Marination: It tenderizes the chicken beautifully and adds subtle tang that balances the creamy sauce.
Get a Good Sear: Let the chicken brown without overcrowding the pan to develop those caramelized flavors.
Simmer Gently: Low, slow simmering helps all the spices bloom and blend into the sauce perfectly.
Add Butter Last: To preserve that silky texture and richness, stir in cold butter at the end rather than melting it too early.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

A white bowl holds three layers: on the left, a thick orange curry sauce with visible herbs and spices covers chunks of food, topped with small green herb pieces; in the middle and right, white rice with small green herb flecks is placed; behind the rice, several pieces of light golden-brown naan bread slightly overlapping each other rest against the bowl's edge. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a white decorative pumpkin in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro—both add a dash of color and freshness that brightens the rich sauce. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of toasted fenugreek leaves if I have them on hand, which gives a lovely aromatic hint that’s classic in Indian cuisine.

Side Dishes

I always serve butter chicken with warm naan bread to scoop up all that luscious sauce and fluffy steamed basmati rice to soak it in. Some roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber raita on the side also help balance the richness and add a cool, crunchy element.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this butter chicken in mini copper cookware for a fun, restaurant-style vibe. Another trick that’s always a hit is layering the dish over a bed of saffron rice and adding edible flower petals or toasted nuts on top for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually let the sauce cool before sealing, which helps maintain flavor and texture when reheated. It also tastes even better the next day as the spices deepen!

Freezing

I’ve frozen butter chicken a few times with great results—just let it cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. I recommend slightly undercooking the chicken if freezing, so it doesn’t get dry.

Reheating

When reheating, do it gently over low-medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent curdling and to reincorporate any separated cream or butter. Adding a splash of cream or water helps loosen the sauce if it’s too thick. Microwave works in a pinch, but stovetop gives better texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breast for thighs, but keep in mind that breast meat is leaner and can dry out if overcooked. To avoid this, cook the chicken breast pieces just until done and consider marinating a bit longer to help tenderize them.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt, and substitute the heavy cream and butter with full-fat coconut milk and coconut oil or dairy-free butter. The sauce will have a slightly different flavor but remain creamy and delicious.
How spicy is this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?

The heat level is mild to medium by default since cayenne pepper is optional. You can adjust the spice by adding more cayenne or chili powder if you prefer it hotter, or leave it out entirely for a family-friendly version.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken a day ahead and store it in the fridge. The sauce can also be made in advance and reheated gently before serving — just add the butter at the end to keep it silky fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s the perfect mix of elegance and ease that makes me feel like I’m treating myself without the long wait. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it just as much as I do. Seriously, once you try it, you’ll have a fantastic new weeknight favorite to turn to whenever you want cozy, flavorful comfort food that’s ready in a snap.