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

Introduction

Butter chicken is a beloved Indian dish known for its creamy tomato sauce and tender chicken. This quick and easy homemade recipe brings rich flavors together with simple ingredients, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.

The dish is served on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. It features three main sections: at the back, there are five pieces of golden brown naan bread folded and arranged in a fan shape; in the middle, there is a mound of fluffy white rice sprinkled lightly with green herbs; at the front, a rich orange curry sauce covers chunks of meat, speckled with black and red spices and garnished with fresh green herbs, giving it a textured, creamy look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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, for serving
Steamed rice, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, leaving the oil in the pan.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Scrape any browned bits from the pan floor, adding a splash of water if needed. Add minced garlic, diced onion, and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Step 4: Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, then add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Mix well and pour in the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce turns a rich orange color.
Step 5: Add cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, curry powder, black pepper, and salt to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 6: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter and let it melt into the sauce, creating a silky texture. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Step 7: Serve the butter chicken hot, accompanied by naan bread and steamed rice.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with coconut milk.
Use boneless chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful.
Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level to your taste.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten up the flavors.

Storage

Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

A top view of a blue pot filled with one thick layer of creamy orange sauce with visible small chunks of cooked chicken and scattered green herbs and black pepper on top, placed on a white marbled surface. The sauce has a smooth and rich texture with some small lumps and a slight shine, filling the pot evenly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for even cooking and best texture. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely before marinating and cooking.

Is butter chicken spicy?

Traditional butter chicken is mildly spiced with a creamy sauce, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper or chili powder to suit your preference.