Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

When cravings for something rich, creamy, and deeply comforting hit, there’s nothing quite like Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken. This beloved Indian classic is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, delivering melt-in-your-mouth chicken bathed in a velvety, spice-kissed tomato sauce. In just under 40 minutes, you can bring restaurant-worthy flavor to your kitchen table, using pantry staples and a handful of vibrant spices. Whether you’re serving it over fluffy basmati rice or warm naan, this dish is pure joy in every bite!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into an extraordinary meal. Each one adds its own burst of flavor, color, or creamy texture, helping to create the irresistible harmony that makes this dish such a favorite.

• Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose what you love; thighs offer extra juiciness while breasts are a leaner option.
• Butter: The heart of every butter chicken, this gives the sauce its luxurious silkiness.
• Vegetable oil: Helps prevent the butter from burning as you sauté the chicken and aromatics.
• Onion: Finely chopped onion forms the sweet, savory base of the sauce.
• Garlic: Adds that unmistakable savory punch—fresh is always best here!
• Fresh ginger: Lends a warm, invigorating flavor that elevates the whole dish.
• Garam masala: This fragrant spice blend is essential for an authentic flavor profile.
• Ground cumin: Brings earthy depth and a hint of smokiness.
• Paprika: Gives a vibrant, appetizing color and mild sweetness.
• Turmeric: Just a touch delivers a beautiful golden hue.
• Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like it spicy, this adds a gentle kick.
• Tomato puree: Forms the rich, tangy backbone of the sauce—smooth and full-bodied.
• Heavy cream (or coconut cream): Creates that signature richness; coconut cream is perfect for dairy-free needs.
• Plain yogurt: Contributes tang, tenderizes the chicken, and enriches the sauce’s texture.
• Lemon juice: Brightens and balances the flavors at the end.
• Salt and black pepper: Don’t forget to season generously for maximum flavor!
• Fresh cilantro: A handful of chopped greens makes for a fresh, colorful finish.
• Cooked basmati rice or naan (optional): Traditional pairings that help soak up every drop of that luscious sauce.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by generously seasoning your chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt one tablespoon of butter with the oil. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and sear them on all sides until lightly browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside—don’t worry about cooking it through just yet, it’ll finish in the sauce!

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Aromatics

In that same skillet (hello, flavor!), melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, toss in the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger, letting them sizzle for just one minute. You’ll know it’s ready when the whole kitchen smells incredible.

Step 3: Toast the Spices

Now comes the exciting part: sprinkle the garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and optional cayenne right into the onion mixture. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds to let the spices bloom and release their aromatic oils. This is what gives Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken its distinct, vibrant taste!

Step 4: Simmer the Tomato Sauce

Pour in the tomato puree, stirring well to combine all that spiced goodness. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This step thickens the sauce and melds the flavors together, turning everything a gorgeous deep red.

Step 5: Add Cream and Yogurt

Lower the heat to medium and swirl in the heavy cream and plain yogurt. Stir gently until the sauce looks luxuriously smooth and is just beginning to get a bit thick, usually about 3 to 4 minutes. If you need a dairy-free version, swap the cream for rich coconut cream—the results are still dreamy.

Step 6: Finish Cooking the Chicken

Return your browned chicken (along with any resting juices) back to the skillet. Stir until each piece is coated in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick and rich. Right before serving, stir in the lemon juice for freshness and check for salt and pepper to taste.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Garnishes

True to its Indian roots, Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken truly shines when finished with vibrant, fresh cilantro. Sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped cilantro leaves right over the top just before serving. If you like an extra touch, a drizzle of cream or a pat of butter melts beautifully into the sauce, adding another layer of richness and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

The classic partners for this dish are basmati rice and pillowy, warm naan—both do an amazing job soaking up the creamy, spiced sauce. For a lighter twist, try cauliflower rice or a green salad. If you want to go all out, prepare some simple sautéed green beans or creamy cucumber raita for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

Beyond family-style servings, you can spoon Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken into mini bowls or cups for parties, offering a bite-sized flavor explosion. Try tucking it into wraps with fresh greens and pickled onions for a fun lunch, or serve it over a baked sweet potato for a nourishing, unique dinner. This dish adapts beautifully to however you want to enjoy it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer your cooled butter chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s meal even more irresistible! It will keep fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge, making it a fantastic choice for meal prepping lunches or dinners.

Freezing

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken freezes wonderfully, sauce and all. For best results, let it cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy, and you’ll have a homemade feast ready on busy weeknights.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the butter chicken in a saucepan over low-medium heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir gently to avoid separating the sauce, heating until piping hot. For microwaving, use a microwave-safe container, cover, and heat in short bursts, stirring between each.

FAQs

Can I substitute coconut cream for dairy?

Absolutely! Coconut cream works beautifully in place of heavy cream, yielding a rich, velvety sauce with an ever-so-slight coconut note. This swap makes Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken fully dairy-free, perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.

How spicy is this recipe?

The base recipe is mild, with just enough warmth to tingle the taste buds. If you prefer a little more heat, simply add the optional cayenne pepper, or even toss in a finely chopped fresh chili for extra fire. Adjust to suit your preferred spice level!

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Definitely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work well. Thighs offer extra moisture and flavor, but breasts stay nice and tender in the creamy sauce if you avoid overcooking. Use what you have or love; Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is all about flexibility.

Is marinating the chicken necessary?

Marinating is optional but does add another layer of tenderness and flavor. Even a quick 30-minute soak in yogurt, lemon juice, and some of the spices makes a noticeable difference. If you’re tight on time, you’ll still get a delicious result without marinating.

What’s the best way to make this ahead for a dinner party?

The flavors only get better as they meld, so make the sauce a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat, add freshly cooked chicken, and finish with lemon juice and cilantro. Your guests will be wowed by both the taste and how effortless it seems!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to bring the magic of classic Indian flavors into your home kitchen without any fuss, Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is truly a game-changer. From its rich, creamy sauce to its aroma of warm spices, every step is simple and every bite is soul-satisfying. Give it a try soon, and you might just find yourself making it on repeat for friends and family—no reservations required!

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