Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it brings the flavors of butter chicken to your kitchen with minimal effort but maximum flavor. The combination of marinated chicken, creamy tomato sauce, and a blend of spices makes each bite tender and indulgent. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe allows you to enjoy the rich, comforting dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re new to cooking Indian food or a seasoned pro, this recipe guarantees a satisfying meal in no time.

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Marinade:

• 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 the Butter Chicken Sauce:

• 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)

To Serve:

• Naan bread
• Steamed rice

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken chunks, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Toss until the chicken is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Butter Chicken Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.
4. Prepare the Sauce: Add the tomato sauce to the skillet, followed by the sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, garam masala, and curry powder. Continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the sauce becomes rich and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or sugar if necessary.
6. Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat the chicken with the sauce. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
7. Serve: Serve the butter chicken hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley, alongside warm naan bread and steamed rice.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Cook time: 20-25 minutes
• Total time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with tofu, paneer, or chickpeas for a vegetarian version of this dish.
• More heat: Add extra cayenne pepper or chopped green chilies to the sauce for more spice.
• Richer sauce: For an even creamier sauce, you can add a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the butter chicken sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the butter chicken in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or extra cream to bring the sauce back to its original consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but chicken thighs provide a more tender and juicy result. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the butter chicken ahead of time. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and the flavors will continue to develop as it sits.

Can I freeze butter chicken?

Yes, butter chicken freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe is mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat level by adding more or less cayenne pepper or chili powder. Omit the cayenne for a non-spicy version.

Can I use a different type of yogurt for the marinade?

You can use regular yogurt or coconut yogurt if you prefer, but Greek yogurt is recommended for its thicker texture and tangy flavor.

Can I make the sauce without cream?

If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, whole milk, or coconut milk in place of heavy cream.

What can I serve with butter chicken besides naan and rice?

Butter chicken can be served with roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or even a side of raita (yogurt with cucumber and spices) to balance the richness of the dish.

How can I make this dish less creamy?

If you want a less creamy sauce, reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with low-fat cream or milk.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

Yes, the sugar in the sauce can be adjusted based on your taste. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce or omit the sugar.

Can I add more vegetables to the butter chicken?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is a simple yet flavorful recipe that brings all the creamy, spiced goodness of Indian butter chicken to your kitchen in just under 40 minutes. With tender chicken, a rich tomato-based sauce, and a perfect balance of spices, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve it with naan and rice for a complete meal that’s both comforting and satisfying!

Print