Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Update : March 2, 2026

Delicious homemade butter chicken dish served with rice and naan

why make this recipe

Butter chicken is a beloved dish that is known for its rich flavors and creamy texture. It is a comfort food perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying. This quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe brings the restaurant experience to your kitchen without the hassle. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delicious meal that your whole family will enjoy.

how to make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

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

Directions:

In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
Add the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and curry powder. Simmer for a few minutes.
In another pan, cook the marinated chicken until browned and cooked through.
Add the cooked chicken to the sauce. Stir in the remaining butter and simmer for a few more minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.

how to serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

To serve this delicious butter chicken, spoon it over a plate of steamed rice or alongside warm naan bread. The creamy sauce is perfect for dipping, making your meal even more enjoyable. You can also garnish it with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

how to store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

To store leftover butter chicken, let it cool completely and then place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.

tips to make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes. This helps to tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.
For a spicier dish, feel free to add more cayenne pepper.
Adjust the salt to your taste, and don’t forget to mix well during cooking to combine all flavors.
Use fresh ingredients for the best results, especially when it comes to garlic and herbs.

variation (if any)

You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or peas for more nutrition. If you’d like a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with paneer or chickpeas.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breast, but keep in mind that it may be less juicy compared to thighs.

2. How can I make this lighter?
To make a lighter version, you can use less cream or substitute part of it with coconut milk for a different flavor.

3. Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes cayenne pepper, which adds heat. You can adjust or omit it according to your spice preference.