If you’ve ever craved something comforting, flavorful, and still simple to whip up on a busy weeknight, this quick and easy homemade butter chicken will be your new favorite. I still remember the first time I tried butter chicken—it was at a cozy family potluck, where my aunt served it with fluffy rice and warm naan. The rich tomato-based sauce, spiced just right, instantly won my heart.
Now, as a busy mom, I don’t always have hours to spend in the kitchen. That’s why I’ve created my own version of butter chicken—one that keeps the authentic flavor but comes together in under 30 minutes. The secret? Using pantry staples and a few shortcuts without losing that creamy, aromatic taste.
This dish has become a weeknight lifesaver in my home. My daughter, who usually runs from anything “spicy,” loves this recipe because it’s flavorful but mild enough for kids. The best part is, I can prepare it all in one pan, which means fewer dishes and more time at the dinner table.
If you love cozy meals with bold flavor but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe is just what you need.
Why This Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Works
Balanced Flavors in Every Bite
Butter chicken is known for its creamy tomato base, tender chicken, and warm spices. My recipe balances richness with a light tang from the tomato sauce, making it satisfying without feeling heavy.
A Weeknight-Friendly Dinner
The best part about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-style dinner right at home. Pair it with rice or naan, and you’re all set for a hearty family meal.
How to Make Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Creating butter chicken at home doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and one pan, you’ll have a flavorful dish ready in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this comforting dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken thighs (or breast) | 1 ½ pounds |
| Plain yogurt | ½ cup |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
| Ginger, grated | 1 tablespoon |
| Tomato sauce | 1 cup |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup |
| Butter | 3 tablespoons |
| Garam masala | 2 teaspoons |
| Cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the chicken – In a bowl, mix chicken with yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes.
- Cook the chicken – Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet. Cook chicken pieces until browned and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce – In the same pan, melt the remaining butter. Stir in tomato sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cream and chicken – Pour in the heavy cream, stir well, then add the chicken back into the skillet. Simmer for another 10 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and sauce thickens.
- Serve – Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice or naan bread.
Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe made in one pan with creamy tomato sauce and tender chicken.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds boneless chicken thighs (or breast)
½ cup plain yogurt
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
1 cup tomato sauce
½ cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Marinate the chicken with yogurt, garlic, ginger, and spices for 15 minutes.
2. Heat butter in a large skillet and cook chicken until browned.
3. Remove chicken and prepare sauce by simmering tomato sauce in the same skillet.
4. Add cream, stir well, and return chicken to the skillet.
5. Simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens.
6. Serve hot with naan or basmati rice.
Notes
This recipe is mild enough for kids but can be spiced up with chili powder.
For extra richness, add a splash of coconut milk along with the cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: quick and easy homemade butter chicken, butter chicken recipe, weeknight Indian dinner
Conclusion
Butter chicken is the kind of dish that brings comfort to the table with minimal effort. This quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you crave something rich and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. With just one pan, simple spices, and a creamy sauce, you’ll have a dish that tastes like it came straight from your favorite restaurant.
Whether you’re serving it with naan or rice, this family-friendly meal is bound to be a repeat favorite. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s my go-to recipe when I want something satisfying, quick, and delicious.
