Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort, you’ve found it with this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe! This creamy delight is not only rich in flavor but also ridiculously simple to whip up right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re having a cozy weeknight dinner or hosting friends for a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table.

What I love most about this Butter Chicken is how easy it is to make. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a dish that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Indian restaurant. Plus, it’s perfect for pairing with warm naan and fluffy rice, creating a meal that brings everyone together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 45 minutes total time, this dish fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the creamy texture and mild spices, making it a hit for both kids and adults alike.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make extra and store leftovers for an easy lunch or dinner later in the week.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice levels according to your taste—make it as mild or as spicy as you like!
• Deliciously Comforting: The rich flavors and creamy sauce provide all the comfort food vibes you could ask for.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! This recipe uses familiar items that are easy to find at any grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 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

For Serving

• ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley, optional for garnish
• Naan bread
• Steamed rice

Variations

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken breast instead of thighs if you prefer leaner meat. Or try chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian option!
• Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or peas towards the end of cooking for extra nutrition and color.
• Change up the spices: Experiment with different spice blends like turmeric or cumin to give it a unique twist.
• Make it dairy-free: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream if you want a dairy-free version while still keeping that creamy goodness.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating your chicken pieces. In a bowl, combine the chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well until each piece is coated. Let it sit while you prepare the rest of your ingredients—this will help infuse those delicious flavors right into the meat!

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, add vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Once hot, toss in the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onions turn translucent; this step brings out their natural sweetness and builds a flavorful base for your sauce.

Step 3: Build Your Sauce

Add the marinated chicken to the skillet, cooking until lightly browned on all sides—about 5-7 minutes. Then stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), heavy cream, garam masala, and additional curry powder. The combination of these ingredients creates that iconic rich butter sauce we all love!

Step 4: Simmer

Allow everything to simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes. This gives time for all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Once done, taste your butter chicken and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and stir in any remaining butter until melted for an extra touch of richness. Serve hot over fluffy rice with warm naan on the side. Don’t forget to sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for that burst of color!

Enjoy every bite of this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe!

Pro Tips for Making Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Making butter chicken at home can be an easy and rewarding experience! Here are some pro tips to help you nail this delicious dish.

• Use fresh spices: Fresh spices enhance the flavors of your dish significantly. Ensure that your spices are not past their expiration date for the best taste.
• Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices for at least an hour (or overnight) can make it more tender and flavorful, ensuring each bite bursts with rich taste.
• Adjust the heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. The beauty of this dish is that you can customize it to suit your palate!
• Don’t rush the simmering: Allowing your sauce to simmer longer helps meld the flavors beautifully, creating a creamy texture that’s just divine.
• Make it ahead: This dish actually tastes even better after sitting for a day! Prepare it ahead of time, and all you’ll need to do is reheat before serving.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

When it comes to presenting your butter chicken, there are endless possibilities! It’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with different sides and garnishes.

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a lovely green contrast and freshness.
• Sour cream or yogurt drizzle: A dollop of yogurt can add a creamy tanginess that complements the richness of the sauce.
• Toasted cashews or almonds: Adding nuts provides a delightful crunch that contrasts with the smoothness of the dish.

Side Dishes

• Naan bread: Soft, pillowy naan is perfect for scooping up butter chicken. You can opt for store-bought or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Steamed rice: Fluffy basmati rice is a classic pairing. It absorbs the sauce beautifully and balances out the flavors.
• Cucumber salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with yogurt dressing provides a cool crunch that complements the warm spices of butter chicken.
• Roasted vegetables: Simple roasted seasonal vegetables bring color and nutrition to your meal while adding a lovely sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the savory dish.

Now you’re all set to enjoy your homemade butter chicken! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious meals throughout the week without any fuss!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover butter chicken in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Make sure to let it cool down before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing

• Allow the butter chicken to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer it into a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to label with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, or use the microwave for quick defrosting.
• Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• You can add a splash of cream or water if it’s too thick after thawing.

FAQs

If you have any questions about this recipe, you’re not alone—here are some common queries!

Can I make this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe with chicken breast?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs provide more flavor and tenderness, boneless chicken breasts can also work well. Just be mindful not to overcook them.

What sides go well with Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?

This dish pairs beautifully with warm naan bread and fluffy steamed rice. You can also serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for extra freshness.

Can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to omit the cayenne pepper for a milder version, or add more if you prefer extra heat. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe! It’s a special dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Enjoy every creamy bite and don’t hesitate to get creative with your sides. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with delicious aromas!