The smell hits firstwarm spices rising from a bubbling pot, just like the Indian restaurants I fell in love with during college. This homemade butter chicken is creamy, bright, and full of that mellow heat that sneaks up slow. No wonder it’s everywhere latelycomforting and flavorful, without being fussy.
The sauce starts with tomato, garlic, and ginger, then mellows into magic thanks to a hit of yogurt and butter. We’re talking cozy, dreamy texture with tender chicken that practically melts. It’s like your favorite takeout, but lighter and built with pantry staples. A quick marinade, a single pan, and dinner’s a hug in a bowl. Serve it with rice or warm naan and call it a night.
I first played with this around 2018, after a trip upstate where I had the boldest, creamiest version at a small roadside diner. My daughter licked her spoon clean and said, “Why don’t we make this at home?” The trick I learned? Toast the spices in ghee before adding anything elsegets you that deep flavor fast. Since then, I’ve tested this recipe for friends, blog readers, and weeknight sanity. It always delivers.
This quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken in a creamy, aromatic sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this butter chicken recipe will surely impress your family and friends. Enjoy a delicious easy butter chicken meal that brings authentic Indian Butter Chicken flavors to your table.
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
Method
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
Add tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and curry powder. Simmer for a few minutes.
Cook the Chicken: In another pan, cook the marinated chicken until browned and cooked through.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken to the sauce. Stir in the remaining butter. Simmer for a few more minutes.
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.
Notes
You can adjust the spice levels by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper used. For a richer sauce, you can substitute some of the heavy cream with coconut milk.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Cozy and Nostalgic: This creamy butter chicken will transport you to your favorite Indian takeout spots while giving you that home-cooked comfort.
Beginner-Friendly: With simple steps and pantry staples, this easy butter chicken recipe lets anyone feel like a chef.
Family-Approved: The mildly spiced, creamy sauce is loved by kids and adults alike. Pair it with rice or naan, and everyone’s happy.
Quick to Make: From marinade to serving, it’s ready in under an hour. This impressive dish comes together with surprisingly little active cooking time, making weeknight dinners so much easier!
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s talk about what makes this butter chicken recipe so good. Every ingredient is easy to find and works hard to create that authentic, creamy flavor.
Chicken Thighs: Juicy and forgiving, they soak up flavor beautifully. Breast works in a pinch, but thighs give the best texture.
The Marinade: A quick mix of salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt means tender, flavored chicken from the start.
The Sauce: Tomato sauce, heavy cream, and spices like garam masala and curry powder create that signature depth and rich, silky texture.
Butter and Oil: The essential butter gives richness, while the oil keeps it from burning in the skillet.
Ingredient
Main Purpose
Chicken Thighs
Juicy, tender base for the dish
Greek Yogurt
Tenderizes chicken with a slight tang
Heavy Cream
Makes the sauce velvety and creamy
Garam Masala
Warm, earthy spice blend for authentic flavor
Tomato Sauce
Rich, tangy backbone of the sauce
How to Make Butter Chicken, Step by Step
The process might look long, but trust methis is an easy butter chicken recipe that comes together quickly once you start cooking. Here’s how:
Marinate: Mix the bite-sized chicken with the marinade ingredients. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes in the fridge while you prep the sauce.
Start the Sauce: Sauté minced garlic and diced onion in oil and butter until soft and fragrant. Add the tomato sauce, cream, and spices. Let everything simmer and meld into a creamy butter chicken sauce.
Cook the Chicken: In a separate pan, cook the marinated chicken pieces until browned and fully cooked. This step locks in all the spices for bold flavor.
Combine: Stir the cooked chicken into the bubbling sauce. Add the remaining butter for that final, glossy touch.
Serve: Garnish with parsley, if you like. It’s perfect with steamed rice or warm naan for soaking up every drop of sauce.
Serving and Storing Tips
Serving: To round out this Indian butter chicken dinner, serve it alongside steamed rice or soft naan bread. Want to fancy it up? Add a simple cucumber-yogurt salad on the side for freshness.
Storage: Leftovers? Always a win! Keep the butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwaveadd a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Storage Method
How Long It Lasts
Reheating Tips
Fridge
3 days
Reheat on stovetop with a splash of cream or water
Freezer
Up to 3 months
Thaw overnight, reheat gently for best texture
Pro Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken
Toast the Spices: For next-level flavor, toast the garam masala and curry powder in the butter before adding the aromatics.
Control the Heat: Want a mild dish? Skip the cayenne pepper. Love spice? Add an extra pinch or two to the sauce.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Minced fresh garlic and high-quality spices always yield a brighter, more authentic butter chicken sauce.
With these tips, your homemade Indian butter chicken will steal the show every time!
Expert Insight: The Art of Homemade Butter Chicken
Achieving a truly flavorful homemade butter chicken is an art of balancing aromatic spices with a luscious, creamy texture. This recipe emphasizes fresh ingredients and proper chicken marination for maximum tenderness and depth of flavor, proving that authentic taste can be achieved even with a quick cooking process.
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The Journey to Perfect Homemade Butter Chicken
Developing this homemade butter chicken recipe involved refining techniques and flavors through several kitchen trials. Early attempts sometimes lacked balance or richness, but each iteration taught me how to perfectly blend the spices and cream. This final recipe reflects those lessons, delivering a truly satisfying and reliable comfort dish that’s both indulgent and balanced.
FAQs ( Homemade Butter Chicken )
How can I make this recipe less spicy?
To reduce heat, cut back on chili powder or fresh chilies used in the sauce. You can also add more cream or yogurt to mellow flavors without losing the creamy texture. Balancing with a bit of sugar helps tone down spice while keeping the dish rich and satisfying.
What side dishes work best with this meal?
This dish pairs perfectly with basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A simple cucumber raita or mixed vegetable salad adds refreshing contrast. Steamed greens or roasted cauliflower also complement the spices nicely.
Can I freeze leftovers made from this recipe?
Yes, leftovers freeze well and keep for up to three months. Store in an airtight container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove to preserve creaminess. Avoid freezing with rice, as texture changes in the grain.
How do I achieve a creamy sauce without it separating?
Use full-fat cream or yogurt and add it off the heat to prevent curdling. Stir constantly when simmering and avoid boiling once the dairy is added. Balanced cooking temperatures and gradual mixing help keep the sauce smooth and luscious.
Is this butter chicken recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Absolutely. This quick & easy recipe is designed for busy nights, ready in about 30 minutes. It uses accessible ingredients and simple steps, making it a reliable, flavorful option that fits well into hectic schedules without sacrificing taste.
Conclusion
This homemade butter chicken truly delivers rich, creamy comfort in under an hour, proving that a restaurant-quality meal doesn’t have to be fussy. You’ll savor the tender chicken and the luscious sauce that warms every bitejust like your favorite Indian butter chicken dinner, made right in your own kitchen.
Remember, you can easily swap chicken thighs for breast for a leaner option, or dial up the heat with a pinch of cayenne. Leftovers store beautifully in the fridge; simply reheat gently with a splash of cream or water to restore the perfect consistency. These little tricks, refined in my test kitchen, ensure this easy butter chicken is reliably delicious every single time.
Give it a try, and don’t hesitate to share your photos or personal tweaks – I’m always curious to see how home cooks make it their own. Did this recipe bring back memories of a family favorite? Pass along the joy and keep that comforting, authentic spirit alive at your dinner table.
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