Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Butter chicken is a beloved dish that brings the flavors of Indian cuisine right to your kitchen. This recipe is a simple yet delicious rendition of the classic comfort food that many have come to adore. What makes this dish truly special is its tender pieces of chicken simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce that is both aromatic and rich. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering with friends, this butter chicken is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Packed with flavor and made with easily available ingredients, this dish is perfect for weeknight meals or for entertaining guests. The warmth of the spices mingles beautifully with the creamy sauce, creating a harmonious blend that is hard to resist. With this quick and easy recipe, even those who are new to cooking can whip up a batch of this delicious dish with confidence. Your friends and family will be asking for seconds, so be prepared to share!

This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.

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

Here’s a glimpse of the fresh ingredients ready for this flavorful dish.

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine chicken thighs with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to marinate.

2. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until fragrant and the onion is translucent.

3. Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, and heavy cream. If you like a bit of heat, add cayenne pepper. Sprinkle in garam masala and curry powder. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes.

4. In another pan, cook the marinated chicken over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

5. Once the chicken is cooked, add it to the creamy sauce. Stir in the remaining butter and allow it to simmer for a few more minutes to meld the flavors together.

6. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot. Enjoy alongside warm naan bread and fluffy steamed rice.

Tips & Variations

• Ingredient substitutions: You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts if preferred. For a vegetarian option, use paneer or chickpeas instead.
• Optional variations: Add vegetables like peas or spinach for extra nutrition and color. You can also adjust the spice level by omitting cayenne or using more garam masala.
• Storage or reheating tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if the sauce thickens.

Recipe Information

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty level: Easy

This quintessential butter chicken showcases an inviting and hearty meal.