Say hello to your new favorite comfort food—Butter Chicken! This classic Indian-inspired dish is creamy, spiced, and indulgently rich, yet surprisingly easy to make at home. Tender chicken pieces simmer in a velvety tomato-cream sauce, perfectly balanced with aromatic spices like garam masala, curry powder, and a hint of cayenne for optional heat.
What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity. With just a few staple ingredients, you can create restaurant-quality Butter Chicken in under 45 minutes. The chicken is marinated with yogurt and spices, giving it a tender texture and depth of flavor. A luscious sauce enriched with butter and cream envelops each bite, making it irresistible.
Serve this dish with warm naan or fluffy steamed rice to soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special meal for friends, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is guaranteed to impress.
Pro Tip: If your sauce is a little thin, simply whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with ⅓ cup of water and stir it in to thicken the sauce for a perfect consistency.
PrintQuick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Say hello to your new favorite comfort food—Butter Chicken! This creamy, spiced dish is a rich, velvety masterpiece that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Indian
Ingredients
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 Butter Chicken 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)
1 teaspoon garam masala
½ teaspoon curry powder
For Garnishing
¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional)
To Serve
Naan bread
Steamed rice
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce Base: Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon butter. Add garlic and onion with a pinch of salt. Sauté until translucent.
4. Build the Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce and sugar. Simmer 2-3 minutes, then return chicken to skillet. Pour in heavy cream and stir until sauce turns orange.
5. Season and Simmer: Add cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
6. Finish with Butter: Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter and let it melt. Sprinkle parsley if desired.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.
Notes
If the sauce becomes too runny, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with ⅓ cup water and stir it in. Simmer for 5 minutes to thicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
