Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s flavorful, creamy, and easy to whip up on a busy weeknight, Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is your answer. This popular Indian-inspired dish combines tender marinated chicken, a rich tomato-based curry sauce, and just the right amount of spice. It’s a restaurant-style meal you can create at home without complicated steps, special equipment, or a tandoor oven. Serve it with fluffy basmati rice, warm naan bread, or both, and you’ve got a dinner that’ll make everyone at the table happy.

Butter chicken has become a global favorite because it balances savory spices with a touch of sweetness and creaminess. Our version keeps things simple while staying true to the dish’s comforting roots. You’ll get all the flavors you love in under an hour, making it perfect for home cooks, busy parents, and anyone craving a mild Indian curry for beginners.

Before we jump in, I should warn you—once you make this Easy Homemade Butter Chicken, you’ll start craving it more often than you think. And honestly? That’s not a bad problem to have.

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Ingredients for Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

This recipe is broken down into three parts: the chicken and marinade, the butter chicken sauce, and the serving suggestions. The combination creates a dish that’s both rich and balanced.

For the Chicken and Marinade

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• ½ tsp curry powder
• 1 tbsp Greek yogurt

For the Butter Chicken Sauce

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 tbsp butter (divided)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp curry powder
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

To Serve

• Steamed basmati rice or jasmine rice
• Warm naan bread
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

This method is straightforward, even for first-time curry makers.

1. Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, paprika, and curry powder. Add Greek yogurt and toss until coated. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes; if you have time, marinate for up to 4 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in batches, cooking until lightly golden on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage—just seared for flavor. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add diced onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Build the Curry Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and stir in sugar, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors. This is where the kitchen starts smelling amazing.

5. Add the Chicken and Cream

Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Lower the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Sprinkle in the garam masala, additional curry powder, and cayenne pepper if you like extra heat.

6. Simmer and Finish with Butter

Let the curry simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened. Stir in the last tablespoon of butter for a silky finish.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve hot with rice, naan, or both. This Easy Homemade Butter Chicken also pairs beautifully with a simple cucumber salad to balance the richness.

Substitutions and Variations for Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

• Protein swaps: Use chicken breasts, turkey, or tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Dairy-free option: Replace Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and heavy cream with coconut cream.
• Sweetener alternatives: Honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
• Tomato base: Use fresh pureed tomatoes or canned puree.
• Fats: Swap vegetable oil for ghee or olive oil for a richer or lighter finish.

For a coconut variation, check out our Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl for flavor inspiration.

Equipment Needed for Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon
• Instant-read thermometer (optional, for checking doneness)

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.

This recipe also works well for meal prep, giving you ready-to-go lunches or quick dinners for busy weeknights.

Top Tips for the Best Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

• Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes, ideally 4 hours.
• Toast the spices in butter before adding the tomato sauce to release deeper aromas.
• Finish with a knob of cold butter to make the sauce luxuriously smooth.
• Serve with warm naan to scoop up every last bit of sauce.

FAQs

Related Recipes You’ll Love

• Honey Garlic Chicken
• Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl
• Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken Recipe
• Greek Chicken and Rice Skillet
• Lime Chicken with Corn and Poblano Salad
• Baked Caprese Chicken Skillet Recipe
• Chicken Francaise
• Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
• BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
  

Dessert Pairing Ideas

After a creamy curry, you’ll want something sweet to round out the meal:

• Chocolate cherry cake
• Vanilla milk cake (tres leches style)
• Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting
• Oreo cheesecake

Food Safety Tips for Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

• Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Avoid cross-contamination by using separate boards for raw meat.
• Wash hands and utensils thoroughly after handling chicken.
• Store leftovers promptly in the fridge.
• Use oils with a high smoke point to prevent burning.

Easy Homemade Butter Chicken – Creamy Indian Comfort in 45 Minutes

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• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 35minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

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Description

A rich, creamy, and mildly spiced Indian chicken curry that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or special occasions. Ready in just 45 minutes, this butter chicken recipe is full of flavor and simple to master.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1/2 tsp curry powder
• 1 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 tbsp butter (divided)
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups heavy cream (or coconut cream)
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp curry powder
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped (optional)
• Steamed basmati or jasmine rice
• Warm naan bread
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Combine chicken, salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Toss until coated and marinate 15 minutes to 4 hours.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in batches until golden, about 5–6 minutes. Set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add onion and sauté until golden, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
4. Add tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, garam masala, curry powder, and cayenne (if using). Simmer 3 minutes.
5. Return chicken to skillet. Lower heat, pour in heavy cream, and stir to coat.
6. Simmer 8–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Stir in remaining 1 tbsp butter.
7. Garnish with parsley or cilantro. Serve hot with rice, naan, or both.

Notes

Marinate chicken for maximum flavor, toast spices in butter for aroma, and finish with cold butter for a glossy sauce.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 19g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 165mg

Final thoughts

If you follow this recipe, you’ll have Easy Homemade Butter Chicken that’s creamy, flavorful, and ready to impress. It’s a dish that works for a cozy family dinner, a quick weeknight meal, or even a special occasion when you want something comforting without spending all day in the kitchen.

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