If you’ve ever craved a restaurant-style meal at home without spending hours in the kitchen, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is the answer you’ve been waiting for! The rich, velvety sauce coats tender pieces of chicken, marrying creamy, mildly spiced flavors that melt in your mouth. With each spoonful, you’ll taste the layers of exotic spices, buttery warmth, and a hint of tang—a dinner that truly feels like a warm hug. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever the craving hits, this recipe brings India’s most cherished comfort food right to your table, with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this recipe is how every simple ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that iconic buttery sauce and juicy chicken. Each one is easy to find, yet together they create something genuinely spectacular—balanced, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Thighs stay juicy and tender when simmered, delivering the best texture for this dish.
Plain yogurt: Adds tang and helps tenderize the chicken for a melt-in-the-mouth bite.
Lemon juice: Brings a pop of freshness and helps brighten up all the spices.
Ground cumin: Delivers earthy depth, giving that unmistakable curry aroma.
Ground coriander: Lends a gentle sweet citrus note, rounding the flavor profile.
Garam masala: This all-in-one blend brings warmth and a touch of magic.
Paprika: Uses mild heat and deep crimson color.
Salt and pepper: A must for balanced seasoning throughout.
Butter: The heart of the sauce; gives richness and that classic silky texture.
Onion: Sweetens and builds the sauce’s foundation.
Garlic: Provides savory, aromatic notes integral to Indian-style curries.
Ginger: Adds a zingy warmth that brightens each bite.
Tomato puree: Brings tang, sweetness, and that lovely red hue.
Heavy cream: Blends with butter for silkiness and indulgence.
Fresh cilantro: Sprinkled on top, it wakes up the whole dish with herby brightness.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining the chicken pieces with the yogurt, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, half the garam masala, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Letting the chicken soak up these spices—even if it’s just for 15 minutes—guarantees beautifully seasoned and tender bites in every forkful. If you have more time, marinate longer for even deeper flavor.

Step 2: Sear for Flavor

Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Working in batches if necessary, add the marinated chicken and sear until golden brown on all sides. This step locks in the juices and creates tasty bits that will enrich your sauce. Set the pre-cooked chicken aside on a plate.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. Melt the remaining butter in the same pan, then sauté chopped onions until they turn soft and lightly golden. Stir in the garlic and ginger, letting them release their aroma—this moment smells absolutely heavenly!

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Simmer

Pour in the tomato puree and sprinkle in the rest of the garam masala. Cook for a few minutes until the tomato mixture thickens and starts pulling away from the sides of the pan. This forms the foundation of your signature sauce.

Step 5: Achieve Creamy Perfection

Return the chicken (with any juices) to the pan. Stir everything together, cover, and let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and has absorbed the flavors. Finish by swirling in heavy cream and stirring until the sauce becomes irresistibly rich and silky. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro brings a pop of color and a burst of freshness to your butter chicken. For extra decadence, drizzle a swirl of heavy cream over the top just before serving. A squeeze of lemon can also brighten each bite.

Side Dishes

This dish begs for fluffy, freshly cooked basmati rice or warm, pillowy naan to scoop up every drop of sauce. Steamed peas or roasted cauliflower also complement the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your butter chicken in mini bowls or over toasted naan for a fun, hand-held appetizer at parties. Leftover sauce makes a phenomenal filling for wraps, or even as a topping for baked potatoes—get creative and let your cravings lead the way!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cozy flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to!

Freezing

Freeze the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe—sauce and all—in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat butter chicken on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or cream if the sauce gets too thick, and always heat until piping hot for optimal food safety and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs offer extra juiciness, chicken breast works well too—just be careful not to overcook, so it stays tender.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

Yes, you can swap yogurt and cream with non-dairy alternatives like coconut yogurt and coconut cream. The result will still be rich, with a lovely added hint of coconut.

Can I make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe mild or spicy?

The spice level is easy to control. For a milder version, stick to the listed spices. If you like more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or chopped fresh chili when making the sauce.

What if I don’t have garam masala?

No worries! Make a simple substitute using equal parts ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and a pinch of ground cloves for a similar warmth.

Does this recipe work in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can assemble everything up to the sauce step and then cook it on low for about 4-5 hours. Stir in the cream before serving for the best results.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe enough—it brings pure comfort to any dinner table and will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s your first time making Indian food or you’re a longtime fan, this is one recipe you’ll reach for over and over again. Give it a try and treat yourself to a restaurant-worthy meal in your own kitchen!