Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Homemade butter chicken Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender, juicy chicken with a silky, spiced tomato cream sauce. This classic Indian-inspired dish is perfect for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. With a short marinating time and simple pantry ingredients, you can have a restaurant-worthy butter chicken on the table in under an hour. The balance of creamy, tangy, and mildly spiced flavors makes it a favorite among kids and adults alike. Whether you’re serving it with fluffy naan or steamed rice, this recipe is sure to become your go-to for satisfying cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

• Minimal prep time – The short marinade ensures flavor without lengthy waiting.

• One-pan cooking – Less mess and faster cleanup.

• Family-friendly – Mild spices with optional heat adjustments.

• Restaurant quality at home – Creamy, rich, and fragrant without special equipment.

• Versatile serving options – Pair with rice, naan, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Marinade

• 1 ½ 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 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 medium onion, finely diced

• 1 (15 oz) can 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, for garnish)

To Serve

• Warm naan bread

• Steamed rice

Step-by-Step: How to Make Homemade Butter Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken
   In a medium mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt until evenly coated. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

2. Cook the Chicken
   Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate, leaving the oil in the pan.

3. Make the Sauce Base
   Lower the heat to medium, add 1 tbsp butter, and deglaze the pan by scraping up the browned bits. Stir in the garlic and onion with a pinch of salt, cooking until soft and fragrant.

4. Build the Sauce
   Add the tomato sauce and sugar, letting it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Return the chicken to the skillet, pour in the heavy cream, and stir until the sauce develops a deep, rich orange hue.

5. Season & Simmer
   Mix in the cayenne pepper (optional), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. Adjust salt to taste.

6. Finish with Butter
   Stir in the remaining 2 tbsp cold butter until melted for a silky finish. Garnish with parsley if desired.

7. Serve & Enjoy
   Serve piping hot with naan and rice, allowing everyone to scoop up the luscious, creamy sauce.

Helpful Tips

• Use chicken thighs for maximum tenderness and juiciness.

• Marinate longer (up to 24 hours) for deeper flavor.

• Adjust spice level by increasing or omitting cayenne pepper.

• For a thicker consistency, let the sauce simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.

• If sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth.

Substitutions and Variations

• Protein swap – Try shrimp, paneer, or tofu for a different twist.

• Dairy-free swap – Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and butter with vegan butter.

• Spice blend – Add turmeric or smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.

• Vegetable boost – Stir in spinach, peas, or bell peppers for added nutrition.

• Low-carb twist – Enjoy with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer – Cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheating – Warm gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to refresh the sauce.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 6 servings)

• Calories: 420

• Protein: 26g

• Fat: 32g

• Saturated Fat: 18g

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 5g

• Sodium: 620mg

Serving Suggestions

• Classic – Steamed basmati rice with warm naan.

• Light – Pair with a crisp cucumber-tomato salad.

• Comfort style – Spoon over creamy mashed potatoes for a cozy fusion meal.

• Entertaining – Serve as part of an Indian-inspired buffet with samosas and mango chutney.

Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Butter Chicken

1. Can I make butter chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! Butter chicken tends to taste even more flavorful the next day as the spices meld together. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently.

2. Is butter chicken spicy?
Not by default. This recipe is mild, but you can add cayenne or fresh chilies for more heat.

3. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but if you opt for chicken breasts, be careful to avoid overcooking, as they can dry out.

4. Can I make it without cream?
Yes, substitute with coconut cream or a mix of milk and yogurt for a lighter sauce.

5. What’s the difference between butter chicken and chicken tikka masala?
Butter chicken is creamier and slightly sweeter, while tikka masala leans spicier with a stronger tomato base.

Conclusion

Thank you for visiting and exploring this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe! I’ve made this dish countless times, and every bite still feels like a warm hug in a bowl—creamy, flavorful, and irresistibly satisfying. It’s the perfect balance of rich sauce and tender chicken, ready in less time than it takes to order takeout. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Happy cooking, and thank you for being part of this food-loving community!

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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

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• Author: lisa
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe with juicy chicken, rich tomato-cream sauce, and warm spices. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special family meal. Ready in under an hour and packed with flavor!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 ½ 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

3 tbsp vegetable oil

3 tbsp butter, divided

6 garlic cloves, minced

1 medium onion, finely diced

1 (15 oz) can 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)

Warm naan bread

Steamed rice

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Instructions

• Marinate the Chicken
  In a medium mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt until evenly coated. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

• Cook the Chicken
  Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate, leaving the oil in the pan.

• Make the Sauce Base
  Lower the heat to medium, add 1 tbsp butter, and deglaze the pan by scraping up the browned bits. Stir in the garlic and onion with a pinch of salt, cooking until soft and fragrant.

• Build the Sauce
  Add the tomato sauce and sugar, letting it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Return the chicken to the skillet, pour in the heavy cream, and stir until the sauce develops a deep, rich orange hue.

• Season & Simmer
  Mix in the cayenne pepper (optional), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. Adjust salt to taste.

• Finish with Butter
  Stir in the remaining 2 tbsp cold butter until melted for a silky finish. Garnish with parsley if desired.

• Serve & Enjoy
  Serve piping hot with naan and rice, allowing everyone to scoop up the luscious, creamy sauce.

Notes

For thicker sauce, simmer uncovered longer.

Dairy-free option: use coconut cream and vegan butter.

Low-carb option: serve with cauliflower rice.

Tastes even better the next day.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 26g