There’s nothing quite like the aroma of homemade butter chicken wafting through your kitchen. This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe transforms tender, marinated chicken into a creamy, spiced dish that is both comforting and bursting with flavor. In just under an hour, you can enjoy a delightful meal that brilliantly combines richness with warmth.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want to impress your family or friends with minimal effort. It also makes a great dish for meal prep, as it stores well and tastes even better the next day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The marinated chicken remains incredibly tender and juicy.
- A rich, creamy sauce envelops every bite, perfect for dipping.
- It can be prepared in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- The simple ingredient list allows for easy cooking without compromising flavor.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious dish.
For the Chicken
- 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 Cooking
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
For the Sauce
- 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
For Serving
- ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley, optional for garnish
- Naan bread
- Steamed rice
Greek yogurt can be substituted with plain yogurt.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Chicken thighs can be swapped for chicken breasts.
- Heavy cream can be replaced with coconut milk for a lighter option.
- Parsley can be substituted with cilantro for a different flavor.
- Cayenne pepper can be omitted for a milder dish.
How to Make It
Follow these simple steps to create your butter chicken.
1. Marinate the Chicken
Combine chicken chunks, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce Base
In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
4. Build the Sauce
Add the tomato sauce, sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper to the pan. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. Season and Simmer
Pour in the heavy cream, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and curry powder. Stir well, allowing the sauce to come to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Finish with Butter
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and well incorporated. Taste and adjust salt or spice levels if necessary.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the butter chicken over steamed rice or with warm naan bread, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your homemade meal!
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Yes, it can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Microwave on low for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.
Tips for Best Results
- Allow the chicken to marinate longer for more depth of flavor.
- Use full-fat heavy cream for a richer sauce.
- Sauté spices in butter for a more aromatic blend.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper based on your heat preference.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair the butter chicken with fluffy basmati rice.
- Serve with warm naan bread to soak up the sauce.
- Complement with a fresh salad or cucumber raita as a side dish.
