Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Pungent aromas of warm spices dancing through the kitchen can instantly transport you to a cozy Indian restaurant. This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe delivers just that with rich, creamy flavors and tender chicken thighs, all in under 30 minutes. It’s a simple dish that yields an impressive, comforting meal.

This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or when you’re craving something deliciously hearty. You can easily make it ahead of time; just store the finished dish in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Experience tender, juicy chicken thighs that soak up the flavorful spices.
• Enjoy a creamy sauce that pairs beautifully with naan or rice.
• Complete in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
• Use straightforward ingredients that you may already have on hand.

What You’ll Need

Gather these fresh ingredients to create this mouthwatering dish.

For the Chicken

• 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• ½ teaspoon curry powder
• 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt

For the Sauce

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala

Butter can be substituted with olive oil for a lighter flavor.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken thighs can be replaced with chicken breasts.
• Heavy cream may be substituted with coconut milk.
• Greek yogurt can be swapped for sour cream.
• Tomato sauce can be replaced by crushed tomatoes.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal.

Marinate the Chicken

Marinate the chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt for at least 15 minutes.

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the marinated chicken in oil and butter until browned. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics

Sauté minced garlic and diced onion in remaining butter until fragrant and soft, about 3–4 minutes.

Add Tomato Sauce

Add tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne; simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Incorporate Cream and Spices

Stir in heavy cream, garam masala, and curry powder; simmer gently for another 5 minutes, ensuring it thickens nicely.

Return the Chicken

Return the chicken to the skillet; let it cook in the sauce for another 5–10 minutes, ensuring it’s heated through.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Yes, this freezes well for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Microwave on medium for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Tips for Best Results

• Use fresh garlic and spices for maximum flavor.
• Let the chicken marinate longer for deeper taste.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level.
• Ensure to simmer the sauce adequately for thickening.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with warm naan to soak up the sauce.
• Pair with fragrant basmati rice for a hearty meal.
• Great for meal prepping and serving on busy weeknights.