🎉 Introduction
Butter chicken is one of the most beloved dishes in Indian-inspired cuisine, known for its creamy, flavorful sauce and tender chicken pieces. While it may seem like something you’d only order at a restaurant, the truth is—it’s incredibly easy to make at home.
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken brings together aromatic spices, juicy chicken thighs, and a silky tomato-cream sauce enriched with butter and Greek yogurt. Pair it with rice or naan bread, and you’ve got a cozy, comforting dinner that rivals your favorite takeout.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
🛒 Ingredients
Chicken & Base
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp butter
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp sugar
Spices
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp paprika (sweet)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp salt
To Serve
- Rice
- Naan bread
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Heat vegetable oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 6–7 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: In the same skillet, add the onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and golden. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Sprinkle in garam masala, curry powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and sugar. Stir for 30–60 seconds to toast the spices.
Step 4: Add tomato sauce and stir to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Step 5: Lower heat and stir in heavy cream, Greek yogurt, and remaining butter. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Return chicken to the skillet. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or cayenne as needed.
Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with rice or naan bread.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4–5 portions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled butter chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in short bursts. Add a splash of cream or broth if sauce thickens too much.
🥄 Variations
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of cream.
- Extra Veggies: Add peas, spinach, or bell peppers to the sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Increase cayenne or add fresh chopped chili.
- Nutty Twist: Stir in a spoonful of cashew paste for extra richness.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and plant-based butter/yogurt.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier and more tender.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, butter chicken reheats beautifully and is great for meal prep.
3. Do I need Greek yogurt?
It adds tanginess and creaminess, but you can skip or replace with sour cream.
4. Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Add cream and yogurt at the end.
5. What rice is best for butter chicken?
Basmati rice is traditional, but jasmine or long-grain rice works too.
6. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?
Yes, just blend and simmer them down first.
7. Is butter chicken spicy?
It’s mildly spiced. You can adjust cayenne to your taste.
8. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, substitute coconut cream and vegan butter/yogurt.
9. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just use a larger pot or Dutch oven.
10. What sides go well with butter chicken?
Naan, rice, cucumber salad, or roasted vegetables.
🏁 Conclusion
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is proof that restaurant-quality Indian-inspired food can be made at home in under an hour. With its velvety tomato-cream sauce, tender chicken, and fragrant spices, it’s the perfect comfort meal to share with family and friends. Serve it with fluffy rice and warm naan, and watch it disappear from the table.
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken – Creamy, Spiced, and Better Than Takeout
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Notes
Yes, but thighs stay juicier and more tender. 2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, butter chicken reheats beautifully and is great for meal prep. 3. Do I need Greek yogurt?
It adds tanginess and creaminess, but you can skip or replace with sour cream. 4. Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Add cream and yogurt at the end. 5. What rice is best for butter chicken?
Basmati rice is traditional, but jasmine or long-grain rice works too. 6. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?
Yes, just blend and simmer them down first. 7. Is butter chicken spicy?
It’s mildly spiced. You can adjust cayenne to your taste. 8. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, substitute coconut cream and vegan butter/yogurt. 9. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just use a larger pot or Dutch oven. 10. What sides go well with butter chicken?
Naan, rice, cucumber salad, or roasted vegetables. 🏁 Conclusion This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is proof that restaurant-quality Indian-inspired food can be made at home in under an hour. With its velvety tomato-cream sauce, tender chicken, and fragrant spices, it’s the perfect comfort meal to share with family and friends. Serve it with fluffy rice and warm naan, and watch it disappear from the table.
