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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken – Creamy, Comforting & Ready Fast

If you love rich, comforting dinners with bold flavor but don’t want hours in the kitchen, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is exactly what you need. Tender chicken thighs simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce with warm spices create a dish that’s cozy, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful—all made at home with simple ingredients. This recipe is designed to be weeknight-friendly while still delivering that signature buttery, creamy texture everyone loves. Served with fluffy rice and warm naan bread, it’s a complete dinner that feels special without being complicated. Best of all, it’s alcohol-free and pork-free, making it perfect for the whole family.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Simple pantry spices and dairy create classic butter chicken flavor.
Chicken
  • 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
Cooking Fat
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter
Aromatics
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
Sauce Base
  • 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
Seasonings
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
For Serving
  • Cooked rice
  • Naan bread
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

  • Large skillet or deep pan
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Optional but helpful:
  • Rice cooker or saucepan (for rice)

Method
 

  1. Follow these steps for perfectly creamy butter chicken at home.
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chicken pieces and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
  3. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is lightly browned.
  4. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
  1. In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, until soft and translucent.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
  1. Add tomato sauce to the pan.
  2. Stir in paprika, curry powder, garam masala, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and sugar.
  3. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
  1. Lower heat to medium-low.
  2. Stir in Greek yogurt until smooth.
  3. Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly.
  4. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
  1. Return cooked chicken to the pan.
  2. Stir to coat evenly with the sauce.
  3. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
  1. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  2. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
  3. Serve hot over rice with naan bread on the side.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Add a splash of cream if the sauce thickens too much.
Freezing
Freeze without rice for up to 2 months.
🥄 Variations
Customize your butter chicken recipe:
Extra Creamy
Add an extra ¼ cup heavy cream.
Milder Version
Reduce cayenne pepper.
Spice Boost
Add more garam masala.
Chicken Breast Option
Use breasts, but reduce cooking time slightly.
Herb Finish
Add extra parsley for freshness.
❓ 10 FAQs
Is this butter chicken spicy?
Mild to medium, easily adjustable.
Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier.
Why add sugar?
It balances the acidity of tomato sauce.
Is Greek yogurt necessary?
It adds tang and creaminess.
Can kids eat this?
Yes, reduce cayenne for mild flavor.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day.
Does the sauce thicken naturally?
Yes, from cream and simmering.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, use a larger pan.
What goes best with butter chicken?
Rice and naan are perfect pairings.
Is this a full meal?
Yes, hearty and satisfying.
🏁 Conclusion
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken delivers everything you love about classic comfort food—tender chicken, creamy sauce, and warm spices—without complicated steps or long cooking times. It’s rich, cozy, and perfect for sharing around the table with family or friends.
Once you make it, this butter chicken will quickly become a go-to favorite in your dinner rotation.