Name: Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks; 1 teaspoon salt (for chicken marinade); 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for chicken marinade); 1 teaspoon sweet paprika (for chicken marinade); ½ teaspoon curry powder (for chicken marinade); 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt (for chicken marinade); 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking); 3 tablespoons butter, divided (for sauce); 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt (for sauce, adjust to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups heavy cream

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. Are you craving that rich, creamy, and slightly sweet curry that’s a favorite in Indian restaurants worldwide, but don’t have hours to spare? We’ve all been there, staring at the clock, dreaming of tender chicken bathed in a luxurious tomato-based sauce. Well, get ready to rejoice, because this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero! What is it about butter chicken that captures our hearts and taste buds? It’s that incredible balance of spices, the velvety smoothness of the sauce, and the utterly satisfying comfort it provides. It’s the perfect dish to impress guests or simply to treat yourself after a long day, without the fuss. This recipe strips away the complexity, making restaurant-quality butter chicken accessible right in your own kitchen, in a fraction of the time. Prepare to be amazed at how simple it can be to achieve such deep, authentic flavors. This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe proves that delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated.

Ingredients:

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 teaspoon salt (for chicken marinade)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (for chicken marinade)
1 teaspoon sweet paprika (for chicken marinade)
½ teaspoon curry powder (for chicken marinade)
1 tablespoon Greek yogurt (for chicken marinade)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
3 tablespoons butter, divided (for sauce)
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, diced
1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt (for sauce, adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups heavy cream

Marinating the Chicken

Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken

The foundation of any great butter chicken is well-marinated chicken. I like to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay wonderfully tender and juicy even after cooking. Start by cutting your chicken thighs into uniform, bite-sized chunks. This ensures they cook evenly. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken chunks with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika, and ½ teaspoon of curry powder. Don’t be shy with the spices; they’re going to infuse so much flavor into the chicken. Now, add 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt to the bowl. The yogurt acts as a tenderizer and helps the spices adhere beautifully to the chicken. Mix everything together thoroughly with your hands or a spoon, making sure each piece of chicken is coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For even deeper flavor, you can marinate it for up to 4 hours.

Cooking the Chicken and Building the Sauce Base

Step 2: Sear the Marinated Chicken

Once the chicken has had a good soak in its flavorful marinade, it’s time to get cooking. Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be shimmering but not smoking. Carefully add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan, so you might need to cook the chicken in batches. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of searing it, and we want those delicious caramelized bits. Sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes per side, until it’s nicely browned and slightly crispy. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Remove the seared chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics for the Sauce

In the same skillet you used for the chicken, add 1 tablespoon of butter and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let the butter melt over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and starting to foam, add the diced medium onion. Sauté the onion for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent. Don’t rush this step; softened onions form the sweet base of our sauce. Next, add the minced garlic cloves to the pan. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Simmering and Finishing the Butter Chicken

Step 4: Simmer the Tomato Base

Now it’s time to introduce the tomato sauce. Pour the 15-ounce can of tomato sauce into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir well to combine everything. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar to the sauce. The sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the overall flavor profile. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Remember, you can always adjust the salt later to your preference, so start with this amount. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This simmering period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Cream, and Finish Cooking

After the tomato sauce has simmered for 10 minutes, it’s time to bring everything together. Return the seared chicken pieces (along with any juices that have accumulated on the plate) back into the skillet with the tomato sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Now, for the luxurious creaminess that defines butter chicken, pour in the 2 cups of heavy cream. Stir gently until the cream is fully incorporated into the sauce. Increase the heat slightly to medium-low and let the butter chicken simmer gently, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. The sauce should be rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced.

Conclusion:

You’ve done it! You’ve successfully created a delicious and authentic Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe right in your own kitchen. This recipe truly proves that restaurant-quality Indian dishes are achievable even on a busy weeknight. The creamy, rich tomato-based sauce, infused with aromatic spices and tender chicken, is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress. Remember, the key is in the balance of flavors and allowing the sauce to simmer and meld beautifully.

For serving suggestions, this butter chicken is fantastic with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread for dipping. A side of cooling raita (yogurt dip) or a simple kachumber salad (chopped cucumber, onion, and tomato) can add a refreshing contrast. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breast, or even try it with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) for a vegetarian option. Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less chili powder. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and savor every bite of your creation. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What if I don’t have garam masala?

If you don’t have pre-made garam masala, you can create your own simple blend. A common substitute includes equal parts ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, and a pinch of ground cloves. Toasting whole spices like cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and cardamom pods before grinding them will yield an even more intense and fragrant result, but is not strictly necessary for this recipe.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! The flavors of butter chicken actually deepen and improve when made ahead. You can prepare the entire dish and refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream if it seems too thick. This makes it an ideal meal prep option.

How can I make the sauce creamier?

For an extra creamy sauce, you can add a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or coconut cream towards the end of the simmering process. Some also like to blend a portion of the cooked tomatoes and onions before adding the chicken back in for a smoother texture. A dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream stirred in just before serving can also add richness.