Say hello to your new favorite comfort food—Butter Chicken! This creamy, spiced dish is a rich, velvety masterpiece that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re cozying up for a family dinner or impressing friends, it’s the perfect recipe to serve with warm naan and fluffy rice!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps and 45 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready to enjoy.
• Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of spices and creamy sauce creates an unforgettable taste that leaves everyone wanting more.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with naan, steamed rice, or even quinoa for a delightful twist.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this dish; it’s a great way to introduce new flavors to kids.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead and reheat for an effortless weeknight dinner!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking and browning of the chicken, enhancing flavor.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping ingredients quick and easy, saving you time during prep.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 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
– 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
– 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
– ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
– Naan bread
– Steamed rice

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, and curry powder. Mix well.
2. Add Greek yogurt and let the chicken marinate while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until golden brown on all sides (about 5–7 minutes).
3. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter.
2. Once melted, add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until fragrant and onions are translucent.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder. Mix well.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
2. Simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes until everything is heated through and flavors meld together.

Step 5: Serve Your Dish

1. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
2. Serve hot with naan bread or steamed rice for a complete meal!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

This delightful butter chicken is perfect for sharing with family and friends. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it an ideal centerpiece for any meal. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Naan Bread

• Naan bread is a classic accompaniment that’s perfect for scooping up the sauce. Its soft texture complements the buttery chicken beautifully.

Over Steamed Rice

• Serve the butter chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed rice. The rice absorbs the flavorful sauce, making every bite delicious.

With Cucumber Raita

• Cucumber raita provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. This yogurt-based sauce cools down any spice while adding a creamy texture.

Garnished with Fresh Parsley

• A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds color but also enhances the dish with a touch of freshness.

Paired with Salad

• A simple green salad can balance out the meal. Use ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers for a light side.

this recipe

How to Perfect Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Creating the perfect homemade butter chicken takes practice, but these tips will help you elevate your dish.

• Use Quality Chicken: Opt for skinless boneless chicken thighs for tenderness and flavor. Thighs stay juicy during cooking compared to breast meat.
• Marinate: Marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices before cooking enhances its flavor and tenderness.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify spice levels according to your taste preferences; add more cayenne for heat or skip it altogether.
• Sauté Garlic and Onion Well: Taking time to sauté garlic and onion until golden adds depth to the sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Enjoying butter chicken can be even better with some tasty side dishes. Here are some excellent options that complement this dish perfectly.

1. Basmati Rice: Fluffy basmati rice is aromatic and pairs wonderfully with butter chicken’s rich sauce.
2. Cabbage Slaw: A crunchy slaw adds freshness; try using cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing.
3. Palak Paneer: This spinach dish brings vibrant color and nutrition, making it a great pairing.
4. Aloo Gobi: The spiced potato and cauliflower dish offers hearty flavors that work well with butter chicken.
5. Chickpea Curry: Add another layer of flavor by serving a mild chickpea curry on the side.
6. Vegetable Samosas: Crispy samosas stuffed with veggies provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy butter chicken.
7. Mint Chutney: A refreshing mint chutney works as a delightful dip alongside naan or samosas.
8. Raita Variations: Experiment with different raita flavors like mint or beetroot to enhance your meal’s variety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Ignoring marination: Not marinating the chicken can lead to less flavor. Use Greek yogurt and spices to tenderize and infuse flavor before cooking.
• Using low-quality tomatoes: Poor-quality tomato sauce can ruin the dish’s richness. Always opt for a good brand or use fresh tomatoes for a fresher taste.
• Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry. Cook just until it reaches the right internal temperature and remains juicy.
• Skipping the spices: Missing spices like garam masala can diminish flavor complexity. Always include all recommended spices for an authentic taste.
• Rushing the cooking process: Cooking too quickly can lead to uneven results. Allow time for each step, especially when sautéing onions to develop sweetness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• The dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat until warmed through (about 20-25 minutes).
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of cream if it seems thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Butter Chicken?

Butter Chicken is a creamy, mildly spiced Indian dish made with marinated chicken cooked in a rich tomato sauce.

Can I make this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe spicy?

Yes! You can increase the cayenne pepper or add chopped green chilies for extra heat according to your preference.

How do I serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken?

Serve it hot with warm naan bread or steamed rice, garnished with fresh parsley for added flavor.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well but may require slightly less cooking time as they can dry out more easily.

How long does it take to prepare this recipe?

The total time for preparation and cooking is around 45 minutes, making it great for a quick weeknight dinner.

Final Thoughts

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is not just delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding vegetables like peas or spinach, or adjusting the spice levels to suit your taste. Don’t hesitate to give this comforting dish a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Print

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

---

• Author: Cecilia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. This creamy, spiced delight brings the flavors of India right to your kitchen and can be prepared in just 45 minutes! Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this dish pairs beautifully with warm naan bread and fluffy rice. With its rich flavor profile and simple preparation steps, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and rewarding. Dive into the velvety goodness that will leave everyone craving more!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 6 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon garam masala

---

Instructions

1. Marinate chicken with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, and Greek yogurt for enhanced flavor.
2. Cook marinated chicken in vegetable oil until golden brown; set aside.
3. Sauté garlic and onion in butter, then add tomato sauce, cream, and spices to create the sauce.
4. Combine cooked chicken and sauce; simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Serve hot with naan or steamed rice.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 24g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: For extra heat, increase cayenne pepper or add chopped green chilies. Feel free to include vegetables like peas or spinach for added nutrition.