Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe: Creamy, Flavorful, and Ready in 30 Minutes

If you’ve been craving the rich, velvety taste of restaurant-style Indian cuisine without the hassle, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is your golden ticket. Bursting with spices, creamy tomato sauce, and tender chicken, it brings the authentic flavors of India straight to your kitchen. Imagine the aroma of garam masala and garlic filling your home, paired with the smooth creaminess of a perfectly balanced curry. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe promises both speed and flavor, making it an irresistible choice for food lovers everywhere.

Cooking at home doesn’t have to be complicated, and with this guide, you’ll master the art of Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe with tips, substitutions, and expert techniques that guarantee success every time.

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

• Fast & Flavorful: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.

• Creamy Texture: Heavy cream and butter create a luscious, smooth sauce.

• Family-Friendly: Mildly spiced and customizable for kids and adults alike.

• Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Uses pantry staples with no exotic requirements.

• Authentic Flavor at Home: Captures the essence of traditional Indian Butter Chicken.

• Versatile: Serve with rice, naan, or roti for a complete meal.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Sauce can be prepared in advance and frozen.

• One-Pot Cleanup: Minimal dishes, maximum flavor.

Ingredients for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

For the Chicken & Marinade:

• 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks

• 1 teaspoon salt – enhances natural flavor

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – adds depth without overpowering

• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika – mild smokiness and vibrant color

• ½ teaspoon curry powder – authentic Indian aroma

• 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt – tenderizes chicken for juicy bites

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil – for sautéing aromatics

• 3 tablespoons butter, divided – richness and creaminess

• 6 garlic cloves, minced – essential for flavor

• 1 medium onion, diced – sweetness and body

• 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce – base of the creamy sauce

• 1 teaspoon sugar – balances acidity

• 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste

• ½ teaspoon black pepper – subtle heat

• 2 cups heavy cream – luxurious creaminess

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) – for a gentle kick

• 1 teaspoon garam masala – authentic Indian spice blend

• ½ teaspoon curry powder – reinforces the flavor

• ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley, optional for garnish

Pro Tip: Use fresh ingredients wherever possible. Organic tomatoes and fresh cream elevate flavor dramatically.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Combine the chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix until every piece is coated. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes – the yogurt tenderizes the chicken while the spices penetrate deeply.

2. Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic until fragrant.

3. Build the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes to reduce acidity. Slowly add heavy cream while stirring to create a velvety texture.

4. Cook the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken pieces to the sauce. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is tender and cooked through. Sprinkle garam masala, curry powder, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir well.

5. Finish with Butter

Add the remaining tablespoon of butter for glossy, rich flavor. Simmer for another 2 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

H3: How do you make butter chicken creamy without heavy cream?

Use coconut milk or cashew cream as a dairy-free alternative. It maintains richness while adding a subtle nutty flavor.

H3: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but reduce cooking time to 10–12 minutes to prevent dryness. Thighs remain juicier and more forgiving for beginners.

H3: How do I adjust spice levels for kids?

Reduce cayenne pepper and garam masala slightly. You can also serve with plain yogurt on the side to balance heat.

Extra Tip: Marinate longer (up to 2 hours) for deeper flavor penetration.

Best Ways to Serve

• Serve with basmati rice for a traditional Indian experience.

• Pair with naan or roti to soak up every drop of creamy sauce.

• Crosslink: Try our Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta for a fusion twist.

• Garnish with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lemon, or lightly toasted cashews for texture.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal

• Protein: 35g

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Fat: 30g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sodium: 550mg

• Vitamin A: 15% DV

• Calcium: 8% DV

• Iron: 12% DV

Note: Using light cream reduces calories, and adding vegetables increases fiber and vitamins.

Storage & Leftovers

• Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

• Tip: Add a splash of cream when reheating to restore original creaminess.

FAQs About Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Q1: Can I make this butter chicken in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Combine all ingredients except cream and butter. Cook on low for 4–5 hours, then stir in cream and butter at the end.

Q2: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free. Ensure your curry powder and garam masala are certified gluten-free.

Q3: How do I store leftover sauce separately?
Pour into freezer-safe containers. Reheat and add freshly cooked chicken when ready to serve.

Q4: Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes. Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas, use coconut milk instead of cream, and vegan butter for richness.

Q5: What is the best way to thicken the sauce?
Simmer longer on low heat or blend a few cooked onions with the sauce for natural thickness.

Variations of Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

• Spicy Version: Add extra cayenne pepper and crushed red chili flakes.

• One-Pot Version: Cook rice directly in the sauce for a comforting, one-dish meal.

• Herb-Infused: Use cilantro and mint for a fresh, fragrant twist.

• Healthier Option: Swap cream for Greek yogurt for lower fat content.

• Restaurant-Style: Brown chicken separately before adding to sauce for extra caramelized flavor.

Conclusion

With this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe, you can recreate restaurant-quality Indian cuisine in your own kitchen. Rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect dish for family dinners, gatherings, or a cozy night in.