Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe (Ready in 45 Minutes)

Nothing beats the comfort of easy homemade butter chicken. Juicy chicken simmered in a creamy tomato sauce with just the right amount of spice makes it a weeknight winner. With minimal prep and simple pantry spices, this dish feels like takeout but comes together in under an hour. Serve it with warm naan or fluffy rice, and you’ll have a meal that’s rich, satisfying, and perfect for the whole family.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is a classic favorite for good reason. The sauce is creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced with warm spices and tangy tomato. Unlike restaurant versions that can take hours, this recipe is designed for speed without losing flavor. You only need 15 minutes of marinating time, but the chicken still soaks up a delicious blend of garlic, paprika, curry powder, and yogurt.

It’s also a flexible dish. You can adjust the spice level with a pinch of cayenne or keep it mild for kids. The yogurt tenderizes the chicken, while heavy cream creates that dreamy, silky texture. Another reason to love this dish? It’s incredibly versatile. Pair it with steamed rice, naan bread, or even roasted veggies for a full dinner.

This version of Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting but don’t want to spend all evening in the kitchen. With just 45 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy the flavors of an Indian restaurant right at home. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep and leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the marinade, you’ll need skinless boneless chicken thighs, Greek yogurt, paprika, curry powder, garlic powder, and a touch of salt. This quick mix ensures the chicken stays juicy and flavorful. If you don’t have thighs, chicken breast or even turkey works well. For a vegetarian twist, try tofu.

The sauce base begins with butter, oil, garlic, and onion. Fresh garlic adds depth, but you can swap in jarred minced garlic or even garlic powder in a pinch. Onion is key for sweetness, though shallots or leeks make great substitutes.

Tomato sauce forms the body of the curry. You can use canned puree, fresh puree, or even diluted tomato paste if that’s what’s in your pantry. A little sugar balances the acidity, though honey, maple syrup, or stevia are good alternatives. Heavy cream gives the sauce its creamy orange finish, but coconut cream or cashew cream are excellent dairy-free options.

Finally, spices like garam masala, curry powder, black pepper, and optional cayenne add warmth and complexity. Don’t forget a final swirl of cold butter for that glossy, rich finish. For garnish, chopped parsley or cilantro adds freshness. Serve everything with fluffy rice and warm naan bread for dipping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix bite-sized chicken pieces with yogurt, paprika, garlic powder, curry powder, and salt. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. For deeper flavor, you can marinate up to 4 hours in the fridge. This quick step helps the chicken stay tender and soak up spices.

Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce Base For Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Lower the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon butter to the same pan and scrape up any browned bits for extra flavor. Stir in onion and garlic with a pinch of salt. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Build the Sauce

Pour in tomato sauce and sugar. Stir and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. This step helps balance the tanginess of the tomato.

Blend in the Cream and Spices

Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour in heavy cream and stir until the sauce turns a creamy orange color. Add garam masala, curry powder, black pepper, and cayenne if you like more heat. Let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes.

Finish with Butter

Turn off the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter until melted. This last step gives the sauce its silky, luxurious texture.

Serve and Enjoy The Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Spoon the Butter Chicken Easy Homemade style over steamed rice and add naan bread on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken

Marinate the chicken longer when you can. Even 2 to 4 hours in the fridge intensifies the flavor and makes the chicken extra tender. Also, try toasting the spices in oil before adding liquids. This small step releases their aroma and gives the sauce more depth.

When cooking chicken, always check that it reaches at least 165°F for safety. Resting it for a couple of minutes before adding to the sauce also helps lock in juices.

Finishing the sauce with cold butter is a restaurant trick that makes it velvety. If you’re cooking on a gas stove, keep your kitchen well ventilated since butter and cream can smoke. For reheating, use low heat to avoid curdling the cream, and add a splash of water or cream if the sauce thickens.

With these tips, your butter chicken will taste restaurant-quality every time, yet remain approachable enough for a weeknight meal.

Ingredient Substitutions For Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

This recipe is forgiving and easy to adjust. If you don’t have chicken thighs, use chicken breast or even turkey. For a vegetarian option, firm tofu holds up well in the sauce.

Greek yogurt in the marinade helps tenderize the chicken, but plain yogurt, sour cream, or even coconut yogurt work fine. Butter can be swapped with ghee for a traditional flavor, olive oil for a lighter option, or plant-based butter for dairy-free needs.

No fresh onion? Try shallots, leeks, or even a teaspoon of onion powder. Tomato sauce can be replaced with fresh puree or diluted tomato paste. Sweetness can come from sugar, honey, or maple syrup, depending on your taste.

For the cream, heavy cream makes the richest sauce, but coconut cream, half-and-half, or cashew cream create a delicious alternative. With these substitutions, you can easily adapt the recipe to fit your pantry or dietary needs.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen as it rests, making it even tastier the next day. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

To reheat, thaw frozen portions in the fridge overnight. Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of cream or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid reheating on high heat, as dairy-based sauces can separate.

This dish keeps its creamy, comforting texture well when stored properly. With careful reheating, it will taste just as delicious as when freshly made.

Conclusion

Making easy homemade butter chicken at home is simpler than you think. With just a few pantry spices, yogurt, and cream, you can create a rich, flavorful meal in under an hour. It’s family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and flexible with substitutions.

Try this recipe the next time you’re craving something cozy but don’t want to order takeout. Serve it with naan and rice for the full experience, and don’t forget to share your own twists or tips in the comments. For more recipe inspiration, check out the recent recipes or try a lighter dish like this Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad. You can also find plenty of cooking ideas and serving tips on my Pinterest page.