Craving rich, creamy, and flavorful Indian butter chicken without hours of prep? This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe brings restaurant-quality taste to your kitchen in under 30 minutes.
With tender chicken, a luscious tomato-based sauce, and warm spices, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests.
Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken Recipe
- Quick and easy – ready in under 30 minutes
- Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions
- Pairs perfectly with rice, naan, or roti
- Kid-friendly and customizable
This homemade butter chicken is comforting, flavorful, and much easier than traditional recipes, making it a go-to Indian dish at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Optional: serve with steamed basmati rice, naan, or roti
How to Make Quick & Easy Butter Chicken
Step 1: Season & Cook Chicken
- In a bowl, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and garam masala.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon butter or ghee.
- Sear chicken until lightly browned and almost cooked through (about 4–5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter and sauté onions until soft and translucent.
- Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato puree, chili powder, garam masala, turmeric, and sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Combine & Simmer
- Return chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
- Pour in cream, reduce heat, and simmer for 5–7 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is creamy.
- Adjust salt and spice to taste.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve hot with basmati rice, naan, or roti.
Tips for the Best Homemade Butter Chicken
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more tender results.
- Simmer the sauce gently; avoid boiling after adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Adjust spices to your preference—add more chili for heat.
- For extra richness, add a tablespoon of butter at the end.
Easy Variations
1. Keto Butter Chicken
Skip sugar and use heavy cream; serve with cauliflower rice.
2. Coconut Butter Chicken
Use coconut cream for a dairy-free, slightly tropical twist.
3. Oven-Baked Butter Chicken
Bake seasoned chicken at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, then combine with the sauce.
4. Quick Weeknight Version
Use store-bought tikka masala sauce instead of making the sauce from scratch for faster prep.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
- Sauce can be made ahead and chicken added just before serving for maximum freshness.