I’m so excited to share this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe with you! It’s one of those dishes that feels super special but comes together without any fuss—perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something rich, creamy, and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. I remember the first time I made this recipe; my family was so impressed they couldn’t believe it was homemade from scratch!

This recipe shines because it balances bold spices with a smooth, buttery sauce that’s just irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself after a long day, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe works like magic—quick to prep, easy to cook, and totally indulgent to eat. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a fast favorite in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe comes from using simple, accessible ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Don’t stress about sourcing anything fancy—you probably have most of these spices on hand already!

Chicken thighs: I love using boneless, skinless thighs because they stay juicy and tender throughout cooking.
Greek yogurt: This helps tenderize the chicken and adds a subtle tang to the marinade.
Vegetable oil & butter: The combo adds richness and depth—don’t skip the butter, it’s key to that authentic, luscious sauce.
Garlic & onion: These build a flavorful foundation—fresh is best but pre-minced works in a pinch.
Tomato sauce: This creates the base of the sauce. I prefer plain tomato sauce over paste for a smoother consistency.
Heavy cream: For that famously creamy texture that makes Butter Chicken so comforting.
Spices (garam masala, curry powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, pepper, sugar): The heart of the dish! I like to toast my spices lightly in the pan first for extra aroma.
Fresh parsley: Optional, but fresh herbs add a nice bright touch to finish.
Naan bread & steamed rice: Essential for soaking up every bit of that sauce.

Variations

I find playing around with this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe really fun and a great way to suit your taste or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to tweak the heat level or swap some ingredients to make it your own!

Spice it up: I sometimes add extra cayenne or fresh chopped chili for a spicy kick—just be ready with a cooling yogurt side!
Dairy-free version: You can swap heavy cream for coconut milk and use oil instead of butter, and it still comes out delicious.
Chicken breasts: If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out.
Slow cooker style: For busy days, marinate and then let it cook low and slow—super hands-off with great flavor development.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Tender Flavor

Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix everything well so each piece is coated. I like to let this sit for at least 30 minutes if I have time, but even 10 minutes helps the flavors sink in and really tenderizes the chicken.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Build the Sauce

Heat your vegetable oil and half the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion; cook until they’re soft and golden—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The aroma at this stage tells you the dish is going to be amazing! Stir often so nothing burns, and don’t rush this step.

Step 3: Simmer Tomato Sauce with Spices

Pour in your tomato sauce, then sprinkle the sugar, salt, black pepper, garam masala, curry powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Let this mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally to keep it smooth and prevent sticking.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken in the Sauce

Get your marinated chicken into the sauce and stir well to coat every bite. Cover and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring halfway through. The chicken should be tender and cooked through—if the sauce thickens too much, a splash of water or cream will help loosen it.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Butter

Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream and the remaining butter until everything’s silky and smooth. Taste and adjust salt or spices to your liking. This step is where the sauce gets its luxurious, velvety texture that makes Butter Chicken so comforting.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I usually garnish my Butter Chicken with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro—it adds a fresh burst of color and flavor that balances the richness. A squeeze of lemon juice at the table also brightens the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

Steamed basmati rice is my go-to side, soaking up every drop of that sauce. Naan bread, warmed and brushed with garlic butter, is another classic accompaniment that makes the meal feel even more indulgent and authentic.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this butter chicken in mini cast iron skillets with a sprinkle of toasted nuts (like cashews) on top. It not only looks impressive but adds a wonderful texture contrast. Pair it with a colorful side salad for a feast that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers can taste even better. Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep it safe and fresh.

Freezing

Freezing works great for this recipe! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and it’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When I do this, I usually leave out the cream and butter, adding them fresh when reheating for better texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the Butter Chicken gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of water or cream to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving if possible, as slower reheating really helps preserve that smooth texture.

FAQs

Can I make this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe with chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but I recommend cutting them into slightly larger pieces and being careful not to overcook, as breast meat tends to dry out faster than thighs. Marinating well helps keep them juicy.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the heavy cream and butter?

Yes! You can substitute coconut milk or cashew cream for the heavy cream to keep it creamy yet dairy-free. For butter, use a neutral oil or vegan butter alternative. The flavors will shift slightly but still delicious.
How long can I store leftovers of this Butter Chicken?

Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container and eaten within 3 days. For longer storage, freezing is a great option and keeps it safe for up to 3 months.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead and refrigerate them separately. Bring to room temperature and gently reheat with added cream and butter for fresh creaminess just before serving. It makes entertaining a breeze!
What is the best way to serve this Butter Chicken?

Serve it hot with steamed basmati rice and warm naan bread. A fresh garnish of chopped parsley or cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice really elevates the flavors. It’s comfort food that also looks inviting on the plate.

Final Thoughts

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is honestly one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something that feels indulgent without taking forever to make. It’s a crowd-pleaser, easy to customize, and full of comforting, rich flavors that everyone loves. If you give it a try, I bet you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again—like the little culinary hug it is. So, grab your spices and let’s get cooking!