Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Introduction
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is the kind of dish that instantly makes you feel at home. Creamy, rich, gently spiced, and deeply comforting, this beloved classic has earned its place on dinner tables all over the world—and for good reason. Traditionally known as Murgh Makhani, butter chicken originated in India, where tender pieces of chicken are simmered in a luxurious tomato-based sauce enriched with butter and cream. The result is a dish that feels indulgent, warming, and incredibly satisfying.
What makes this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken so special is its accessibility. You don’t need hours of marinating, specialty equipment, or hard-to-find ingredients. This version is designed for real life—busy weeknights, last-minute dinner plans, and moments when you crave bold flavor without spending all evening in the kitchen. In just 45 minutes from start to finish, you can create a restaurant-quality butter chicken that tastes like it simmered all day.
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between authenticity and simplicity. Warm spices like garam masala and curry powder bring depth, tomato sauce provides gentle acidity, and heavy cream adds that signature silky texture. Finished with cold butter for shine and richness, this butter chicken is cozy, flavorful, and endlessly craveable.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is guaranteed to become a repeat favorite. Serve it with fluffy rice, warm naan, or even spoon it over roasted vegetables—the possibilities are endless.
Why You’ll Love This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
There are countless reasons why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation:
Fast and weeknight-friendly
From prep to plate in just 45 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into busy schedules without sacrificing flavor.
Simple ingredients
No complicated spice blends or hard-to-find items—everything can be found at a regular grocery store.
Rich, creamy, and comforting
This butter chicken delivers that signature velvety sauce with just the right balance of spice and sweetness.
Customizable heat level
Make it mild and family-friendly or add extra cayenne for a spicy kick.
Better than takeout
You control the ingredients, the richness, and the seasoning—no greasy aftertaste or mystery additives.
Perfect for leftovers
Butter chicken tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
What Is Butter Chicken?
Butter chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a classic North Indian dish known for its creamy tomato sauce and tender chicken pieces. It was originally created as a way to use leftover tandoori chicken by simmering it in a buttery tomato gravy. Over time, it became one of the most popular Indian dishes worldwide.
Unlike spicier curries, butter chicken is typically mild, slightly sweet, and rich, making it approachable for a wide range of palates. This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken keeps those traditional flavor elements but simplifies the method so anyone can make it at home.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Chicken & Marinade
Chicken thighs
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal because they stay juicy and tender during cooking. Chicken breasts can be used, but thighs provide richer flavor.
Greek yogurt
Adds moisture, tenderness, and a subtle tang while helping the spices cling to the chicken.
Salt
Essential for seasoning the chicken from the inside out.
Garlic powder
Provides savory depth without overpowering the dish.
Sweet paprika
Adds mild warmth and beautiful color.
Curry powder
A gentle introduction to warm spices that complements the garam masala used later.
For the Butter Chicken Sauce
Vegetable oil
Used to sear the chicken and build flavor in the pan.
Butter
The heart of butter chicken. Added in stages for richness and a glossy finish.
Garlic and onion
Form the aromatic base of the sauce.
Tomato sauce
Creates the classic tomato backbone without needing long simmer times.
Sugar
Balances acidity from the tomatoes.
Heavy cream
Adds luxurious creaminess and softens the spices.
Garam masala
A warming spice blend that defines the dish’s signature flavor.
Cayenne pepper (optional)
For adjustable heat.
Parsley (optional)
A fresh finishing touch, even though cilantro is more traditional.
Equipment You’ll Need
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Sharp knife
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Cutting board
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Large skillet or sauté pan
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Wooden spoon or spatula
That’s it—no blender, no oven, no special tools required.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken thighs with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Toss until every piece is evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes. Even this short marination time dramatically improves flavor and tenderness.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, leaving the flavorful oil behind.
3. Build the Sauce Base
Reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet and scrape up any browned bits. Add the minced garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt. Sauté until soft, translucent, and fragrant.
4. Add Tomato Sauce and Cream
Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to mellow the acidity. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce turns a rich orange color.
5. Season and Simmer
Add garam masala, curry powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Finish with Butter
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter until fully melted and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.
Tips for the Best Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
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Use chicken thighs for the juiciest texture
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Don’t skip the butter at the end—it adds shine and richness
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Control spice levels easily by adjusting cayenne
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For smoother sauce, blend before adding cream
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Full-fat cream gives the best texture
Serving Suggestions
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with:
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Steamed basmati rice
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Garlic naan or plain naan
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Jeera rice
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Roasted vegetables
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Cucumber yogurt salad
You can even spoon leftovers over pasta or use them as a filling for wraps.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water if needed.
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Say hello to your new favorite comfort food—Butter Chicken. This quick and easy homemade version delivers everything you love about the classic dish: tender chicken, warm spices, and a rich, velvety tomato-cream sauce finished with butter. It’s approachable, weeknight-friendly, and perfect for serving with fluffy rice or warm naan when you want something cozy, flavorful, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Marinade
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1½ lb skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon sweet paprika
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½ teaspoon curry powder
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1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
For the Butter Chicken Sauce
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3 tablespoons vegetable oil
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3 tablespoons butter, divided
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6 garlic cloves, minced
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1 medium onion, diced
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1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
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1 teaspoon sugar
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1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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2 cups heavy cream
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½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
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1 teaspoon garam masala
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½ teaspoon curry powder
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¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
To Serve
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Naan bread
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Steamed rice
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated. Set aside to marinate for 15 minutes.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fully cooked.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, leaving the oil in the pan.
Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet and scrape up any browned bits (add a splash of water if needed).
Add the garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt. Sauté until soft, translucent, and fragrant.
Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then return the chicken to the skillet.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and orange in color.
Add cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld. Adjust salt to taste.
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons cold butter until melted and glossy. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice. Enjoy!
Notes
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Chicken thighs = juicier results, but breasts work if preferred.
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Short on time? Even a quick 15-minute marinade adds great flavor.
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Extra richness: Use full-fat cream and don’t skip the butter at the end.
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Spice control: Skip cayenne for mild or add more for extra heat.
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Smooth sauce: Blend the sauce briefly before adding cream if you prefer a restaurant-style texture.
Nutrition (Approximate, Per Serving)
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Calories: 520 kcal
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Protein: 32 g
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Fat: 38 g
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Saturated Fat: 18 g
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Carbohydrates: 14 g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free butter.
Is this authentic butter chicken?
It’s a simplified, home-friendly version inspired by traditional flavors.
Can I make it spicier?
Absolutely—add more cayenne or a pinch of chili powder.
Does butter chicken get better overnight?
Yes! The flavors deepen beautifully after resting.
Final Thoughts
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken proves that incredible flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. With tender chicken, a rich tomato-cream sauce, and perfectly balanced spices, this dish delivers everything we love about butter chicken in a streamlined, approachable way.
It’s comforting without being heavy, flavorful without being overwhelming, and elegant enough for guests while still easy enough for a Tuesday night dinner. Once you try it, you’ll realize there’s no need to rely on takeout when you can create something even better at home.
