Here is a quick and simple butter chicken you can make tonight.
Introduction
This quick and easy homemade butter chicken is creamy, mild, and good for weeknights. It uses simple spices and a short marinate time. For other easy dinner ideas, try the bang bang salmon recipe which also cooks fast and tastes great.
Why make this recipe
- It is fast and simple.
- Uses common ingredients.
- Rich, creamy sauce that kids and adults like.
- You can serve it with rice or naan and have a full meal.
How to make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Follow the marinate, cook, and combine steps. Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes. Cook the sauce in one pan and brown the chicken in another. Add the chicken to the sauce, stir in butter, and simmer a few minutes to finish.
Ingredients :
- 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Naan bread
- Steamed rice
Directions :
- In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
- Add tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and curry powder. Simmer for a few minutes.
- In another pan, cook the marinated chicken until browned and cooked through.
- Add the cooked chicken to the sauce. Stir in the remaining butter. Simmer for a few more minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.
How to serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Serve hot over steamed rice or with warm naan. Add a small salad or steamed vegetables on the side. Spoon extra sauce over rice for best flavor.
How to store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Cool to room temperature before storing.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freeze up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat gently on low heat so the cream does not separate. Add a splash of cream or water if sauce is too thick.
Tips to make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Cut chicken into even pieces so it cooks the same.
- Do not overcook the chicken; remove when just done and finish in the sauce.
- Use full-fat cream for best texture.
- Taste and adjust salt and sugar before serving.
- For crispier chicken, cook in a hot pan in batches.
- If you cook frozen foods often, see the air fryer chicken wings guide for quick-thaw tips you can apply to proteins.
Variation
- Make it spicier: add more cayenne or chopped green chilies.
- Lighter version: use half-and-half or coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
- Add vegetables: peas or bell peppers stir in at the end for color and texture.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes. Chicken breast works but cook carefully to avoid drying it out.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Make the sauce and chicken separately, then combine and reheat before serving.
Q: How to make it less spicy?
A: Omit the cayenne and reduce garam masala slightly. Add a bit more cream to mellow heat.
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?
A: Yes. Use blended canned or fresh tomatoes and simmer a little longer to get a smooth sauce.
Conclusion
This recipe is a simple way to enjoy creamy butter chicken at home. For another quick butter chicken version that cooks very fast, see this Gimme Delicious 20-minute butter chicken which gives more shortcuts and timing tips. If you want a different take with detailed steps and photos, check the RecipeTin Eats butter chicken guide for extra technique ideas.
Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 0.5 teaspoon curry powder
- 0.25 cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
To Serve
- to taste Naan bread Warm
- to taste Steamed rice
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
Cook the Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
- Add tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and curry powder. Simmer for a few minutes.
Cook the Chicken
- In another pan, cook the marinated chicken until browned and cooked through.
- Add the cooked chicken to the sauce. Stir in the remaining butter. Simmer for a few more minutes.
Serve
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.