Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

The pan hisses as the chicken hits the hot oil. Garlic and butter fill the kitchen with a warm, savory perfume that pulls my kids to the stove. My apartment smells like the kind of Sunday you chase through the week: cozy, full, and worth the little rush it takes to make it happen.

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that does more than feed us. It brings us together after a day of school runs, subway commutes, and homework spreads across the table. The sauce is creamy and bright. The color is a soft orange that glows under the kitchen light. Meanwhile, the sound of spoons against bowls becomes the soundtrack of an ordinary evening that suddenly feels special.

I like to keep a jar of plain yogurt in the fridge and naan in the freezer. Once it’s ready, we sit and tear warm bread, laughing over the small things. If you ever want to pair this with another comforting dinner on a colder night, try my creamy one-pot chicken sausage and rice for a different kind of comfort: creamy one-pot chicken sausage and rice.

Why Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe Works for Busy Families

This recipe is practical and soulful. It uses simple pantry staples and turns them into something that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen. It fits the rhythm of my family life in New York City because it is forgiving. Life in a small apartment means meals that are efficient, but I still want them to taste like love.

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe also teaches a small lesson to my children. It’s a gentle nudge that good food does not need to be complicated. We chop together. One kid measures the spices while the other stirs. The meal becomes a shared memory, and sometimes that is the most important part.

This dish strikes a balance between speed and warmth. You can have dinner on the table in about 30 to 40 minutes. From marinating to simmering, most of the time is comfortable waiting while the sauce thickens and the aroma fills the apartment. It works well for weeknight dinners, for feeding a small crowd, or for making ahead when I know mornings will be too busy to cook. For nights when I want to lean on a different kind of comfort, I also love serving other simple dishes, like my easy chicken noodle soup when someone needs a calm bowl: easy chicken noodle soup.

Bringing Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe to Life

“Every time I stir this pot, it smells just like Sunday at home.”

There is a moment when the tomato sauce and cream meet that smells like an embrace. The sauce goes from sharp to velvety. The color deepens from bright red to rich orange. Meanwhile, the chicken picks up a little golden edge in the pan and sighs into the sauce like it has found its place.

Before I give you the list of ingredients, picture this: a heavy skillet warming on the stove, butter foaming at the edges, garlic releasing that warm, toasty note. You taste a spoonful and it nudges you toward the table. Kids come running. The neighbor calls to say hello, and you say yes, there is enough for one more.

If you are curious about similar quick and satisfying dinners, I recommend trying these air fryer skewers for a party night: air fryer bang bang chicken skewers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

List each ingredient, one per line as promised.

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

Personal side note: Use fresh parsley if you can; it gives the dish that garden brightness. If you are short on time, the Greek yogurt and garlic powder make a fast marinade that still gives good flavor. I sometimes swap heavy cream for plain whole-milk yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter finish, but it will change the texture slightly. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream, and add it at the end in the same way you would the heavy cream.

Step-by-Step Directions

Make sure your tools are ready. You will need a heavy skillet or sauté pan, a mixing bowl, measuring spoons, a wooden spoon, a whisk, and an airtight container for leftovers. The total active time is about 25 minutes and total time about 35 to 40 minutes. This recipe serves about 4 people.

1. Marinate the Chicken.
   Combine the chicken with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, ½ teaspoon curry powder, and 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt in a bowl. Toss until the pieces are evenly coated. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes. If you have more time, marinate for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
2. Cook the Chicken.
   Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Watch for golden edges and little caramelized spots. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce Base.
   Reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons butter to the same pan. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir frequently and scrape up the browned bits. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant.
4. Build the Sauce.
   Pour in the 15-ounce can of tomato sauce. Add 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Bring the mixture to a light simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly and the tomato tang softens.
5. Season and Simmer.
   Stir in 2 cups heavy cream, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper if using, 1 teaspoon garam masala, and ½ teaspoon curry powder. Whisk gently until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to coat. Simmer on low for 8 to 10 minutes so the flavors meld. Taste and adjust salt and heat as needed.
6. Finish with Butter.
   Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter at the end for a glossy finish. Sprinkle ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley if you like. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth. If it is too thin, simmer a few minutes more until it coats the back of a spoon.
7. Serve and Enjoy.
   Spoon the butter chicken over steamed rice or alongside warm naan. Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon if you like a bright note. Watch for the steam rising and the little conversations that begin as people dig in.

Natural tips: stir until creamy and watch for golden edges while cooking the chicken. Use a cast iron or heavy-bottom skillet for steady heat and better browning. Meanwhile, keep a light sprinkle of salt near the stove; tasting as you go saves a redo.

How We Serve This Dish at Home

We pile the rice into a shallow serving bowl and ladle the butter chicken so the sauce puddles around the grains. The naan comes straight from the oven, warm and soft. Someone always reaches first for the bread.

I like to set a small jar of pickled red onions or cucumber salad on the side for a bright contrast. When my kids were smaller, they loved to tear the naan and dip. Now they argue over who gets the corner piece. The steam rises in little clouds. The butter melts into the rice and the kitchen fills with a comforting, citrusy, garlicky warmth.

Serving suggestion: add roasted cauliflower or a green salad. For a fun family night, let everyone build their own plate. For a simpler evening, we eat with wooden spoons and plastic plates so less cleanup means more time to sit together.

If you want another comfy meal idea to rotate in on a busy week, I sometimes reimagine left-over chicken into a pot pie style casserole: easy homemade chicken pot pie casserole.

Storing and Reheating Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Leftovers are one of the best parts of this recipe. The sauce softens and deepens overnight. The spices settle and taste even richer the next day. Store the butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze in single-served portions. Use freezer-safe containers and leave a small space at the top. It will keep for 2 to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat on the stove, place the butter chicken in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream. Stir until warm and glossy. Avoid boiling, which can separate the sauce. In the microwave, heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each burst until evenly warm. If reheating frozen portions, let them thaw in the fridge first.

If you want to turn leftovers into a new meal, try them with rice in a bake or as a filling for wraps with crisp lettuce. The sauce also works well stretched across baked potatoes for a quick lunch. Meanwhile, those extra portions can save you an hour on the busiest nights and feel like a little treat.

Quick Tips from My Kitchen

1. Use thighs for juiciness. Thighs stay tender and forgiving. They soak up the sauce and do not dry out as quickly as breasts.
2. Brown the chicken well. A good sear gives you flavor. Don’t crowd the pan or the pieces will steam instead of caramelize.
3. Add cream at low heat. It will keep the sauce silky. Bring it to a gentle simmer and not a boil.
4. Taste as you go. Adjust salt and sugar to balance the tomato. A small spoon of sugar softens the acidity.
5. Keep naan warm wrapped in a clean towel. It stays soft and inviting for the whole meal.

These are small, practical things I learned after many weeknights. They help the dish feel effortless and consistent.

Variations on Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

You can make a few simple changes and keep the comfort.

• Lighter Version. Swap heavy cream for plain yogurt or half-and-half. Add the yogurt slowly over low heat to avoid curdling.
• Spicy Kick. Add more cayenne or fresh chopped green chiles. A pinch of smoked paprika gives a warm, smoky edge.
• Vegetarian. Swap chicken for roasted cauliflower or paneer cubes. Sear until golden and then finish in the same sauce.
• Coconut Twist. Use coconut milk instead of cream for a South Asian-inspired touch. This gives a gentle sweetness and pairs beautifully with lime.
• Meal Prep. Double the batch and freeze portions for quick lunches. The sauce holds up well and the flavor improves with time.

These tweaks let you match the recipe to what you have on hand and what your family prefers. We often rotate the heat and the protein to keep things fresh.

Nutrition Notes and Kitchen Wisdom

This recipe is rich and filling. Heavy cream and butter add calories and a velvety texture. If you want to lighten it, use plain yogurt or lower-fat cream alternatives. Chicken thighs provide a good protein dose and store well as leftovers.

Estimated nutrition per serving (approximate): 550 to 700 calories, depending on cream and bread choices. Protein about 35 to 45 grams. Fat varies with cream, butter, and portion sizes. Pairing with steamed vegetables or a salad balances the meal.

Tools I recommend: a heavy skillet or sauté pan, a silicone spatula, a small whisk, and a set of measuring spoons. A cast iron pan helps with even browning. A good chef’s knife makes prep faster, and a simple digital timer keeps things on track.

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

---

• Author: Natali Rossi
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and speedy butter chicken recipe that’s perfect for busy families, using simple pantry staples to create a rich and creamy dish.

---

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let rest for at least 15 minutes.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Reduce heat, add remaining oil and 2 tablespoons butter to the pan. Add onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. Add heavy cream, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and curry powder. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Return the chicken to the pan and simmer on low for 8-10 minutes.
6. Finish by stirring in the remaining butter for a glossy finish and adding parsley if desired. Serve over rice or with naan.

Notes

For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for plain yogurt. Adjust spices according to preference for heat. Best served fresh but tastes even better as leftovers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Indian

FAQs About Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

A Final Thought

There is a soft power in meals that come together quickly and with heart. Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is one of those dinners that feels like an achievement. It lets you be efficient and generous at once. After a busy day, it gives you a table full of warmth and good conversation.

Cooking is a way to show love without drama. It’s the small rituals: stirring a pot, tasting for salt, passing the naan. Those moments stitch the day back together. Be kind to yourself when you try a new recipe. If the first time is messy, that is part of the story we will laugh at later.

I hope this recipe finds its way into your weeknights and your weekend dinners. It has a way of making ordinary evenings feel like a small holiday. Enjoy it with people you love and a little patience. Thank you for letting me share this with you.

Conclusion

If you want a quick version that can be ready in under 20 minutes, check out this shorter take on a classic for busy nights: Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken | Gimme Delicious. For a well-tested, classic approach with useful notes and variations, this recipe guide is a great companion: Butter Chicken – RecipeTin Eats.

Until the next recipe, thank you for cooking with care.