Name: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Ingredients: For the Chicken Marinade:; Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; Plain yogurt; Lemon juice; Garlic, minced; Ginger, grated; Garam masala; Turmeric; Paprika; Chili powder; Salt and black pepper; For the Sauce:; Butter; Onion, finely chopped; Tomato paste or tomato purée; Heavy cream; Garam masala (extra for seasoning); Salt, to taste; Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is my go-to dish when I want something rich, creamy, and packed with flavor but don’t have hours to cook. This simplified version of the classic Indian favorite brings together tender chicken in a velvety tomato-based sauce, finished with cream and warm spices. It’s cozy, comforting, and comes together in just 30 minutes.

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how this butter chicken recipe gives me all the flavor and comfort of restaurant-style butter chicken without the long ingredient list or complicated steps. The chicken stays juicy and flavorful, and the sauce is creamy, mildly spiced, and perfect over fluffy rice or with warm naan. It’s one of those meals I can throw together quickly that still feels a little indulgent.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Plain yogurt
Lemon juice
Garlic, minced
Ginger, grated
Garam masala
Turmeric
Paprika
Chili powder
Salt and pepper
Butter
Onion, finely chopped
Tomato paste or tomato purée
Heavy cream
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I start by mixing yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and spices in a bowl, then add the chicken and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes—longer if I have the time.
I melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken until it’s browned and cooked through. I remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same pan, I sauté chopped onions in more butter until soft. I add tomato paste and cook it for a couple of minutes to deepen the flavor.
I pour in the cream, add a bit more garam masala and salt, and stir until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
I return the cooked chicken to the pan and simmer everything together for a few minutes so the flavors combine.
I finish by garnishing with chopped cilantro and serve it hot over rice or with naan.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

I sometimes use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version with a slightly different but still rich flavor.
For extra heat, I add cayenne pepper or fresh chopped chili to the sauce.
I switch the protein to shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas when I want something different.
A spoonful of ground cashews or almonds blended into the sauce adds a nice nutty richness.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
This dish also freezes well—I let it cool completely, freeze it in portions, and reheat when I need a quick meal.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, I often use chicken thighs—they stay juicy and flavorful and work perfectly in this dish.

Do I have to marinate the chicken?

Marinating adds more flavor and tenderness, but if I’m short on time, I skip it and cook the chicken right away. It still turns out delicious.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. The flavors get even better after sitting for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.

What should I serve with butter chicken?

I usually serve it with steamed basmati rice or warm naan to soak up all the creamy sauce.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Letting the sauce simmer uncovered will naturally thicken it. If I want it thicker, I stir in a small spoon of tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry.

Conclusion

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe brings bold flavors and creamy comfort to the table without a lot of fuss. It’s rich, satisfying, and a total crowd-pleaser—perfect for any night of the week. Once I made it from scratch, I knew I’d never go back to store-bought sauce again.