Name: Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
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

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I’m so excited to share my homemade take on this classic dish, a Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe that always feels like a warm hug on a plate. The creamy tomato sauce combined with tender, spiced chicken makes it my go-to for everything from family dinners to impressing guests. I’ve perfected this recipe so the flavors are rich and balanced, and the dish comes together without fuss, making it as accessible as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

I adore how this Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe bursts with a perfect harmony of flavors. The subtle heat from the spices paired with the creamy tomato sauce creates a rich, comforting taste that never fails to delight my taste buds. I especially love the gentle sweetness balanced with just the right amount of spice, making every bite flavorful without overwhelming the palate.

What really makes this recipe stand out for me is how straightforward it is to prepare. Even though the dish seems fancy, it only takes about 45 minutes from start to finish, which is a total win for busy weeknights or a stress-free weekend meal. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that fits any occasion—whether it’s a cozy night in, a festive gathering, or just a special treat to brighten up the everyday.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A blue pot filled with thick orange sauce that covers many chunks of food, likely pieces of meat or vegetables. The sauce has a creamy texture with visible herbs and small black pepper flakes sprinkled on top. The inner side of the pot is white, contrasting with the vibrant orange sauce. The pot sits on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a key role in building the depth of flavor, creamy texture, and vibrant color that make this dish unforgettable. I love how pantry staples like garlic and spices come alive with fresh additions like onions and cream.

Skinless boneless chicken thighs: I choose thighs for their tenderness and juiciness, perfect for absorbing all the flavors.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the best in every ingredient.
Garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic base to the marinade.
Sweet paprika: This gives a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful red color.
Curry powder: Provides a classic depth and a hint of earthiness.
Greek yogurt: Tenderizes the chicken while adding mild tanginess.
Vegetable oil: For cooking the chicken evenly without overpowering flavors.
Butter: The star of the sauce, giving this dish its signature creaminess and richness.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh for fragrant aromatics in the sauce.
Onion: Adds sweetness and body once cooked down.
Tomato sauce: The rich base that provides acidity and balances the cream.
Sugar: Just a pinch to round out acidity and enhance flavor.
Black pepper: Freshly ground for subtle warmth.
Heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce decadently smooth and luscious.
Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a touch of heat.
Garam masala: A fragrant spice blend that brings authentic flavor notes.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness as garnish.
Naan bread and steamed rice: My favorite accompaniments to soak up every bit of that amazing sauce.

Directions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix everything thoroughly so the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients to deepen the flavors.

Step 2: Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove from the skillet but keep the oil in the pan for the sauce base.

Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Use this opportunity to deglaze the pan by scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom—this adds incredible flavor. If needed, add a little splash of water to loosen them.

Step 4: To the skillet, add the minced garlic and diced onion along with a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onions become soft, translucent, and fragrant. This step builds a fantastic aromatic foundation for the sauce.

Step 5: Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar, then let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes. This gives the tomato sauce time to cook down and intensify.

Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir well to coat it in the sauce. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce turns that signature warm orange hue that looks as good as it tastes.

Step 7: Season the sauce with cayenne pepper if you want some heat, then add garam masala, an additional touch of curry powder, and black pepper. Let the entire dish simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes so the flavors can meld beautifully. Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed.

Step 8: To finish, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter. This melts slowly into the sauce, creating a silky, luxurious texture that makes every bite addictive. If you like, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh burst of color and flavor.

Step 9: Serve your Homemade Butter Chicken piping hot alongside warm naan bread and fluffy steamed rice. This is comfort food at its finest, ready to be enjoyed!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 4 generous servings, perfect for a family meal or sharing with friends. The preparation takes roughly 15 minutes, mainly for marinating and chopping, while cooking clocks in at about 30 minutes. Altogether, from start to finish, you’re looking at 45 minutes. There’s no resting time needed, so you can jump straight into the deliciousness once it’s ready.

How to Serve This Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

A close-up of a pan with bright red tomato sauce filling the bottom and sides, showing a smooth and slightly thick texture. On top of the sauce, there are many small browned pieces of cooked chicken with herbs visible on them, giving a slightly shiny and seasoned look. A wooden spatula is resting on the right side of the pan, partially mixing the chicken into the sauce. The pan has a white marbled texture below it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe with a side of warm naan bread, which is perfect for scooping up that luscious sauce. Steamed basmati rice is another favorite because its subtle fragrance complements the rich, creamy flavors without overpowering them. If I’m feeling fresh, a simple cucumber and tomato salad on the side brings a cool, crisp contrast that balances the meal beautifully.

Presentation-wise, I usually ladle the butter chicken into a shallow bowl and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro. It adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness that’s hard to resist. For special occasions, I sometimes add a few toasted cashews or sliced almonds on top, which lend a delightful crunch and an elegant touch.

When it comes to beverages, I’ve found that chilled lassi—a traditional yogurt drink—or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with the spices and creaminess. For a cozy night, a spiced chai or a mild lager also complements the meal well. This dish shines served hot or warm, ideally straight from the stove to maximize those comforting aromas and flavors.

Variations

One of the best things about this Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to customize. If you prefer chicken breasts over thighs, that works perfectly fine; just be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out faster. For a lighter version, I sometimes swap heavy cream with coconut milk which adds a subtle tropical note and makes the dish dairy-free.

For my vegan friends, there’s an easy swap: replace chicken with tofu or cauliflower florets and use vegan butter and coconut cream to capture that same creamy indulgence. You’d be amazed at how well this works and retains the essence of butter chicken without animal products.

If you want to experiment with spice levels or flavors, adding smoked paprika or a dash more garam masala can elevate the dish’s warmth and depth. For a quicker method, cooking the chicken straight in the sauce without pan-frying first saves time and keeps things simpler, though I personally love the caramelized texture that pan-frying gives.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer leftovers into airtight containers to keep them fresh. Stored properly in the refrigerator, this butter chicken keeps well for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it down before sealing the container to maintain the best flavor and avoid condensation inside.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! I portion the butter chicken into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. It stays delicious for up to 3 months when frozen. To thaw, I recommend moving it to the fridge overnight rather than microwaving frozen to preserve the texture of the chicken and sauce.

Reheating

When reheating, gently warm the butter chicken over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of cream or water helps to loosen the sauce if it thickened too much in storage. Avoid high heat or microwaving directly from frozen, as this can dry out the chicken and cause the sauce to separate. Taking a little extra care here really brings the dish back to life.

FAQs

Can I make this Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors develop even more when the dish rests a few hours or overnight in the fridge. It’s a great make-ahead meal for busy evenings or entertaining guests.

What’s the best way to prevent the chicken from drying out?

Using chicken thighs instead of breasts helps because they stay moist and tender. Marinating in yogurt also tenderizes the meat, and cooking on medium heat with regular stirring ensures juicy chicken every time.

Can I adjust the spiciness in this recipe?

Definitely. The cayenne pepper is optional, so you can omit it if you want milder flavors. You can also increase the amount if you like things hotter. I recommend starting small and adjusting to your heat tolerance.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free tomato sauce and check that your spices contain no additives. Everything else in this Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free.

What can I serve instead of naan or rice?

Cauliflower rice, warm tortillas, or even crusty bread are fantastic alternatives for soaking up that rich sauce. The meal remains hearty and satisfying no matter which you choose.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes that brings joy to the table with every bite. Its creamy, spiced sauce and tender chicken always make me feel like I’m sharing something special. Whether for an everyday dinner or a festive occasion, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen just like it is in mine.