I remember the first time I tried to make Indian food at home. I was staring at a recipe with a list of ingredients a mile long, feeling completely overwhelmed. I thought those rich, complex flavors were reserved for restaurant chefs and hours of simmering.
For years, I just ordered takeout. But then, one busy Tuesday night, I had a craving I couldn’t ignore. I was determined to crack the code.
That’s when I developed this game-changing Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe. It delivers all the creamy, tomato-y goodness you love, but in a fraction of the time and with ingredients you can actually find. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a weeknight victory.
It proved to me that creating a spectacular, authentic-tasting dish doesn’t have to be complicated. Now, this easy homemade butter chicken is my go-to for impressing guests or just treating myself, and I’m so excited to share it with you.
Why You’ll Love This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
There are so many reasons this specific quick butter chicken recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s truly one of the most rewarding meals you can make with minimal effort. Here’s why this is the best homemade butter chicken you’ll ever try:
- Unbelievably Fast: Forget simmering for hours. You can have this entire meal on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for those hectic weeknights when you crave comfort food without the fuss. This is truly a quick and easy butter chicken experience.
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor: We don’t skimp on flavor here. The sauce is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced with a blend of aromatic spices. Your family will think you ordered from your favorite Indian restaurant.
- Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You won’t need to visit a specialty store for this recipe. It uses common pantry staples like canned tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and simple spices. Making this easy butter chicken is incredibly straightforward.
- One-Pan Wonder: We build the entire dish in a single skillet, from searing the chicken to simmering the sauce. This means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your delicious Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this simple butter chicken recipe, we use straightforward ingredients to build a deep, complex flavor profile quickly. Here’s exactly what you’ll need.
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs (about 680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Creamy Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Substitutions & Variations
One of the best things about this easy homemade butter chicken is how adaptable it is. You can easily tweak it to fit your dietary needs or what you have on hand. It’s a truly versatile recipe.
- Make it Dairy-Free: To create a dairy-free version of this quick butter chicken, substitute the plain yogurt in the marinade with a dairy-free plain yogurt (like almond or coconut). For the sauce, replace the heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut cream for a similarly rich and luscious texture. Use a dairy-free butter alternative or more oil.
- Chicken Choices: While chicken thighs provide the most flavor and moisture, you can absolutely use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily than thighs.
- Adjust the Spice Level: This homemade butter chicken is designed to be mild and family-friendly. If you love heat, feel free to increase the cayenne pepper to a full teaspoon or add a finely chopped chili pepper along with the onions. Conversely, you can omit the cayenne entirely for a completely mild dish.
- Go Nut-Free: Many traditional butter chicken recipes use a paste of cashews to thicken the sauce. My Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe is naturally nut-free, making it a safe and delicious option for those with nut allergies.
- Add Some Veggies: Want to boost the nutritional value? Add a cup of frozen peas or a handful of fresh spinach to the sauce during the last few minutes of simmering.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the most incredible Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken you’ve ever had. It’s a straightforward process that yields spectacular results.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: chicken pieces, yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, and salt. Stir everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature. If you have more time, you can cover it and refrigerate for up to 4 hours for even more flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. You may need to do this in two batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Start the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once it melts, add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the flavor foundation for our delicious butter chicken sauce.
- Bloom the Spices: Add the ground coriander, sweet paprika, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until the spices are fragrant. This process, known as “blooming,” deepens their flavor.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the sugar and a pinch of salt. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Finish and Combine: Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and vibrant orange. Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken in the glorious sauce. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes for the chicken to heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed. Your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is now ready!
- Serve: Garnish your beautiful homemade butter chicken generously with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is absolutely perfect every single time, keep these simple tips in mind. These little details make a huge difference!
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, make sure it’s in a single layer with space between the pieces. Overcrowding the pan will steam the chicken instead of browning it, and you’ll miss out on that delicious caramelized flavor that adds so much depth to the final dish.
- Use Full-Fat Ingredients: For the creamiest, richest sauce, use full-fat plain yogurt and heavy cream. Low-fat versions can sometimes curdle when heated and won’t provide the same luxurious mouthfeel that makes this creamy butter chicken so special.
- Toast Your Spices: The step where you cook the ground spices in the butter and onion mixture for 30 seconds is crucial. It awakens their essential oils and unlocks a much deeper, more aromatic flavor than just stirring them into the liquid.
- Marination is Key: Even 15 minutes of marinating makes a huge difference in tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with flavor. The yogurt and lemon juice work together to create incredibly tender results for this easy butter chicken recipe.
Storage & Reheating Tips
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is fantastic for meal prep, as the flavors continue to develop and become even more delicious overnight. Proper storage is key.
- Storage: Allow the butter chicken to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: You can reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot. For the best results, however, reheat it gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat. You may need to add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce as it reheats. This method helps preserve the texture of this wonderful homemade butter chicken.
What to Serve With This Recipe
A fantastic main course like this quick butter chicken deserves the perfect companions to make it a complete meal. Here are my favorite pairings:
- Basmati Rice: Fluffy, long-grain basmati rice is the classic choice. Its subtle aroma and texture are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy sauce.
- Naan Bread: Whether it’s plain, garlic, or buttered naan, you need something to scoop up this deliciousness. Warm, soft naan is non-negotiable in my house when we have this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken.
- Cucumber Raita: A simple, cooling yogurt and cucumber dip (raita) provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the butter chicken. It’s a perfect balancing act of flavors.
- Steamed Greens: Simple steamed broccoli or green beans add a fresh, vibrant element to the plate and round out the meal beautifully.
FAQs
Is this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken supposed to be spicy?
Traditionally, butter chicken (or Murgh Makhani) is known for being rich and flavorful rather than fiery hot. My recipe for easy butter chicken is quite mild, with just a hint of warmth from the cayenne pepper, making it very family-friendly. The primary flavors are creamy tomato, warm spices like garam masala, and a touch of sweetness.
However, you can easily customize the heat by adding more cayenne pepper or a fresh chili. This quick butter chicken recipe is all about making it perfect for you.
Can I make this butter chicken recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this homemade butter chicken recipe for a slow cooker, which is great for a hands-off meal. First, complete the marinade step. Then, instead of searing, you can place the marinated chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger as directed, bloom the spices, and add the tomatoes. Pour this sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours.
Stir in the heavy cream during the last 15 minutes of cooking. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still be a delicious butter chicken.
Why is my butter chicken sauce not smooth and creamy?
There are a couple of reasons your sauce might not be as smooth as you’d like. First, make sure you are using crushed tomatoes or tomato puree. Diced tomatoes can leave the sauce lumpy.
For an ultra-smooth, restaurant-style sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blitz the tomato and onion mixture before adding the cream and chicken. Another tip for the creamiest Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is to ensure you add the heavy cream over low heat and stir it in gently to prevent it from separating.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
The following is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 33g |
| Carbohydrates | 11g |
| Sugar | 6g |
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is a delicious and creamy dish that can be made in under 30 minutes using simple ingredients. It’s packed with rich flavors and is a perfect weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs (about 680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Creamy Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: chicken, yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, and salt. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add chopped onion. Cook until softened. Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant
- Add coriander, sweet paprika, and cayenne pepper to the skillet, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens
- Stir in heavy cream until the sauce is smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt
- Garnish with cilantro and serve
Notes
For a dairy-free option, substitute yogurt with dairy-free yogurt and heavy cream with canned coconut cream.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 158mg