Prepare to fall in love with the creamy, deeply flavorful delight that is Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken! This Indian restaurant classic can now be part of your regular dinner rotation, right from your own kitchen. With tender chunks of chicken smothered in a velvety spiced tomato sauce, it’s comfort food that dazzles. The best part? It’s remarkably simple, absolutely crowd-pleasing, and ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe has a distinct role in building the perfect, well-balanced flavor profile. From aromatic spices to a splash of cream, every component matters, but nothing is complicated. Gather these pantry staples and you’re well on your way to a soul-satisfying meal!
- Vegetable oil: Ensures a high smoke point for browning the chicken and sautéing aromatics without burning.
- Chicken breast: Lean, quick to cook, and perfect for soaking up the rich sauce; thighs are also a delicious option.
- Salt: Enhances every layer, bringing forward all the savory flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and earthiness without overpowering.
- Onion: Finely chopped to melt into the sauce, creating a sweet and aromatic foundation.
- Garlic: Gives the sauce a punchy, classic warmth and aroma.
- Fresh grated ginger: Lends bright, fresh heat that’s unmistakably Indian.
- Garam masala: The heart of the spice blend, infusing complex, toasty flavor.
- Ground cumin: Earthy and warm, grounding the sauce’s spice notes.
- Paprika: Gives a gentle smokiness plus that gorgeous reddish hue.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Add if you crave a little extra kick!
- Ground turmeric: Contributes an inviting golden color and subtle flavor.
- Tomato paste: Boosts the sauce’s rich, tangy tomato depth.
- Tomato sauce: Forms the lush, silky backbone for the butter chicken’s gravy.
- Heavy cream: Brings unrivaled silkiness and tempers the spices perfectly.
- Butter: That signature richness and melt-in-your-mouth finish you crave in butter chicken.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional): Brightens everything as a fresh garnish.
How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the sizzling pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–6 minutes until golden and just cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate — this quick browning locks in flavor and keeps the chicken juicy while finishing the sauce.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Lower the heat to medium and add the finely chopped onion to the same skillet. Stir and cook for about 3–4 minutes, letting the onion soften and turn translucent. Next, toss in your minced garlic and fresh ginger. Cook for another minute, just until they’re fragrant — this duo forms the aromatic soul of every great Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Here comes the magic! Sprinkle in the garam masala, cumin, paprika, cayenne (if you like it hot), and turmeric. Stir these spices continuously for 30 seconds to one minute. Toasting the spices in oil is a small step that unleashes their full complexity and gives your sauce that telltale, mouthwatering aroma.
Step 4: Tomato Richness
Add the tomato paste to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, mixing well so it sizzles and sweetens up. Pour in the tomato sauce, stirring until everything is combined. Let this luscious mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes — the sauce thickens and the flavors meld into pure magic.
Step 5: Creamy Finish
Stir in the heavy cream and butter, and watch as the sauce turns beautifully creamy and irresistible. The cream tempers any sharpness in the tomatoes while the butter rounds out the flavors, turning this into true Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken. Return the chicken to the skillet and let everything gently cook together for another five minutes, so the meat can soak up all that luxurious sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, top with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro if you like. This last touch brings a pop of color and a fresh, herby aroma that makes the whole dish sing. Now, all that’s left is to dig in and enjoy.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Garnishes
For that restaurant-style finish, shower your butter chicken with a bit of chopped fresh cilantro. If you want to take it a step further, add an extra swirl of cream or a tiny sprinkle of garam masala right on top. These little extras add visual flair and a final flavor boost.
Side Dishes
Classic butter chicken is perfect with steamy basmati rice or warm, buttery naan to soak up every last drop of sauce. You can also serve it alongside fluffy quinoa, jeera rice, or homemade roti for variety. Throw in a fresh cucumber salad or some quick sautéed greens for a bit of crunch and contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want something different, try serving Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken in mini bowls as appetizer-sized portions for gatherings. Spoon it over roasted sweet potatoes or stuff it inside lettuce cups for a lighter twist. For kids, you can fill pita pockets or roll up the saucy chicken in soft wraps for easy handheld eats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your butter chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delectable!
Freezing
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool, then pack into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently rewarm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water or extra cream. Microwaving works in a pinch, but be sure to use a low setting so the chicken stays juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic swap for breast meat in Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken. They’re even juicier and won’t dry out, so use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to cream and butter?
Yes! To make the dish dairy free, simply use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and your favorite vegan butter. The sauce remains rich and satisfying, with a subtle coconut note.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mildly spiced, making it approachable for most palates. Add the optional cayenne if you want extra heat, or leave it out for a gentle warmth perfect for a crowd.
Can I make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken ahead of time?
Definitely. In fact, the flavors improve with time! Make it a day in advance, chill, and gently reheat when you’re ready to serve. It’s great for meal prep or entertaining.
What’s the best rice to serve with butter chicken?
Fluffy basmati rice is the gold standard, with its delicate fragrance and long grains. That being said, any rice you love (like jasmine or brown rice) will soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — a Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe that transforms simple pantry staples into something truly special. I hope you’ll give this creamy, dreamy dish a spot on your dinner table soon. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on its comforting flavors and just how easy it is to make at home!
Print
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken. Tender chicken cooked in a creamy, aromatic sauce, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet, sauté chicken until browned. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Cook onion until soft, add garlic, ginger, and spices. Stir in tomato paste, sauce, cream, and butter.
- Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the skillet, simmer. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and vegan butter.
- Adjust spice levels to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
