Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe — Fast, Creamy Comfort

introduction

Since I was very young, cooking has always held a special place in my life. My name is Adam, and it was alongside my mother that I discovered the magic of flavors and homemade dishes. This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe brings that same warmth to your kitchen. It gives rich, creamy tomato sauce and tender chicken in under an hour.

People search for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe when they want comfort food that comes together fast. In this article you will learn why it works, what ingredients to buy, and how to cook it step by step. If you like simple chicken dinners, try this dish like you might try a Greek chicken flatbread for a different twist.

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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

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• Author: issam-blogger
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A rich, creamy tomato sauce with tender chicken ready in under an hour, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

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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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Instructions

1. Combine chicken, 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, paprika, ½ teaspoon curry powder, and Greek yogurt in a bowl. Toss to coat. Let rest 15–30 minutes.
2. Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer. Sear until golden on all sides, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until onions turn translucent and soft.
4. Add the 15-ounce can of tomato sauce. Stir in 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Add ½ teaspoon cayenne if you want heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 5–8 minutes.
5. Slowly stir in 2 cups heavy cream. Add 1 teaspoon garam masala and ½ teaspoon curry powder. Return seared chicken to the pan and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently until the chicken reaches 165°F and the sauce thickens, about 8–10 minutes.
6. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter. Taste and adjust for seasoning.
7. Serve with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

For a lighter version, replace half of the heavy cream with plain Greek yogurt. Keep spices balanced; adjust seasoning after adding cream.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Indian

why make this recipe

You should make this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe because it balances flavor and speed. The sauce tastes rich and creamy. The spices add warmth but not too much heat. The recipe uses common pantry items. It uses bone-free chicken thighs for fast, juicy results. This dish scales well for a weeknight dinner or a small gathering.

Many home cooks worry about long marination or complicated spice blends. This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe solves that. You get bold flavor without a long wait. It also works with rice, naan, or simple sides. If you like bold chicken flavors, you may enjoy recipes like these buffalo chicken tacos too. The recipe answers common pain points: time, ingredient access, and predictable results.

how to make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Start by marinating the chicken briefly. The yogurt and spices tenderize and add depth. Use Greek yogurt for a good tang and texture. Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15–30 minutes. This short rest helps the chicken cook evenly.

Cook the chicken in two stages. First, sear the pieces in hot oil until golden. Then remove them and build the sauce in the same pan. Browning gives caramelized flavor. Don’t crowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed.

Prepare the sauce base with butter, garlic, and onion. Sauté until soft and fragrant. Add tomato sauce, sugar, and spices. Simmer to meld flavors. Stir in heavy cream gradually. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Return the chicken to the pan. Simmer gently until the chicken finishes cooking and the sauce thickens.

Key techniques matter. Keep the heat medium-high for browning. Lower the heat for simmering the sauce. Stir often after adding cream to prevent curdling. Watch for salt—tomato sauce and stock add sodium. Avoid overcooking the chicken. It should read 165°F internally and remain tender.

Common mistakes include rushing the browning, overcooking the cream, and skipping seasoning adjustments. Follow timing cues, not just the clock. This approach yields a reliable Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe every time.

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

Each ingredient plays a clear role. Yogurt tenderizes. Paprika and garam masala give color and depth. Butter adds richness. Heavy cream makes the sauce silky. Use boneless thighs for quick cooking and consistent texture. You can swap Greek yogurt for plain yogurt if needed. Use canned tomato sauce if you want a smooth base. For a lighter version, replace half the cream with evaporated milk, but expect a milder finish. For more chicken ideas and cooking notes, check this chicken recipes page.

Directions

Marinate the Chicken Combine chicken, 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, paprika, ½ teaspoon curry powder, and Greek yogurt in a bowl. Toss to coat. Let rest 15–30 minutes.

Cook the Chicken Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer. Sear until golden on all sides, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside. Do not fully cook the chicken in this step; you finish it in the sauce.

Prepare the Sauce Base In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until onions turn translucent and soft. Scrape up browned bits from the pan.

Build the Sauce Add the 15-ounce can of tomato sauce. Stir in 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Add ½ teaspoon cayenne if you want heat. Reduce heat and simmer 5–8 minutes to deepen flavor.

Season and Simmer Slowly stir in 2 cups heavy cream. Add 1 teaspoon garam masala and ½ teaspoon curry powder. Return seared chicken to the pan and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently until the chicken reaches 165°F and the sauce thickens, about 8–10 minutes.

Finish with Butter Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter for shine and richness. Taste and adjust for salt, pepper, or sugar. Garnish with chopped parsley if you like.

Serve and Enjoy Spoon the sauce over steamed rice or serve with warm naan. Sprinkle extra garam masala or chopped fresh cilantro for a fresh finish.

Best practices: brown the chicken well and simmer the sauce gently. Let the sauce rest a few minutes off heat before serving. This step helps flavors settle and improves texture in your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe.

how to serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Serve this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread. The creamy sauce pairs well with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables. Try a side of garlic naan to mop up the sauce. For a lighter plate, serve with cauliflower rice and lightly steamed greens.

The dish balances silky sauce and tender chicken. The sauce offers a mild tang from tomato and yogurt. Spices add warmth and depth without overwhelming. Finish with a squeeze of lemon or a small spoon of plain yogurt for brightness.

how to store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours. Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream if the sauce thickens too much. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between bursts to keep the sauce smooth.

To freeze, cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Avoid refreezing. For food safety, always reheat to at least 165°F.

tips to make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Use room-temperature chicken for even cooking. Pat the pieces dry before searing; this helps browning. Sear in a hot pan and do not crowd it. Use full-fat cream for the best silky texture. If your sauce separates, lower the heat and whisk in a small splash of warm water or cream. Taste and adjust seasoning after you add cream. A final pat of butter at the end makes the sauce glossy and rich. Keep spices measured and balanced; you can always add more, but you cannot remove excess heat.

variation (if any)

For a lighter version, replace half of the heavy cream with plain Greek yogurt and simmer gently to prevent curdling. For extra heat, add more cayenne or a chopped green chili. Swap chicken thighs for boneless chicken breasts, but reduce simmer time to avoid drying them out. Try a smoky version by adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika and finishing with a touch of lemon juice. For a vegetarian twist, replace chicken with firm tofu or roasted cauliflower and adjust cooking times accordingly. Each variation keeps the core elements of the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe while adapting to taste or diet.

FAQs

Conclusion

For more ideas and quick versions of this dish, check out this Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken | Gimme Delicious for a fast take, explore classic techniques at Butter Chicken – RecipeTin Eats, or compare a similar home cook version at Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe – Maja’s Recipes. Each link offers helpful tips that complement this recipe and inspire new variations.