Dinner

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Name: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon sweet paprika; ½ teaspoon curry powder; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 tablespoons butter; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon garam masala; ½ teaspoon curry powder (additional)

Bylina moretti March 25, 2026March 25, 2026

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Introduction

Butter chicken is a beloved Indian dish known for its rich, creamy tomato sauce and tender pieces of chicken. This quick and easy homemade version brings bold flavors to your kitchen in just 45 minutes, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

The image shows a white bowl filled with creamy orange chicken curry. The curry has chunks of chicken coated in a thick, smooth sauce with visible green herbs sprinkled on top. Underneath the curry, there is a layer of white rice, fluffy and evenly spread across one side of the bowl. The fresh chopped green herbs are scattered over the curry, adding a contrast of color. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
½ teaspoon curry powder
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons butter
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, diced
1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
2 cups heavy cream

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, and curry powder, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until browned on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the tomato sauce, and let it simmer for 5 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is thickened.
Step 6: Serve the butter chicken hot, accompanied by naan bread or steamed rice for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, add a teaspoon of garam masala when stirring in the tomato sauce and cream.
Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
Add a pinch of red chili powder if you like a spicier sauce.
Fresh ginger grated into the sautéing garlic and onion adds bright warmth to the dish.

Storage

Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to prevent the cream from separating. You can also freeze the dish for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl with creamy orange-colored chicken curry inside, with tender chicken pieces covered in a smooth, rich sauce. Bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled on top as garnish. On the side of the bowl, there is a portion of plain white rice, soft and fluffy. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, highlighting the vibrant colors of the curry and rice. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used as a leaner alternative. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily than thighs.

Is there a way to make this dish vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and replace butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine.