Go Back
+ servings
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken for Cozy Dinners

Experience the comforting embrace of Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken, a creamy and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights and gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1 pound Chicken Thighs Substitute with chicken breasts for a leaner option.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste based on personal preference.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can be a great substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Sweet Paprika Use smoked paprika for a more intense flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Curry Powder Tailor your mix for a personalized touch.
  • 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt Substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil Choose an oil with a high smoke point for best results.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Ghee can be used for an authentic taste.
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced) Adjust according to your preference.
  • 1 medium Onion (diced) Yellow onions work best.
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce Crushed tomatoes can give a chunkier texture.
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar Honey is a lovely alternative.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to your liking.
For the Finishing Touch
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream Coconut milk can be a lighter substitute.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional) Omit if you prefer a milder dish.
  • 1 teaspoon Garam Masala A must-have spice blend.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (optional) For garnish.

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • Large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by placing your chicken thighs in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Allow the mixture to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Heat a generous drizzle of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the marinated chicken thighs. Cook for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches a golden-brown color on both sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet used for the chicken. Once the butter has melted, toss in minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
  4. Stir in tomato sauce and sugar into the onion mixture. Let the sauce simmer gently over medium-low heat for about 2–3 minutes.
  5. Return the sautéed chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces in the sauce. Pour in the heavy cream, and sprinkle in the cayenne pepper, garam masala, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. In the final moments of cooking, stir in any remaining butter, allowing it to melt completely into the sauce.
  7. Serve your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken piping hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Pair it with warm naan and fluffy rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftover Butter Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!