Looking for a creamy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing easy dinner recipe that tastes just like restaurant-quality Indian food without leaving your kitchen? This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe brings authentic flavor straight to your table in under 40 minutes. It’s a rich, comforting, and budget-friendly meal made with tender marinated chicken simmered in a silky tomato-cream sauce infused with aromatic spices.
This is the ultimate family comfort food buttery, mildly spiced, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a weekday family dinner or impressing guests, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s also one of the most affordable meals you can make at home, using everyday pantry staples and a handful of simple spices.
From busy professionals craving healthy weeknight dinners to home cooks looking for easy meal prep ideas, this butter chicken fits every need. Serve it over fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan bread for a restaurant-worthy experience that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in less than 40 minutes from start to finish perfect for busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable groceries you likely already have on hand.
- Family Approved: Mildly spiced and creamy, making it one of the best easy dinners for beginners and picky eaters alike.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day, ideal for meal prep recipes and lunches.
- Healthy Home Cooking: Contains no preservatives, just fresh, wholesome ingredients for healthy cooking at home.
- Restaurant-Style Comfort Food: Delivers that rich, buttery, and authentic Indian flavor right from your own kitchen.
Ingredient Breakdown
For the Chicken & Marinade
- Chicken Thighs (1½ lbs, boneless & skinless): Chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful even after simmering. You can use chicken breasts for a leaner healthy dinner recipe.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances every flavor in the dish and helps tenderize the meat during marination.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Adds depth and a subtle roasted flavor without overpowering the sauce.
- Sweet Paprika (1 tsp): Gives a smoky sweetness and vibrant color to the chicken.
- Curry Powder (½ tsp): Infuses classic Indian warmth and mild spice for that signature butter chicken taste.
- Greek Yogurt (1 tbsp): Acts as a natural tenderizer, locking in moisture and creaminess while balancing the spices.
For the Butter Chicken Sauce
- Vegetable Oil (3 tbsp): Provides a neutral base for frying the chicken and sautéing aromatics.
- Butter (3 tbsp, divided): The star ingredient gives the dish its velvety, rich texture and unmistakable buttery aroma.
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced): A cornerstone of Indian cooking; adds incredible aroma and complexity to the sauce.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Adds sweetness and depth to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Tomato Sauce (1 can, 15 oz): Forms the base of the curry, adding tang and body. Crushed tomatoes or fresh puree can also be used.
- Sugar (1 tsp): Softens the tomato’s acidity, creating a balanced and smooth sauce.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Adjust to taste essential for rounding out all the spices.
- Heavy Cream (2 cups): Delivers that indulgent creaminess butter chicken is known for. For a lighter version, substitute with coconut milk or half-and-half.
- Cayenne Pepper (½ tsp, optional): Adds a gentle heat for those who love a little spice.
- Garam Masala (1 tsp): A warm, fragrant blend of Indian spices that defines authentic butter chicken flavor.
- Curry Powder (½ tsp): Reinforces the flavor base with earthy, mildly spicy notes.
- Parsley (¼ cup, chopped): Used as a garnish for a burst of freshness and color. Cilantro is a great traditional alternative.
To Serve
- Naan Bread: Perfect for scooping up that luscious sauce a must-have with any Indian comfort food recipe.
- Steamed Rice: The ideal base to soak up every drop of creamy, spiced butter sauce.
Pro Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken
- Always Preheat Your Pan: Ensures the chicken sears quickly, locking in juices. (easy cooking tip)
- Use Fresh Garlic & Onion: Enhances the authentic flavor and aroma.
- Don’t Skip the Yogurt Marinade: It’s a natural tenderizer that keeps the chicken moist. (healthy cooking at home)
- Simmer Gently: Avoid boiling after adding cream to maintain a smooth, silky texture.
- Make It Ahead: The flavors deepen overnight, making it perfect for meal prep recipes.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
- Low-Carb Version: Replace rice with cauliflower rice for low-carb dinner ideas.
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half or coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a healthy recipe alternative.
- Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with chickpeas, paneer, or tofu for a vegetarian comfort food recipe.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra cayenne or a dash of chili flakes for a bolder flavor.
- Budget-Friendly Substitution: Use chicken breasts instead of thighs leaner and often cheaper.
Serving Suggestions
- Fluffy Basmati Rice: Soaks up the sauce perfectly.
- Garlic Naan or Roti: Ideal for scooping every drop.
- Fresh Cucumber Salad: Adds crunch and freshness to balance the richness.
- Lentil Soup (Dal): A protein-packed healthy side dish that complements the curry.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Let the curry cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s texture.
- Prep Ahead: Marinate the chicken overnight or pre-cook it, then finish with the sauce when ready to serve.
Cultural Notes
Butter chicken, or Murgh Makhani, originated in Delhi, India, in the 1950s. It was created accidentally when leftover tandoori chicken was simmered in a buttery tomato sauce and the world fell in love. Today, it’s an iconic dish known as one of the most beloved Indian comfort food recipes globally, representing the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and indulgence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this butter chicken ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Perfect for meal prep ideas or make-ahead dinners.
Q2: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve the creamy texture.
Q3: Can I make this recipe healthier?
Absolutely. Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or low-fat yogurt for a healthy weeknight meal that still tastes indulgent.
Q4: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use vegan butter and coconut milk for a delicious dairy-free version without sacrificing flavor.
Q5: How can I make it spicier or milder?
Adjust the cayenne and curry powder to suit your taste. For mild butter chicken, skip the cayenne entirely.
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix until chicken is evenly coated. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the sauce ingredients. - Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. - Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base
Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Add minced garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt. Sauté until onions are soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. - Step 4: Build the Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar, simmering for 2–3 minutes. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, then pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce turns a rich orange color. - Step 5: Season and Simmer
Add cayenne (if using), garam masala, remaining curry powder, and black pepper. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Adjust salt to taste. - Step 6: Finish with Butter
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted for a silky finish. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, if desired. - Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot over steamed rice or with warm naan bread for dipping. Enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness!
