There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of Easy Homemade Butter Chicken—creamy, rich, and perfectly spiced. This classic Indian-inspired dish blends tender chicken simmered in a velvety tomato-butter sauce that’s both sweet and savory.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make restaurant-quality butter chicken right at home without fuss, this recipe is for you. It’s quick enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for guests, ready in under 40 minutes.
With its silky sauce, vibrant color, and gentle warmth, Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is everything cozy dinners should be. Whether you’re new to Indian flavors or already obsessed with curry-style dishes, this one’s destined to become your new favorite comfort meal.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- Quick and easy: Ready in 40 minutes with everyday pantry staples.
- Creamy and flavorful: Buttery tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices.
- Versatile: Serve with rice, naan, or roasted vegetables for a full dinner.
- Perfect for meal prep: Stays delicious when reheated.
- Family-approved: Mild enough for kids but bold enough for adults.
- One-pan magic: Fewer dishes, faster cleanup, and full flavor.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tsp ginger garlic paste (or 1 tsp each grated ginger and minced garlic)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 cup tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
To Serve:
- 3 cups cooked basmati rice or jasmine rice
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Warm naan or roti
- Steamed vegetables (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine yogurt, ginger garlic paste, garam masala, paprika, chili powder, and salt. Add chicken pieces, coat evenly, and let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and sear 3–4 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
In the same pan, add remaining butter. Stir in tomato puree, cumin, turmeric, and sugar. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and deepens in color.
4. Add Cream and Spices
Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and garam masala. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until smooth and rich.
5. Combine and Simmer
Return chicken to the pan, coating it in the buttery sauce. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or a pinch of sugar.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot over fluffy rice or with warm naan. Garnish with cilantro and a drizzle of cream for that classic restaurant touch.
Don’t miss our Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes for another simple, satisfying stovetop meal idea.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
The best way to enjoy Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is family-style—with a big bowl of rice or warm naan ready to soak up every drop of the creamy sauce.
For a wholesome twist, serve it with steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, or peas for a full Butter Chicken with Rice and Vegetables meal. The balance of savory sauce, fluffy rice, and crisp veggies makes each bite comforting and nourishing.
If you love a lighter take, spoon the butter chicken over cauliflower rice or quinoa. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with earthy grains and adds depth without heaviness.
Hosting friends? Serve the butter chicken in a large, shallow bowl with fresh herbs, naan wedges, and a sprinkle of garam masala. Pair with a crisp cucumber salad or spiced lentils for a beautiful Easy Fall Dinner Recipe spread.
Looking for inspiration? Try our Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice—a lighter, aromatic meal that complements this rich butter chicken perfectly.
How to Store Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
This Quick and Easy Butter Chicken is perfect for make-ahead dinners and weekly meal prep.
Refrigerate:
Store cooled butter chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep rice separate for the best texture.
Reheat:
Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce thickens too much. Rice can be microwaved with a damp paper towel for 1 minute.
Freeze:
Freeze butter chicken in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The sauce stays smooth and flavorful even after freezing—just stir well before serving.
Make-Ahead Tip:
Double the sauce! It’s versatile enough to pair with shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas later in the week—perfect for your Dinner Menu for the Week rotation.
Tips to Make Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- Use thighs for tenderness: Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts.
- Toast your spices: Briefly heating garam masala and turmeric in butter enhances their aroma.
- Balance the sauce: If it’s too tangy, add a pinch of sugar; too mild, add chili powder.
- Add veggies: Spinach, peas, or bell peppers bring extra color and nutrition.
- Finish with butter: A final pat of butter gives the sauce its signature sheen.
- Make it lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Batch cook: Butter chicken actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Variations of Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- Coconut Butter Chicken: Replace cream with coconut milk for a tropical twist.
- Spicy Butter Chicken: Add extra chili powder or fresh green chiles for more heat.
- Butter Chicken with Vegetables: Stir in roasted cauliflower or spinach before serving.
- Paneer Butter Masala: Substitute paneer cubes for chicken for a vegetarian delight.
- Honey Butter Chicken: Add a drizzle of honey at the end for gentle sweetness.
- No-Dairy Version: Use cashew cream for a vegan-friendly sauce.
- Noodle Bowl Variation: Swap rice for noodles for a unique Stove Top Meal idea.
Discover great ideas like our Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles if you love bold, saucy Asian dishes similar to butter chicken.
FAQs
1. What makes Easy Homemade Butter Chicken different from restaurant versions?
Homemade butter chicken uses fresher ingredients, less butter, and no additives—just creamy, authentic flavor in under 40 minutes.
2. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute coconut milk or cashew cream for heavy cream.
3. What’s the best rice to serve with it?
Basmati rice or jasmine rice soaks up the sauce beautifully.
4. How do I make it spicier?
Add chili flakes or a spoonful of curry paste for more heat.
5. Can I meal-prep butter chicken?
Absolutely—store portions with rice in containers for grab-and-go lunches all week.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, flavorful, and wonderfully satisfying. It’s everything you love about takeout, made fresher and faster in your own kitchen.
With simple ingredients and one pan, you’ll create a dish that tastes like it simmered all day. Serve it for cozy weeknights, fall dinners, or when you just need something warm and indulgent.
So grab your skillet, melt that butter, and bring a little restaurant-style magic to your table tonight.
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Print
Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is creamy, rich, and full of comforting flavor. Tender chicken pieces simmer in a buttery tomato sauce infused with warm spices. A cozy, Indian-inspired dinner ready in just 40 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or fall evenings.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tsp ginger garlic paste (or 1 tsp each grated ginger and minced garlic)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 cup tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
To Serve
- 3 cups cooked basmati or jasmine rice
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Warm naan or roti
- Steamed vegetables (optional)
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine yogurt, ginger garlic paste, garam masala, paprika, chili powder, and salt. Add chicken and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Heat oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, melt remaining butter. Add tomato puree, cumin, turmeric, and sugar. Cook 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens and darkens.
4. Stir in cream and garam masala. Simmer 3–4 minutes until smooth and silky.
5. Return chicken to the pan and coat in sauce. Simmer 5–7 minutes until tender and cooked through.
6. Serve over hot rice or with naan, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Notes
Marinate chicken longer (up to 2 hours) for deeper flavor.
For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Add more chili powder or fresh chiles for extra spice.
Butter chicken tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg