Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe — those words alone conjure images of a vibrant, deeply satisfying meal that has captured hearts worldwide. I’ve always been fascinated by how a dish, born from humble beginnings in Delhi, India, could evolve into such a global sensation. This iconic Murgh Makhani, with its lusciously creamy tomato-based sauce, perfectly spiced and incredibly tender chicken, is truly a culinary masterpiece. People adore butter chicken for its unparalleled combination of rich flavors, the subtle tang from tomatoes, the warmth of aromatic spices, and that signature buttery finish that coats every bite. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish for guests.
Today, I’m thrilled to share my go-to version, ensuring you can replicate that restaurant-quality taste right in your own kitchen without any fuss. Prepare to fall in love with how simple and rewarding it is to make this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. It’s a dish that promises to delight your senses and become a staple in your cooking repertoire, proving that authentic flavors don’t have to be complicated.
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs (about 680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces. I find thighs stay so much juicier for this dish!
- 1/2 cup plain whole milk yogurt (Greek yogurt works too, just thin it slightly with a tablespoon of water).
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste (or 1-inch fresh ginger, grated, and 3 cloves garlic, minced).
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your heat preference; Kashmiri chili powder gives great color without too much heat).
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin.
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander.
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (like vegetable or canola).
- For the Delicious Butter Chicken Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (this is butter chicken after all!).
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped.
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes (or 3 medium fresh tomatoes, pureed). I often use canned for convenience and consistent flavor in my Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe.
- 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 15 minutes (or 1/4 cup almond flour for a nut-free option, though cashews give the best creaminess).
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander.
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional, but lovely).
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream.
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar, to balance the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves (Kasuri Methi), crushed between your palms (a secret ingredient for authentic flavor!).
- Salt to taste.
- For Garnish (Optional but Recommended):
- Fresh cilantro, chopped.
- A drizzle of extra heavy cream.
- A pat of butter.
Phase 1: Marinating the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
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Prepare Your Chicken:
First things first, let’s get our chicken ready for this delightful Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. Take your boneless, skinless chicken thighs and cut them into uniform 1-inch pieces. I always go for thighs because they truly stand up to cooking and stay incredibly tender and juicy in the rich sauce, much more so than chicken breast which can dry out easily. Pat them dry with a paper towel; this helps the marinade adhere better.
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Mix the Marinade Magic:
In a large bowl, combine the plain yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, garam masala, salt, fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Give it a really good stir until everything is well combined and you have a vibrant, aromatic paste. The yogurt in the marinade is absolutely crucial; it acts as a tenderizer, breaking down the chicken fibers, and also helps carry all those wonderful spices deep into the meat. The lemon juice adds brightness and further aids in tenderization.
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Coat and Conquer:
Add your cut chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade. Using your hands (gloves are a good idea here to avoid staining and direct contact with chili), thoroughly mix the chicken, ensuring every single piece is completely coated in that glorious marinade. Make sure there are no dry spots!
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The Waiting Game (or “Quick” Option):
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. While this is a Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe, if you have the luxury of time, I highly recommend marinating the chicken for a minimum of 2-4 hours, or even overnight. The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavors will penetrate, and the more tender your chicken will become. This step truly sets the stage for the incredible taste of your butter chicken.
Phase 2: Crafting the Silky-Smooth Sauce Base
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Soak Those Cashews:
This is a little trick for a truly creamy sauce. Place your raw cashews in a small bowl and pour hot water over them, just enough to cover. Let them soak for at least 15 minutes while you get started on the rest of the sauce. Soaking softens them, making them incredibly easy to blend into a perfectly smooth, rich paste, which is essential for that luxurious mouthfeel we crave in a homemade butter chicken.
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Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is shimmering, add the finely chopped yellow onion. Sauté, stirring frequently, for about 8-10 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and begins to lightly caramelize at the edges. Don’t rush this step! Properly cooked onions form a sweet, savory foundation for our sauce.
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Build the Flavor Foundation:
Add 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger-garlic paste to the pot. Stir it in and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. You’ll notice an incredible aroma filling your kitchen – that’s when you know you’re doing it right! Be careful not to burn it.
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Introduce the Tomatoes and Spices:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes. If you’re using fresh pureed tomatoes, cook them down until most of their liquid has evaporated and they start to look thick and glossy. Now, stir in the remaining dry spices for the sauce: red chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, garam masala, and optional ground cardamom. Cook this mixture for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oil starts to separate from the tomato mixture. This process, called “bhunao” in Indian cooking, is vital for developing a deep, complex flavor profile for your easy butter chicken.
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Add Cashews and Simmer:
Drain the soaked cashews and add them to the pot. Pour in the 1/2 cup of chicken broth or water. Stir everything together, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the cashews to soften further and for all the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Blend to Perfection:
Carefully transfer the entire sauce mixture from the pot to a high-speed blender. Be extremely cautious when blending hot liquids – make sure the lid is securely fastened, and start on a low speed, gradually increasing it. Blend until the sauce is absolutely smooth and creamy, with no visible bits of onion or cashews. This might take 2-3 minutes. For an ultra-silky restaurant-style butter chicken, I sometimes pass the blended sauce through a fine-mesh sieve back into the pot, pressing down on any solids. This extra step ensures no texture surprises and truly elevates your quick butter chicken recipe.
Phase 3: Cooking the Chicken and Assembling the Dish
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Cook the Marinated Chicken:
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter (or a little oil if you prefer) in a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You might need to cook the chicken in batches. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is nicely browned and slightly charred at the edges. It doesn’t need to be cooked through completely at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. The charring adds a wonderful smoky depth of flavor that’s signature to a great butter chicken. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Combine and Simmer:
Pour your super-smooth, blended sauce back into your original pot or Dutch oven (the one you used for the sauce base). Add the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce. Stir gently to combine, ensuring every piece of chicken is coated in that rich, aromatic sauce.
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Let Flavors Mingle:
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for another 15-20 minutes. This simmering time is crucial! It allows the chicken to finish cooking through, absorb all the incredible flavors of the sauce, and for the sauce itself to thicken slightly and for the spices to really bloom. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This is where the magic happens and your homemade butter chicken truly comes to life.
Phase 4: Finishing Touches and Serving Your Delicious Butter Chicken
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The Creamy Indulgence:
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream. I always do this off the heat to prevent the cream from splitting, ensuring a beautifully smooth and luscious texture. The cream adds a wonderful richness and balances the spices perfectly.
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The Secret Ingredient – Kasuri Methi:
Now for that special touch: take the dried fenugreek leaves (Kasuri Methi) and crush them between your palms directly over the pot. Add them to the sauce and stir well. Kasuri Methi might seem like a small addition, but it imparts an incredibly distinctive, slightly bitter, and aromatic flavor that is absolutely essential for an authentic butter chicken taste. Don’t skip this if you can help it!
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Sweetness and Salt:
Stir in the honey or sugar. This addition is key to balancing the acidity of the tomatoes and enhancing the overall depth of flavor in your best butter chicken. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt as needed. Remember, flavors evolve, so always taste and adjust at the end.
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Serve with Joy:
Your incredible Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is now complete! Ladle generous portions into bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro, an optional drizzle of extra heavy cream, and perhaps a small pat of butter melting on top for that extra touch of indulgence.
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What to Serve With:
This rich and flavorful butter chicken pairs perfectly with warm, fluffy basmati rice, garlic naan, or plain naan for scooping up every last bit of that delicious sauce. Enjoy sharing this comforting and utterly delightful meal with your loved ones! It’s truly a labor of love that pays off in every single bite.
Conclusion:
And there you have it, my friends! We’ve reached the culmination of our delicious journey together, and I truly hope you’re as excited as I am about what we’ve discovered. This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a passport to an incredible culinary experience, right in your very own kitchen. I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this particular version, ensuring that every step is not only straightforward but also incredibly rewarding. The sheer satisfaction of creating something so profoundly flavorful, so rich and aromatic, from scratch is unparalleled. You’re not just cooking; you’re crafting a memory, a moment of pure gastronomic delight that will linger long after the last bite.
Why This Recipe is a True Game-Changer!
What makes this particular dish an absolute must-try? It’s simple: it flawlessly combines the complex, deeply satisfying flavors of authentic Indian cuisine with an accessibility that might surprise you. Forget about spending hours marinating or hunting down obscure ingredients. My goal was to demystify this beloved classic, turning what some might perceive as an intimidating dish into a joyous, manageable cooking adventure for everyone. The end result is a tender, succulent chicken bathed in a velvety, subtly sweet, and perfectly spiced tomato-cream sauce that truly sings on the palate. Imagine the rich aroma filling your home, the vibrant colors on your plate, and that first incredible bite – it’s pure bliss. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an event, an impressive centerpiece that will undoubtedly earn you rave reviews from family and friends alike. It truly is the definitive Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe that delivers on all its promises of taste, texture, and convenience. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can replicate that restaurant-quality flavor, if not surpass it, with just a few key ingredients and a sprinkle of passion.
I genuinely believe that once you try this recipe, it will become a cherished staple in your culinary repertoire. It’s a testament to the fact that incredibly delicious, authentic flavors don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. The balance of spices, the creaminess, the hint of tang – every element is carefully calibrated to create a harmonious symphony of taste that is both comforting and exhilarating. The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to impress without demanding an entire afternoon in the kitchen, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend feast.
Elevate Your Meal: Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations
Now, let’s talk about taking your butter chicken experience to the next level! While it’s utterly fantastic on its own, the right accompaniments can truly elevate the meal. For a classic spread, I heartily recommend serving your luscious butter chicken alongside a pile of fluffy, perfectly cooked basmati rice, which is ideal for soaking up every last drop of that glorious sauce. Don’t forget some warm, pillowy naan bread – perhaps homemade if you’re feeling ambitious, or store-bought for convenience – perfect for scooping. A refreshing side of cool cucumber raita (yogurt with cucumber and a hint of mint) or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would provide a lovely contrast, cutting through the richness and cleansing the palate.
But don’t stop there! Feel free to get creative with your serving. For a healthier twist, try serving it over quinoa or brown rice. Or, for a truly unique experience, consider using leftover butter chicken as a filling for wraps, tacos, or even savory crepes the next day. As for variations, the possibilities are endless! If you prefer a little more heat, don’t hesitate to add an extra pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped green chili to the sauce. For a vegetarian alternative, paneer (Indian cottage cheese), chickpeas, or even a medley of roasted vegetables like cauliflower and bell peppers would absorb the rich sauce beautifully. You could also experiment with different proteins; lamb or shrimp could be fantastic substitutes, offering a delightful new dimension to the dish. Don’t forget your garnishes: a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a swirl of extra cream, or a few slivers of fresh ginger juliennes can add both visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor and texture. This recipe is wonderfully forgiving and adaptable, inviting you to put your own personal stamp on it.
Your Culinary Adventure Awaits – Share Your Success!
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your favorite apron, and embark on this incredibly rewarding culinary journey. I promise you, the aroma alone as this dish simmers will make your mouth water, and the first bite will confirm that every moment spent was absolutely worth it. Don’t be shy; dive right in! This is your chance to create something truly spectacular and incredibly delicious with confidence and ease. I am genuinely thrilled for you to experience the magic of this dish firsthand. Once you’ve whipped up your own batch of this incredible butter chicken, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you add any unique twists? What did your family think? Please, share your culinary triumphs, your photos, and any feedback you have. Your stories inspire me and help our community of food lovers grow. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with wonderful aromas and even more wonderful memories!
Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Recreate restaurant-quality butter chicken at home with this quick and easy recipe. Featuring tender chicken in a lusciously creamy tomato-based sauce, perfectly spiced for an ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
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1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
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1 tsp salt (for chicken)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp sweet paprika
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0.5 tsp curry powder
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1 tbsp Greek yogurt
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3 tbsp vegetable oil
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3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
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6 cloves garlic, minced
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1 medium onion, diced
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1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
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1 tsp sugar
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1 tsp salt (for sauce, adjust to taste)
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0.5 tsp black pepper
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2 cups heavy cream
Instructions
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Step 1
Combine chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. -
Step 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides (3-5 minutes per side). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. -
Step 3
Melt 1.5 tbsp butter in the same skillet or a pot. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent (5-7 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in tomato sauce, sugar, 1 tsp salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer. -
Step 4
Add the cooked chicken to the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to finish cooking through. -
Step 5
Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream and remaining 1.5 tbsp butter. Taste and adjust salt as needed. Serve hot with rice or naan.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
