Name: Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks; 1 tsp salt (for chicken); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp sweet paprika; 1/2 tsp curry powder; 1 tbsp Greek yogurt; 3 tbsp vegetable oil; 3 tbsp butter, divided; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp salt (for sauce, adjust to taste); 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 cups heavy cream

Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe – doesn’t that phrase alone conjure up images of a rich, creamy, and utterly comforting culinary delight? I’m absolutely thrilled to guide you through crafting this beloved Indian classic right in your own kitchen, without the usual fuss. Many associate Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani as it’s known in India, with elaborate processes, often assuming it requires hours of simmering and a list of obscure ingredients. But I’m here to show you a simpler path to perfection. This iconic dish originated in the bustling streets of Delhi in the 1950s, quickly becoming a global sensation for its distinctive, indulgent flavor profile. It’s a harmonious blend of tender chicken simmered in a velvety tomato-based sauce, enriched with butter, cream, and a blend of aromatic spices that dance on your palate.

Why this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is a Game-Changer

People worldwide adore Butter Chicken for its incredible taste – a perfect balance of savory, subtly sweet, and tangy notes, coupled with a luxurious, smooth texture that is simply irresistible. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy family dinner or for impressing guests with your culinary prowess. My goal with this guide is to demystify the process, ensuring you can achieve authentic, restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and time. Prepare to fall in love with the sheer convenience and incredible flavor of your very own Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. Let’s make some magic!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:
- 750g (approximately 1.5 lbs) Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) bite-sized pieces. I find thighs stay juicier, but chicken breast works too if that’s your preference!
- 1/2 cup (120ml) Plain Greek Yogurt: Or full-fat plain yogurt. The acidity really tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon Ginger-Garlic Paste: A fresh paste makes all the difference, but a good quality store-bought one is perfectly fine.
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder: For that lovely golden hue and earthy warmth.
- 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder: Adjust to your spice preference. Kashmiri chili powder offers vibrant color with less heat.
- 1 teaspoon Garam Masala: My go-to spice blend for Indian cooking.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Or to taste.
For the Rich Butter Chicken Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons Ghee or Unsalted Butter: I often use a combination of both for a richer flavor.
- 1 large Yellow Onion: Finely chopped.
- 1 tablespoon Ginger-Garlic Paste: Again, freshness is key!
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder: A little extra for the sauce.
- 1.5 teaspoons Red Chili Powder: Or Kashmiri chili powder for color. Feel free to adjust based on your desired heat level.
- 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander: Adds a lovely citrusy, earthy note.
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cumin: Aromatic and warm.
- 1 (400g/14.5 oz) Can Crushed Tomatoes: Or 3-4 ripe medium fresh tomatoes, pureed. I find canned crushed tomatoes offer consistent flavor and texture for this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe.
- 1/4 cup (about 35g) Raw Cashews: Soaked in warm water for at least 15-20 minutes, then drained. This is my secret for an incredibly creamy sauce without excessive heavy cream.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) Water or Chicken Broth: For blending the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon Garam Masala: Reserved for later, to finish the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Dried Fenugreek Leaves (Kasoori Methi): Crushed between your palms before adding. This distinctive aroma is quintessential for authentic Butter Chicken!
- 1/4 cup (60ml) Heavy Cream: Or half-and-half, for that signature richness.
- 1-2 teaspoons Sugar or Honey: To balance the flavors and cut the acidity from the tomatoes. Start with one teaspoon and add more if needed.
- Salt to taste: Always taste and adjust!
For Garnish (Optional, but highly recommended):
- Fresh Cilantro: Roughly chopped, for a pop of freshness.
- A drizzle of Heavy Cream: For a beautiful presentation.

Marinating the Chicken

Prepare the Chicken: My first step for this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is always the chicken. Take your boneless, skinless chicken thighs and cut them into uniform 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces. Aim for consistency so they cook evenly. Place the chicken pieces into a large mixing bowl.
Combine Marinade Ingredients: To the bowl with the chicken, add the plain Greek yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. I find that using my hands (with gloves, if you prefer!) is the best way to ensure every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated. This intimate contact really helps the flavors penetrate the meat.
Mix Thoroughly: Spend a good minute or two mixing everything together until the chicken pieces are completely covered in the vibrant orange-yellow marinade. You should see a beautiful, thick coating on each piece.
Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the most tender and flavorful result, I highly recommend marinating for 2-4 hours, or even overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavor the chicken will absorb, and the more tender it will become thanks to the yogurt’s acidity. This step is crucial for an exceptional Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe.

Preparing the Butter Chicken Sauce Base

Soak Cashews: While the chicken is marinating, prepare your cashews. Place the 1/4 cup of raw cashews in a small bowl and cover them with warm water. Let them soak for at least 15-20 minutes. This softens them, making them easier to blend into a super smooth, creamy sauce. Don’t forget to drain them thoroughly before use!
Sauté Aromatics: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the ghee or unsalted butter over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the finely chopped yellow onion. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until the onions turn translucent and begin to caramelize slightly around the edges. Patience here pays off; well-sautéed onions lay a crucial flavor foundation for our Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe.
Add Ginger-Garlic: Stir in the 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. You’ll notice the aroma transform into something truly wonderful.
Introduce Ground Spices: Reduce the heat to low. Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, ground coriander, and ground cumin to the pot. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds to allow the spices to bloom in the hot oil. This step releases their full aromatic potential. Be careful not to burn the spices, as this can make the sauce bitter.
Incorporate Tomatoes and Cashews: Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes (or fresh tomato puree) and add the drained, soaked cashews. Stir everything together well. Increase the heat to medium-low and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Simmer and Develop Flavors: Cover the pot and let the sauce base simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the tomatoes to break down further, and the flavors to meld beautifully. You’ll see the sauce thicken and darken slightly, and the oil may start to separate a bit on top – all good signs!
Blend Until Silky Smooth: Carefully transfer the hot sauce mixture to a blender (a regular blender or an immersion blender will work perfectly). Add 1/2 cup of water or chicken broth to aid in blending. Blend until the sauce is incredibly smooth and creamy, with no visible bits of onion or cashews. This is paramount for the luxurious texture of our Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. If using a regular blender, start on low speed and gradually increase, and be cautious with hot liquids. You might need to blend in batches.
Strain (Optional, but recommended for ultimate smoothness): For the most restaurant-quality smooth sauce, pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve back into the pot, pressing the solids with a spatula to extract all the liquid. Discard any fibrous residue. While optional, I find this extra step elevates the texture significantly.

Cooking the Chicken & Combining for Perfection

Cook the Marinated Chicken:
- Option A (Pan-Fry for flavor): Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil (vegetable or canola) in a large non-stick pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You might need to cook them in batches. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until beautifully browned and cooked through. The slight charring adds wonderful depth of flavor. Remove the cooked chicken and set aside.
- Option B (Bake for convenience): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. A quick broil for the last 2-3 minutes can add a nice char if desired.
Whichever method you choose, make sure the chicken is cooked through but still juicy.
Reheat the Sauce: Place the pot with your smooth butter chicken sauce back on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Let it gently warm through.
Combine Chicken with Sauce: Carefully add the cooked chicken pieces to the warmed sauce. Stir gently to coat all the chicken thoroughly.
Introduce Finishing Spices and Cream: Now for the magic! Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the reserved 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala, the 1 tablespoon of kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves, crushed between your palms to release their potent aroma), the 1/4 cup of heavy cream, and 1-2 teaspoons of sugar or honey. The kasoori methi is truly what defines the classic Butter Chicken flavor, so don’t skip it!
Gentle Simmer: Let the Butter Chicken simmer gently for another 5-10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to marry and the sauce to thicken slightly. Avoid boiling vigorously once the cream is added, as it can curdle. Just a gentle, lazy simmer is perfect for this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Taste and Adjust Seasoning: This is a very important step. Carefully taste the Butter Chicken. Does it need more salt? A touch more sugar to balance the acidity? Perhaps a tiny pinch more chili powder if you like it spicier? Adjust according to your preference. Remember, you’re looking for that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory, with a hint of spice.
Garnish and Serve: Ladle the warm, aromatic, and creamy Butter Chicken into serving bowls. Garnish generously with freshly chopped cilantro and, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, a final drizzle of heavy cream.
Enjoy: Serve this incredibly delicious Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe immediately with warm naan bread for dipping (my personal favorite!), fluffy basmati rice, or even roti. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that truly transports you! This dish is surprisingly easy to make at home, and the results are always so rewarding.

Tips for the Best Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe:

Quality Ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality spices and a good brand of tomatoes will genuinely impact the final taste.
Patience with Onions: Don’t rush the onion cooking step; a good base is essential.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook it just until done before adding to the sauce to maintain its tenderness.
Make Ahead: Butter Chicken often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to deepen. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce is too thick.

There you have it – my comprehensive guide to creating a truly authentic and incredibly satisfying homemade Butter Chicken. I hope you enjoy making and savoring this fantastic dish as much as I do!

Conclusion:

There’s something truly magical about a dish that can transport your taste buds to a world of rich, aromatic spices and creamy indulgence, all from the comfort of your own kitchen. This isn’t just another recipe; it’s an invitation to experience culinary joy, a journey into the heart of Indian comfort food without the intimidation. I genuinely believe that once you try this method, it will become an instant classic in your home, a go-to for those evenings when only something utterly satisfying will do.

Why, you might ask, is this particular Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe an absolute must-try? Well, for starters, it perfectly balances the complex flavors that butter chicken is renowned for: the smoky char of perfectly cooked chicken, the sweet tang of tomatoes, the creamy richness of butter and cream, and a symphony of mild, warming spices. It’s a dish that manages to be incredibly decadent yet surprisingly approachable for the home cook. We’ve streamlined the process, ensuring that you get all the depth and authenticity of a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours slaving over the stove. The tender chicken, bathed in that luscious, velvety sauce, is simply unparalleled. It’s incredibly flavorful, comforting, and undeniably satisfying, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests without all the fuss. Forget the expensive takeout; this homemade version will quickly become your new favorite, offering superior taste and the satisfaction of having created something truly special yourself.

Now, let’s talk about enhancing your butter chicken experience. While the dish itself is a star, the accompaniments truly complete the meal. My absolute favorite way to serve this creamy delight is with a generous helping of fluffy basmati rice, which beautifully soaks up every drop of that incredible sauce. But don’t stop there! Warm, pillowy naan bread, especially garlic naan, is practically a non-negotiable for scooping up the remaining sauce – it’s an utterly divine combination. If you’re looking for something lighter, plain roti or even a simple whole wheat chapati would also be fantastic. For a touch of freshness to cut through the richness, consider a sprinkle of fresh coriander leaves, a squeeze of lemon juice, or even a simple side salad like kachumber (a refreshing Indian salad of chopped cucumber, tomato, and onion) or a cooling cucumber raita. These elements don’t just complement the butter chicken; they elevate the entire dining experience, creating a balanced and delightful spread that feels both authentic and incredibly satisfying.

And for those of you who love to experiment, this recipe is incredibly versatile! If you’re not a fan of chicken, or simply want to try something different, feel free to substitute with other proteins. Paneer (Indian cheese) cubes make for a fantastic vegetarian alternative, soaking up all the delicious flavors. You could also try this with succulent lamb, plump shrimp, or even firm tofu for a plant-based option. For a richer, deeper flavor, some like to add a pinch of dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) towards the end of cooking – it adds an unmistakable aroma. If you prefer a dairy-free version, full-fat coconut milk or homemade cashew cream can be excellent substitutes for the heavy cream, and a plant-based butter alternative can replace regular butter. Want to sneak in some extra veggies? A handful of fresh spinach, some sautéed bell peppers, or even peas can be gently folded in during the last few minutes of cooking, adding both nutrition and vibrant color. Don’t be afraid to adjust the spice level to your preference – a little extra chili powder for a fiery kick, or less for a milder taste that even the kids will adore. The beauty of homemade food is that you are the chef, and the kitchen is your playground to create culinary masterpieces tailored exactly to your palate.

So, what are you waiting for? I sincerely encourage you to roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and give this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe a try this week. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create such a profoundly flavorful and comforting dish that truly rivals any restaurant offering. There’s a unique satisfaction that comes from preparing a meal that delights everyone at your table, knowing exactly what went into it, and tailoring it perfectly to your family’s tastes. It’s more than just food; it’s an experience, a memory in the making. When you do, please come back and tell me all about your experience! I’d love to hear your thoughts, your clever modifications, or see photos of your beautiful creation. Share your triumphs in the comments below or tag me on social media. Happy cooking, and prepare to fall head over heels in love with homemade butter chicken!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Butter Chicken?

Butter chicken, known as Murgh Makhani, is a classic Indian dish originating from Delhi. It features tender pieces of marinated chicken, traditionally tandoor-cooked, served in a rich, creamy, tomato-based sauce, often enhanced with butter, cream, and a blend of aromatic spices. It’s renowned for its mild, subtly sweet, and tangy flavor profile, making it incredibly popular worldwide.

Is this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe authentic?

While we’ve streamlined the process to make it quicker and easier for home cooks, the core flavors and ingredients are very much in line with traditional butter chicken. Authentic butter chicken often involves tandoor-cooked chicken and sometimes a longer marination process, but our recipe captures the beloved creamy, tomato-rich essence beautifully, making it a fantastic and accessible rendition for everyone to enjoy without compromising on taste.

What should I serve with Butter Chicken?

The classic accompaniments for butter chicken include fluffy basmati rice and warm, soft naan bread (especially garlic naan). Other great options are plain roti, chapati, or paratha. For a refreshing contrast, consider a side of cucumber raita (yogurt dip), a simple kachumber salad (diced cucumber, tomato, onion), or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh coriander to garnish.

Can I make Butter Chicken in advance?

Absolutely! Butter chicken is one of those dishes that often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen. You can prepare the entire dish a day or two ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened too much, or even a little milk to restore its creamy consistency.

Is Butter Chicken spicy?

Traditionally, butter chicken is known for its mild and creamy flavor, not for being overtly spicy. The heat typically comes from a subtle touch of chili powder. This recipe allows you to adjust the spice level to your personal preference. If you like more heat, feel free to add a bit more cayenne pepper or a finely chopped green chili. For a milder version, you can reduce the chili powder or omit it entirely.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegetarian?

Yes, with a few clever substitutions! For a dairy-free version, you can replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative, and the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a homemade cashew cream (soaked cashews blended with water). For a vegetarian option, simply substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cheese) cubes, hearty chickpeas, or even firm tofu. Ensure to adjust cooking times accordingly for the chosen protein, as these alternatives may cook faster.

How do I store and reheat leftover Butter Chicken?

Store any leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm it on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a small splash of water, chicken broth, or cream to bring it back to the desired consistency. It can also be reheated in the microwave, though stovetop reheating often yields more consistent and better results for sauces.