If there’s one dish that never fails to comfort my soul after a long, chaotic day, it’s Butter Chicken. Creamy, rich, and filled with cozy Indian-inspired flavors—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re wrangling kids, finishing up work emails, or just craving something indulgent without a ton of effort, this easy dinner recipe is a total lifesaver.
What I adore most about this dish (besides the dreamy, velvety sauce) is how approachable it is. You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours of simmering—just a few pantry staples, a good skillet, and a little kitchen love. This version is streamlined for real life—ready in under 45 minutes and perfect for both weekday dinners and weekend comfort sessions.
So, grab your apron, pour yourself something refreshing, and let’s turn simple ingredients into something downright restaurant-worthy.
Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken
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Quick & fuss-free: Ready in under 45 minutes from start to finish.
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Creamy comfort: A luscious sauce that clings to every tender piece of chicken.
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Homemade Indian curry made easy: No complicated steps or exotic ingredients—just pure deliciousness.
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Family-friendly: Mild, flavorful, and easily adjustable for spice lovers.
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is the perfect creamy comfort food for busy nights. Tender chicken simmers in a velvety tomato-butter sauce infused with garlic, garam masala, and cream—all ready in under 45 minutes. It’s rich, cozy, and tastes like your favorite Indian takeout, but it’s simple enough to make any night of the week.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Marinade:
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1 ½ lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp sweet paprika
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½ tsp curry powder
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1 tbsp Greek yogurt
For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
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3 tbsp vegetable oil
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3 tbsp butter, divided
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6 garlic cloves, minced
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1 medium onion, diced
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15 oz tomato sauce
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1 tsp sugar
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1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
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½ tsp black pepper
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2 cups heavy cream
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½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
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1 tsp garam masala
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½ tsp curry powder
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¼ cup chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
To Serve:
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Naan bread or steamed basmati rice
Instructions
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Marinate the chicken: In a medium bowl, mix chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Stir to coat evenly and rest for 15 minutes.
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Cook the chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown. Remove and keep warm.
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Make the sauce base: Lower heat to medium and melt 1 tbsp butter in the same pan. Add garlic and onion; sauté 3–4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
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Build the sauce: Stir in tomato sauce and sugar. Simmer 2–3 minutes. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet.
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Add the cream & spices: Pour in heavy cream, then stir in cayenne, garam masala, curry powder, black pepper, and salt. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Finish with butter: Stir in the remaining 2 tbsp butter for a silky finish. Garnish with parsley.
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Serve: Enjoy over rice or with naan bread for the ultimate creamy Indian-inspired dinner.
Notes
For extra smoothness, use full-fat heavy cream.
Marinate the chicken while prepping the sauce to save time.
Adjust spice levels with cayenne for more heat or omit for a mild version.
Substitute coconut milk for a dairy-free variation.
Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken & Marinade:
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1 ½ lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
-
1 tsp salt
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
1 tsp sweet paprika
-
½ tsp curry powder
-
1 tbsp Greek yogurt
For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
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3 tbsp vegetable oil
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3 tbsp butter, divided
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6 garlic cloves, minced
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1 medium onion, diced
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15 oz tomato sauce
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1 tsp sugar
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1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
-
½ tsp black pepper
-
2 cups heavy cream
-
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
-
1 tsp garam masala
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½ tsp curry powder
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¼ cup chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
To Serve:
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Naan bread or steamed rice
Step-by-Step Directions
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Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, mix chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Stir well and let it rest for 15 minutes. -
Cook the Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a bowl and keep warm. -
Make the Sauce Base:
Lower heat to medium and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the same skillet. Add garlic and onion. Cook 3–4 minutes until fragrant and translucent. -
Build That Sauce:
Stir in tomato sauce and sugar, then simmer for 2–3 minutes. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour in heavy cream. Stir until smooth and creamy. -
Season & Simmer:
Add cayenne pepper, garam masala, curry powder, black pepper, and salt. Let it gently bubble for about 10 minutes—your kitchen will smell heavenly! -
Finish with Butter:
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter for that irresistible silky texture. Garnish with parsley if you’d like. -
Serve & Enjoy:
Ladle over steamed rice or dip in fluffy naan. Then take a deep breath and enjoy your masterpiece.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken
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Don’t skip the butter finish! It’s what gives this creamy chicken recipe that iconic smooth, glossy look.
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Short on time? Marinate the chicken while you prep your sauce—it’ll still soak up plenty of flavor.
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Spice it your way: Add more cayenne if you love a little kick, or skip it for a family-friendly version.
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No heavy cream? You can swap in half-and-half for a lighter touch (though the creamier, the dreamier, if you ask me!).
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Batch cook for the win: This recipe doubles beautifully for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
The first time I made Butter Chicken at home, it was a complete accident. I was craving Indian takeout but my local spot was closed, so I raided my fridge and decided to wing it (literally). What started as a “let’s see what happens” moment turned into a family favorite.
Now, it’s one of those dishes that instantly brings everyone to the table—no reminders needed. My kids call it “orange chicken but fancy,” and my husband swears it tastes better than restaurant versions (I’m not arguing with that!). Cooking, for me, has always been about those small, happy accidents that end up becoming traditions.
What to Serve with Butter Chicken
If you want the full comfort experience, serve your homemade Indian curry with:
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Fluffy basmati rice: The perfect neutral base for soaking up every drop of that velvety sauce.
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Warm naan or roti: Because let’s be honest, half the fun is mopping up the extra sauce.
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Cucumber raita or a light salad: A cool, creamy contrast that balances the spice.
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Roasted veggies: Think cauliflower or bell peppers—they complement the flavors beautifully.
And if you’re entertaining? Add a side of mango chutney or crispy samosas, and your guests will think you ordered straight from a high-end Indian restaurant.
How to Store Your Butter Chicken
Leftovers? Lucky you!
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Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freeze: Let it cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheat gently: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to revive that silky texture.
Pro tip: It actually tastes better the next day, once the flavors have had time to mingle and deepen. Perfect for next-day lunches or lazy night leftovers.
FAQs about Butter Chicken
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Just keep an eye on the cooking time since chicken breast can dry out faster.
Can I make Butter Chicken dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for coconut oil and the cream for full-fat coconut milk—it gives a tropical twist to your homemade Indian curry.
How spicy is this Butter Chicken?
Mild to medium. You can adjust the heat by playing with the cayenne or garam masala levels.
What’s the best side for this creamy chicken recipe?
Naan bread or rice—hands down. They’re perfect for soaking up every bit of that sauce.
Bringing It All Together
There’s something magical about a recipe that feels luxurious yet fits into your weeknight routine—and Butter Chicken is exactly that. With tender chicken, a creamy tomato-butter sauce, and just the right hint of spice, it’s comfort food that never disappoints.
So next time you’re craving something rich and satisfying, skip the takeout line and whip up this easy dinner recipe at home. One bite, and you’ll see why this dish has earned a permanent spot in my family’s dinner rotation.
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