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:
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:
3 tbsp vegetable oil
3 tbsp butter, divided
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, diced
15 oz tomato sauce
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
2 cups heavy cream
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tsp garam masala
½ tsp curry powder
¼ cup chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
To Serve:
Naan bread or steamed basmati rice
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
Build the sauce: Stir in tomato sauce and sugar. Simmer 2–3 minutes. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet.
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.
Finish with butter: Stir in the remaining 2 tbsp butter for a silky finish. Garnish with parsley.
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