There’s something magical about the first whiff of spices sizzling on the stove, especially when you’re making homemade butter chicken. I remember the first time I tried to recreate this dish in my cozy little kitchen, armed with a handful of spices, a hint of adventure, and a delicious craving for comfort. The aroma enveloped me like a warm hug, filling every nook and cranny of my home with notes of garlic, butter, and rich tomatoes, inviting friends and family to gather around the table. This dish has become a beloved staple in my repertoire—simple to whip up, yet luxuriously flavorful. I can promise you that once you take your first bite, with chicken so tender it practically melts in your mouth, you’ll understand why this warm, buttery bliss is loved by everyone who gets a chance to taste it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights—ready in about 30 minutes!
- Flavor-Packed: Rich, creamy, and loaded with spices that’ll transport you straight to the heart of India.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Great for family dinners or casual gatherings—everyone loves it!
- Customizable: You can easily adapt it to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
- Comfort Food: Warm and hearty, it’s like a big, cozy blanket in a bowl.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
Juicy and tender, chicken thighs bring wonderful flavor to this dish.1 teaspoon salt
Essential for enhancing all the other flavors in this scrumptious sauce.1 teaspoon garlic powder
For a boost of garlicky goodness that melds beautifully with the spices.1 teaspoon sweet paprika
Adds a mild sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.½ teaspoon curry powder
Just a hint to begin layering those beautiful flavors!1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
Helps tenderize the chicken, giving it that succulent texture.3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Perfect for sautéing and keeping things nice and light.3 tablespoons butter (divided)
Because butter makes everything better! It’ll enrich the sauce and make it oh-so-creamy.6 garlic cloves (minced)
Fresh garlic adds incredible depth and aroma to the sauce.1 medium onion (diced)
A sweet, savory base to support all the tasty flavors that follow.1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
The foundation of our luscious sauce—tomato-y goodness!1 teaspoon sugar
Helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, brightening the flavor.1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Always taste and adjust for that perfect seasoning!½ teaspoon black pepper
Adds just the right amount of warmth to the mix.2 cups heavy cream
This is what makes the sauce rich and luxurious—oh la la!½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
If you like a little kick, this is your secret weapon!1 teaspoon garam masala
A fragrant blend of spices that rounds out the dish beautifully.½ teaspoon curry powder
Just a touch more for added richness!¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Brightens the plate and adds a fresh finish!Naan bread and steamed rice
Perfect accompaniments for savoring every last drop of that glorious sauce.
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Marinate the Chicken
Start off by mixing together the salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt in a bowl. Toss in those tender chicken chunks, making sure they get fully coated in the marinade! Let this sit while you prep the rest—this little step helps infuse flavor and keep the meat juicy.
Cook the Chicken
If your kitchen could sigh, it would be doing so right now! Heat up the vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in batches, ensuring they’re evenly spaced out. Sear them until beautifully golden on each side—about 5-7 minutes. They’ll begin to smell incredible! Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss in the minced garlic and diced onion, and sauté until they’re soft and fragrant—around 3-4 minutes. The smell will be so inviting!
Build the Sauce
Add the can of tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Stir it all together and let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. The vibrant red-orange of the sauce is just begging to be devoured!
Season and Simmer
Now, pour in the heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder. Stir until everything is well combined and watch as your sauce transforms into a velvety masterpiece. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up beautifully.
Finish with Butter
Return the chicken to the skillet, making sure each piece gets generously coated in that luscious sauce. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up all those rich flavors.
Serve and Enjoy
Spoon that heavenly butter chicken over warm, steamed rice or alongside soft naan bread. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a splash of color and freshness!
Pro Tips for Success
- Marinate Longer: If you have time, marinate the chicken for a couple of hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Balance the Spice: Adjust the cayenne and curry powder to suit your heat preference.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Fresh spices make a world of difference—grab them from your local market if possible.
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer; this deepens the flavors and creates that rich, creamy consistency we crave.
Flavor Variations
- Protein Swaps: Try using shrimp or tofu for a delightful twist on this classic dish!
- Seasonal Vegetables: Toss in some spinach or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
- Herb Additions: Replace parsley with cilantro for a fresh, authentic touch.
Serving Suggestions
Butter chicken pairs beautifully with warm naan or steamed basmati rice soaked generously in the buttery goodness. To drink, I recommend a chilled glass of sparkling water or a light, fruity white wine to complement the rich flavors.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Prep your ingredients up to a day in advance! Once cooked, let it cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—just reheat before serving.
Leftovers
Leftover butter chicken is a gift! Use it in wraps with fresh veggies, stir it into pasta for a creamy sauce, or enjoy it on its own with some additional rice or naan.
Freezing
Yes, butter chicken can be frozen! Once cooled, transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Remember to label and date them! Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your butter chicken in a skillet over medium heat to maintain its creamy texture. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works well too—just be sure to heat in short bursts, stirring in between!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but they can dry out more easily—be careful not to overcook them!
Is there a vegetarian option?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or your favorite veggies for a delicious vegetarian version.
What if I can’t find garam masala?
No worries! A mix of cumin, coriander, and a pinch of cinnamon can serve as a nice substitute.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure your naan and any added ingredients are gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Creating this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is not just about feeding your belly; it’s about filling your home with warmth and love. Each spoonful comforts the soul, making any day a little brighter. I hope you find as much joy in making this dish as I have, and that it becomes a cozy favorite in your kitchen like it is in mine. Until next time, happy cooking, my friends! 🍛✨
Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks Juicy and tender, chicken thighs bring wonderful flavor to this dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt Essential for enhancing all the other flavors in this scrumptious sauce.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder For a boost of garlicky goodness that melds beautifully with the spices.
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika Adds a mild sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
- 0.5 teaspoon curry powder Just a hint to begin layering those beautiful flavors!
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt Helps tenderize the chicken, giving it that succulent texture.
Cooking Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil Perfect for sautéing and keeping things nice and light.
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided) Because butter makes everything better! It’ll enrich the sauce.
- 6 cloves garlic (minced) Fresh garlic adds incredible depth and aroma to the sauce.
- 1 medium onion (diced) A sweet, savory base to support all the tasty flavors.
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce The foundation of our luscious sauce—tomato-y goodness!
- 1 teaspoon sugar Helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) Always taste and adjust for that perfect seasoning!
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper Adds just the right amount of warmth to the mix.
- 2 cups heavy cream This is what makes the sauce rich and luxurious.
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) If you like a little kick, this is your secret weapon!
- 1 teaspoon garam masala A fragrant blend of spices that rounds out the dish beautifully.
- 0.5 teaspoon curry powder Just a touch more for added richness!
- 0.25 cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish) Brightens the plate and adds a fresh finish.
Serving Suggestions
- to taste Naan bread and steamed rice Perfect accompaniments for savoring every last drop of that glorious sauce.
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- Mix the salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt in a bowl. Toss in the chicken chunks, making sure they are fully coated in the marinade.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in batches and sear until golden on each side (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sauté until soft and fragrant (around 3-4 minutes).
Build the Sauce
- Add tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir and let it simmer for a few minutes.
Season and Simmer
- Pour in heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder. Stir until combined and simmer gently for about 10 minutes until thickened.
Finish with Butter
- Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy
- Spoon over warm steamed rice or naan. Garnish with parsley.