Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is a creamy, comforting dish that brings together tender pieces of chicken in a rich tomato-based sauce with just the right hint of spices. The butter and cream give it that signature smooth texture and mild flavor that everyone in the family can enjoy. It’s a classic dish made simple enough for any night of the week.
I love making this butter chicken when I want something warm and satisfying fast, but still homemade and fresh. The best part is how quickly the sauce comes together, with just a few ingredients and minimal fuss. I usually serve it with some fragrant rice or soft naan bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. It’s one of those meals that feels special but doesn’t take forever to cook.
One little tip I always keep in mind is to simmer the sauce just enough to get all the flavors to blend perfectly without overcooking the chicken. That way, the chicken stays tender, and the sauce stays silky. This recipe feels like a treat, but it’s honestly a weekday lifesaver that everyone will ask for again and again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer chicken thighs for their juiciness and tenderness, but chicken breasts work well too if you want a leaner option.
Butter & Oil: Butter adds richness, but you can use ghee or a neutral oil like vegetable oil to keep the flavor balanced.
Spices: Garam masala is the star here. If you don’t have it, combine equal parts ground cumin, coriander, and cardamom as a simple substitute.
Tomato Puree: Use canned crushed tomatoes if puree isn’t available. Fresh tomatoes can work but take longer to cook down.
Cream & Yogurt: Heavy cream keeps the sauce silky, but coconut cream or cashew cream are good dairy-free swaps. Yogurt is optional but tenderizes the chicken nicely.
How Can I Get a Creamy, Flavorful Sauce Without Spending Hours?
The key is layering flavors and balancing cooking time:
- Sauté the onions
- Toast the spices
- Simmer the sauce
- Add cream last
- Cook chicken until just done before adding to sauce so it stays tender.
These steps create a smooth, rich sauce quickly without losing that signature butter chicken flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or sauté pan – big enough to brown the chicken and simmer the sauce evenly.
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula – perfect for stirring without scratching your pan.
- Chef’s knife – sharp and strong to cut chicken and chop onions quickly.
- Measuring spoons and cups – helps you keep the spice balance just right.
- Small mixing bowl – handy if you marinate the chicken before cooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for paneer or tofu for a vegetarian version with a similar creamy texture.
- Add a handful of spinach or peas near the end for extra greens and freshness.
- Use smoked paprika instead of regular for a subtle smoky twist.
- Stir in a spoonful of honey or maple syrup if you like a touch of sweetness balancing the spices.
Quick And Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup (240 ml) tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- ¼ cup (60 g) plain yogurt (optional, for marinating chicken or added to sauce)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or ghee
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro (coriander leaves), chopped for garnish
- Cooked basmati rice or naan bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious butter chicken comes together in about 35 to 40 minutes. If you decide to marinate the chicken for extra flavor and tenderness, add 30 minutes ahead. The active preparation time is about 20 to 25 minutes, plus simmering the sauce and chicken for roughly 10 to 15 minutes. Perfect for a quick hour dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken (Optional):
If you have time, combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, ½ teaspoon garam masala, a pinch of salt, and a splash of lemon juice. Let this sit for 30 minutes to tenderize and add flavor.
2. Brown the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or ghee in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s golden and nearly cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
3. Cook the Aromatics:
In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the Spices:
Mix in garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder. Stir for about a minute to let the spices bloom and fill your kitchen with amazing aromas.
5. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the tomato puree and stir well. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens and you see a slight oil separation on the surface.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the browned chicken to the pan and toss to coat it well in the sauce. Simmer gently for 5 more minutes so the chicken finishes cooking and soaks up the flavors.
7. Finish with Cream and Garnish:
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, mixing until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and add salt as needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top.
8. Serve:
Serve your delicious butter chicken hot with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread for a comforting meal everyone will enjoy.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Butter Chicken Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. The best way is to thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method by sealing the chicken in a bag and submerging it in cold water until thawed. Pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Can I Make Butter Chicken Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. For the cream, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. You can also replace yogurt with a plant-based yogurt for marinating.
How Long Will Leftover Butter Chicken Keep?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.
What’s the Best Way to Thicken the Sauce if Needed?
If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer uncovered to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, stir in a small amount of tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and cook until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
