Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

this recipe

Say hello to your new favorite comfort food—Butter Chicken! This rich, velvety dish is full of creamy tomato flavor, warm spices, and tender marinated chicken. It’s surprisingly easy to make at home and always hits the spot whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests with something extra special.

The best part? You only need one skillet, simple pantry spices, and a little bit of time. Serve it with warm naan and fluffy steamed rice, and you've got a restaurant-style Indian meal made right in your kitchen.

If you're into creamy, cozy meals like this, you'll love my Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Smoked Sausage or this savory Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet for quick weeknight inspiration. Craving something with that same saucy satisfaction? My Chinese Beef and Broccoli is another flavor-packed one-pan winner.

Let’s dive into the buttery goodness!

Why You'll Love This Butter Chicken Recipe

Creamy and Comforting: Think velvety tomato-butter-cream sauce hugging every piece of chicken.
One Skillet Meal: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Faster Than Takeout: Ready in about 45 minutes (including marinating).
Easy to Customize: Swap proteins or make it dairy-free with a few simple subs.
Family-Friendly: Mild enough for picky eaters but easy to spice up if you like it hot.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Butter Chicken Recipe
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Substitutions
• Equipment
• Storage Tips
• Top Tips
• FAQs
• Dessert Pairing Ideas
• More Comfort Food Recipes You'll Love
• Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1½ lbs skinless boneless chicken thighs (cut into chunks)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• ½ teaspoon curry powder
• 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoon butter (divided)
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon curry powder
• ¼ cup chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

To Serve:

• Steamed rice
• Naan bread

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Mix chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt in a bowl. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prep the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and cook for 8–10 minutes until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
Lower heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon butter to the same skillet. Add garlic, onion, and a pinch of salt. Sauté until soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Add Tomato Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and sugar. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Return Chicken & Add Cream
Add cooked chicken back to the pan. Pour in heavy cream and stir. The sauce should turn a gorgeous, warm orange.

Step 6: Season & Simmer
Add cayenne (optional), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Let simmer for 10 minutes to blend all the flavors.

Step 7: Finish with Butter
Turn off the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter. This adds that signature silky texture.

Step 8: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with naan and rice.

Substitutions

• Chicken Thighs: Use chicken breasts, turkey, or tofu.
• Greek Yogurt: Substitute with plain yogurt, sour cream, or dairy-free alternatives.
• Heavy Cream: Try coconut cream or cashew cream for dairy-free options.
• Butter: Ghee adds a more traditional flavor; plant-based butters also work.
• Tomato Sauce: Use canned crushed tomatoes or tomato paste thinned with water.
• Sugar: Swap with honey, maple syrup, or stevia.

Equipment

• Knife and cutting board
• Large skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat over low heat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. You can also freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Top Tips

• Marinate longer (up to 4 hours) for even more flavor.
• Toast the spices briefly in oil before adding liquids for depth.
• Cold butter at the end = ultra creamy finish.
• Use ghee for a rich, nutty note that’s true to traditional butter chicken.

FAQs

Is Butter Chicken spicy?
Not really! It’s more creamy and warming than hot. You can add cayenne or chili powder if you like extra heat.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes! It’s even better the next day after the flavors settle. Perfect for meal prep.

Can I use something other than chicken?
Sure! Tofu, turkey, or even shrimp work beautifully with this sauce.

Dessert Pairing Ideas

After all that savory comfort, treat yourself to something sweet! These are my favorite desserts to serve after butter chicken:

• Easy Vanilla Milk Cake – soft, soaked, and heavenly
• The BEST Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – classic and cozy
• Oreo Cake Cheesecake – because cookies + cake = yes
• Soft & Buttery Easter Cookies – simple, sweet, and always welcome

More Comfort Food Recipes You'll Love

Looking to expand your cozy dinner lineup? Try these flavorful mains next:

• Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Smoked Sausage – creamy, cheesy, and ultra satisfying
• Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet – healthy-ish, easy, and full of flavor
• Chinese Beef and Broccoli – better than takeout in under 30 minutes

Don’t forget to check out more dinner ideas and pin your favorites at @bakewithlina on Pinterest! Save this Butter Chicken recipe and tag me if you make it—I love seeing your kitchen creations. 🍛🥄

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