🍗🍛🔥 Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken – Creamy, Flavorful & Ready in 30 Minutes!

🍗🍛🔥 Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken – Creamy, Flavorful & Ready in 30 Minutes!

Craving restaurant-style Indian food without the wait (or takeout bill)? This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is your answer. 🇮🇳✨ Tender chicken simmered in a velvety tomato-butter sauce infused with warm spices and cream — it’s rich, comforting, and unbelievably easy to make at home. You’ll only need one pan, a handful of pantry staples, and 30 minutes to bring this flavor-packed dish to life. Perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners, this butter chicken delivers the same bold, creamy goodness you love — with none of the fuss. Serve it over steamed basmati rice or with soft garlic naan for the ultimate comfort meal. 🍽️

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Servings: 4 Servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

1 lb 450g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ cup plain Greek yogurt or regular yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder adjust to spice level
½ teaspoon turmeric
½ teaspoon salt

For the Butter Sauce:

3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon oil to prevent butter from burning
1 small onion finely chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon chili powder optional
1 cup tomato purée or crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free version
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon sugar balances acidity
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Equipment

Large skillet or sauté pan
Mixing bowl
Tongs or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

Method

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, and spices for the marinade. Add chicken pieces, toss to coat, and let sit for at least 15 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
💡 Pro Tip: Even a short 15-minute marinade infuses great flavor — perfect for weeknights!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and sear the marinated chicken in batches until browned on both sides (about 2–3 minutes per side).
Remove from the pan and set aside — the chicken will finish cooking in the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and add onions. Cook until golden and soft, about 3–4 minutes.
Add garlic, ginger, and spices (garam masala, cumin, paprika, chili powder). Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add tomato paste and purée, stirring well. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and darkens slightly.

Step 4: Add Cream & Chicken

Stir in the cream and sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Return the seared chicken to the pan and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is tender and fully coated in the creamy sauce.
💡 Optional: For a restaurant-style finish, add a small knob of butter at the end for that silky shine.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months — thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk.

🥄 Variations

Dairy-Free Butter Chicken: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

Spicy Butter Chicken: Add extra chili powder or a fresh chopped chili.

Light Version: Use half-and-half or cashew cream.

Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken with paneer or roasted cauliflower.

Grilled Tandoori Style: Grill or air-fry the chicken before adding to sauce.

Butter Chicken Pasta: Toss with fettuccine or penne for an Indo-Italian fusion.

Makhani Magic: Add a tablespoon of cashew paste for nutty richness.

Smoky Version: Stir in a few drops of liquid smoke or smoked paprika.

Butter Chicken Sliders: Use leftovers in mini buns with coleslaw.

Honey Butter Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon honey for a sweet touch.

❓ 10 FAQs

Can I use store-bought butter chicken sauce?
You can, but homemade sauce is fresher and more flavorful — and just as easy!

Can I skip marinating?
You can, but even 10–15 minutes makes a big difference in tenderness.

What’s the best cut of chicken?
Boneless thighs are ideal — juicy, flavorful, and forgiving.

Can I make it less spicy?
Reduce chili powder or use mild paprika instead.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes — swap in paneer, tofu, or roasted chickpeas.

Why add sugar?
It balances the acidity of tomatoes and enhances the butteriness.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be lighter — add a tablespoon of butter for richness.

Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely — it keeps beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

Can I blend the sauce?
Yes, for an ultra-smooth restaurant texture, blend before adding cream.

What should I serve it with?
Steamed basmati rice, garlic naan, or roti are perfect companions!

🏁 Conclusion

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is creamy, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress — whether it’s your first time making Indian food or your hundredth. 🍛🔥

It’s rich but balanced, bold yet comforting — and the best part? It comes together faster than delivery! Serve it with warm naan or rice, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top, and savor every buttery, spiced bite.

Restaurant flavor. Home comfort. Pure magic. ✨