Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted restaurant-style butter chicken at home without spending hours in the kitchen, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is your answer. Creamy, rich, and full of warming spices, this dish delivers all the comfort of classic Indian cuisine in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or just craving something indulgent without the fuss, this recipe is designed to be approachable for all skill levels.

Made with tender chicken simmered in a luscious tomato-cream sauce, the dish balances savory, sweet, and aromatic notes perfectly. The best part? Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and you’ll have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. Serve it over steaming basmati rice or with warm naan for a meal that feels special but requires minimal effort.

This butter chicken recipe also allows for easy tweaks, so you can adjust spice levels, make it dairy-free, or even double the batch for leftovers. It’s ideal for families, weeknight dinners, or impressing friends without breaking a sweat. By following a few simple steps and using some clever shortcuts, you’ll have a dish that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Indian restaurant.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: 4 servings

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What Makes This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe Special?

• Fast and simple: Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep.

• Creamy, rich sauce: Uses cream and butter for authentic flavor without complicated steps.

• Pantry-friendly ingredients: No need for hard-to-find spices; most are already in your kitchen.

• Customizable spice level: Mild or medium, easily adjusted to suit your taste.

• Perfect weeknight meal: Feels luxurious but is simple enough for busy schedules.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a homemade comfort food classic quickly, with the flexibility to adjust flavors or dietary preferences. Using shortcuts like pre-made tomato puree or a simple spice mix keeps the process stress-free.

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Ingredient Notes

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best for tenderness and flavor. Substitute with chicken breast if preferred, but cook carefully to avoid dryness.

• Butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce. Can substitute with ghee for a more authentic Indian flavor.

• Tomato puree: Forms the base of the sauce; canned puree is convenient and consistent. Fresh tomatoes can work but may require longer cooking.

• Heavy cream: Provides the signature creamy texture. Coconut cream works for a dairy-free option.

• Garlic and ginger paste: Essential for depth of flavor. Fresh minced garlic and ginger can be used if paste isn’t available.

• Garam masala: Key spice mix for authentic flavor. Pre-mixed or homemade versions work equally well.

• Chili powder: Adjust according to your desired spice level.

• Optional fresh cilantro: For garnish, adds freshness and color.

• Special equipment: A large skillet or saucepan works best for even cooking and sauce simmering.

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How To Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

1. Prepare the chicken: Cut 1.5 lbs of boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Pat dry to ensure a good sear.

2. Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and sear until lightly browned but not fully cooked, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
   (Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear in batches if needed.)

3. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon butter, 1 teaspoon garlic paste, and 1 teaspoon ginger paste. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Add spices and tomato puree: Stir in 1 teaspoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1 teaspoon salt. Pour in 1 cup tomato puree, stirring to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes.

5. Finish the sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in ½ cup heavy cream and remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Return chicken to the skillet, simmering for 7-10 minutes until cooked through and sauce thickens.
   (Tip: The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and the chicken should be tender and juicy.)

6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot with steamed rice or naan bread.

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Storage Options

• Room temperature: Can sit out for up to 2 hours before refrigerating.

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

• Freezing: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheating tips: Reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with paneer or tofu.

• Dairy-free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and vegan butter.

• Spice variation: Add extra chili powder or cayenne for heat.

• Herb twist: Mix in fresh mint or fenugreek leaves for a unique flavor.

• Quick meal prep: Double the recipe and freeze half for an easy dinner later.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
   Yes, but cook carefully to avoid drying. Thighs remain juicier and more tender.

2. How do I make it less spicy?
   Reduce chili powder or skip it entirely. Garam masala still gives depth of flavor.

3. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
   Yes, make the sauce in advance and store in the fridge. Add cooked chicken when ready to serve.

4. What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
   Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if sauce thickens too much.

5. Can I freeze this butter chicken?
   Absolutely, store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

6. Are there substitutions for tomato puree?
   Yes, use crushed canned tomatoes or blended fresh tomatoes, though it may require slightly longer cooking.

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Conclusion

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe proves that you don’t need hours or exotic ingredients to make a restaurant-quality meal at home. Creamy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying, it’s perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or impressing guests. Give it a try and enjoy the rich flavors without the fuss—your kitchen will smell incredible, and your taste buds will thank you. Don’t forget to share your results and tweaks; homemade butter chicken is even better when personalized.

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