Name: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons plain yogurt; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; 1 teaspoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional); 1 cup tomato purée (or crushed tomatoes); 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk; 1 teaspoon sugar (optional); Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Creamy, flavorful, and made with simple pantry ingredients, this butter chicken recipe brings the classic Indian restaurant favorite to my table in under 30 minutes. With perfectly spiced chicken simmered in a rich tomato-butter sauce, it delivers big flavor without the fuss.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons plain yogurt

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon garam masala

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons butter

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)

1 cup tomato purée (or crushed tomatoes)

1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk

1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

I start by combining the chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, paprika, and salt in a medium bowl. After mixing it well, I let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 12 hours for deeper flavor).

In a large skillet over medium heat, I heat 1 tablespoon of butter and cook the marinated chicken for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Then I remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, I add the remaining tablespoon of butter and sauté the chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until soft. Then I add the garlic, ginger, and chili powder (if using), cooking for another minute.

I stir in the tomato purée and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Next, I add the cream and sugar, and return the cooked chicken to the pan. I let it all simmer gently for another 5–10 minutes until the sauce thickens.

I taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot with naan or basmati rice.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 370 kcal per serving

Variations

When I want a dairy-free version, I use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream and dairy-free butter. For a vegetarian take, I substitute paneer or tofu for the chicken and adjust the cooking time accordingly. I also like to adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder, depending on who I’m serving.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. It also freezes well for up to 2 months—perfect for batch cooking.

FAQs

How can I make butter chicken spicier?

I add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper if I want extra heat. It’s easy to adjust to my taste.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, I use either depending on what I have. Thighs tend to stay juicier, but breasts work just as well.

What should I serve with butter chicken?

I usually go with basmati rice or warm naan bread. Sometimes I serve it with a simple cucumber raita on the side.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. I freeze it in portions and reheat as needed, which makes weeknight dinners a breeze.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it a day in advance. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.

Conclusion

This quick and easy butter chicken has become one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something comforting, flavorful, and fast. With a short list of ingredients and under 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s a satisfying dish that fits perfectly into busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Ingredients

Directions

Servings and timing

Variations

Storage/reheating