Delicious homemade butter chicken served with rice and naan.

Homemade Butter Chicken

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Why Make This Recipe

Butter chicken is a beloved dish, known for its rich and creamy sauce paired with tender chicken. This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe captures the authentic flavors of takeout, but it’s easy enough to whip up at home. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you’re craving something delicious without the hassle of complicated cooking techniques. By making it yourself, you can adjust spices and ingredients to perfectly suit your taste.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or regular yogurt)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp butter (unsalted)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 (14 oz) can tomato puree (or crushed tomatoes)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and salt. Toss in chicken pieces and marinate for at least 15 minutes (overnight is best for extra flavor).

  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until browned (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked). Remove and set aside.

  3. Build the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Sauté onion until golden, then add garlic and ginger. Stir in garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook until fragrant.

  4. Simmer the Sauce: Add tomato puree, season with salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  5. Finish with Cream & Chicken: Stir in heavy cream, then return the chicken to the pan. Simmer gently for 10–12 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and sauce is creamy.

  6. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with naan, basmati rice, or cauliflower rice.

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken – Better Than Takeout!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Serve this delicious butter chicken hot, accompanied by soft naan bread, fluffy basmati rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. A side of cucumber salad or a fresh green salad can enhance your meal, providing a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce.

How to Store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Store any leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Tips to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

  • Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. It enhances the taste significantly.
  • Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the chili powder according to your preference for heat.
  • Cream Alternatives: If you want a lighter version, use coconut cream or a low-fat option for the heavy cream.

Variation

You can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting chicken with paneer or tofu. Simply follow the same steps for marination and cooking.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the yogurt or use a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

How spicy is this recipe?

The spice level can be adjusted by modifying the amount of chili powder. Start with less if you prefer a milder dish.

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