Flavorful Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe!

Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is often synonymous with culinary indulgence, but many believe it requires hours of complex preparation. I’m thrilled to tell you that creating this beloved Indian classic at home is far more accessible than you might imagine, especially with my streamlined approach.

Are you ready to transform your kitchen into an aromatic haven?

This iconic dish, known as Murgh Makhani in its native India, originated in Delhi in the 1950s and has since captivated taste buds across the globe with its irresistible blend of tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy, and subtly sweet tomato-based sauce. What makes Butter Chicken truly special is its harmonious balance of tangy tomatoes, fragrant spices, and a luxurious finish of butter and cream, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that is incredibly comforting and deeply satisfying.

I understand the allure of a delicious, authentic meal without the fuss, and that’s precisely what this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe delivers. Forget the takeaway – you’ll soon be enjoying a restaurant-quality meal that’s simple enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for guests. Get ready to fall in love with homemade Indian cuisine!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

Creating this delicious, aromatic, and truly satisfying Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe starts with having all your wonderful ingredients ready. Here’s everything you’ll need to embark on this culinary adventure:

• For the Chicken Marinade:
  • 600-700g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast, cut into 1.5 to 2-inch pieces (thighs are highly recommended for their juiciness!).
  • 1/2 cup plain full-fat yogurt (ensure it’s not sour).
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste (freshly made is always best!).
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder.
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference; Kashmiri chili powder gives a vibrant color without too much heat).
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.
• For the Rich Tomato Gravy Base:
  • 2 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter (or a mix of both).
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped.
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste.
  • 1-2 green chilies, slit lengthwise (optional, for extra heat).
  • 1.5 cups canned crushed tomatoes, or 4-5 ripe fresh tomatoes, blanched, peeled, and puréed.
  • 1/4 cup raw cashews (soaked in warm water for 15-20 minutes, then drained).
  • 1 tablespoon melon seeds (magaz), also soaked with cashews (optional, but adds a lovely texture and richness).
  • 1 tablespoon Kasoori Methi (dried fenugreek leaves), lightly crushed between your palms.
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder.
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder.
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder.
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder (again, Kashmiri for color, or regular for heat).
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala.
  • 1/2 cup water, plus more as needed.
  • Salt to taste.
• For Finishing and Garnish:
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (or cooking cream).
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed.
  • 1-2 teaspoons sugar or honey (to balance acidity).
  • Fresh coriander leaves, chopped, for garnish.
  • A final sprinkle of garam masala.
• For Serving:
  • Warm naan bread, roti, or steamed basmati rice.

Marinating the Chicken: The First Step to Flavor

The secret to incredibly tender and flavorful butter chicken lies in the marination process. It infuses the chicken with beautiful spices and helps it retain moisture during cooking. Don’t skip this crucial step for your Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe!

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting your chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade adhere better and prevents a watery texture during cooking. Cut the chicken into uniform 1.5 to 2-inch pieces. Consistency in size ensures even cooking.
2. Combine Marinade Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, salt, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, well-combined paste. The lemon juice tenderizes the chicken and brightens the flavors.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Add the dried chicken pieces to the marinade bowl. Using your hands (gloves are recommended to avoid turmeric stains!), thoroughly mix the chicken, ensuring every piece is evenly coated with the fragrant spice mixture. You want to make sure no piece is left unloved!
4. Rest and Infuse: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, I highly recommend marinating for 2-4 hours, or even overnight, for the most profound flavors and incredibly tender chicken. The longer the marination, the deeper the flavor penetration!

Crafting the Rich Tomato Base: The Heart of Your Butter Chicken

This is where the magic truly begins – building the complex and comforting flavors of the signature butter chicken gravy. The rich, velvety texture comes from the careful cooking down of tomatoes and aromatics, boosted by the creaminess of cashews.

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee or unsalted butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the fat is shimmering, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onions, stirring frequently, until they turn soft, translucent, and a lovely golden brown. This step is vital for developing the foundational sweetness and depth of flavor. Don’t rush this process; patience here pays off immensely!
2. Introduce Ginger-Garlic and Green Chilies: Add the 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste and the slit green chilies (if using). Sauté for another minute until the raw aroma of the ginger-garlic disappears. Be careful not to burn it; it can turn bitter quickly. You’ll notice the kitchen filling with wonderful fragrance!
3. Bloom the Spices: Reduce the heat to low. Add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and red chili powder. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds. This process, known as “blooming” the spices, toasts them gently in the hot oil, releasing their full aromatic potential and deepening their flavor profile.
4. Add Tomatoes and Cashews/Melon Seeds: Immediately add the crushed tomatoes (or puréed fresh tomatoes), the soaked and drained cashews, and melon seeds (if using). Also, stir in the Kasoori Methi and salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Simmer and Reduce: Cover the pot partially and let the sauce simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is for the tomatoes to break down completely, for the raw tomato taste to vanish, and for the oil to start separating and rising to the surface. This signifies that the sauce base is properly cooked. This long simmer is crucial for a truly authentic taste for your Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe.
6. Cool and Blend: Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool down slightly, for about 10-15 minutes. Carefully transfer the cooked sauce base to a blender or food processor. Blend until it’s incredibly smooth and creamy. For an extra velvety texture, you can pass the blended sauce through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing down with a spoon to extract all the goodness and leave behind any fibrous bits or spice remnants. While optional, straining does elevate the final mouthfeel significantly.

Bringing It All Together: Simmering Your Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Now that our chicken is beautifully marinated and our sauce base is rich and smooth, it’s time to bring these components together to create that irresistible Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe that everyone loves.

1. Cook the Marinated Chicken: Wipe clean the same pot you used for the sauce (or use a separate non-stick pan). Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee or butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of searing it, preventing that lovely browning.
2. Sear the Chicken: Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until it’s lightly browned and slightly cooked through. It doesn’t need to be cooked completely at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. This searing creates a delicious crust and locks in the juices. Remove the seared chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce: If you strained your sauce, pour the strained, smooth tomato gravy back into the clean pot. If you didn’t strain it, simply pour your blended sauce back. Add the seared chicken pieces to the pot with the sauce.
4. Add Water and Simmer: Pour in about 1/2 cup of water (or chicken broth for extra flavor) to adjust the consistency of the sauce. Stir well to combine the chicken and the luxurious gravy. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Allow Flavors to Meld: Cover the pot and let the butter chicken simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes. This simmering time allows the chicken to finish cooking through, absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the rich tomato gravy, and for all the ingredients to truly meld into a harmonious symphony of taste. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This slow simmer is key to developing the deep, complex flavors of your Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe.

Finishing Touches and Serving Suggestions: Elevating Your Dish

The final steps are all about adding that signature richness and creaminess that makes butter chicken so irresistible. These little additions truly elevate your Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe from good to absolutely outstanding!

1. Stir in the Finishing Touches: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, the cubed unsalted butter, and the sugar or honey. The sugar or honey is crucial for balancing the acidity of the tomatoes and enhancing the overall sweetness of the dish. Stir gently until everything is well incorporated and the butter has melted. It’s important not to boil the sauce vigorously after adding the cream, as it can curdle.
2. Final Seasoning Adjustment: Taste the butter chicken and adjust the salt or any other seasoning if needed. You might want a pinch more garam masala for an extra aromatic kick at this stage. Everyone’s palate is different, so trust your taste buds here!
3. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the hot, rich butter chicken into serving bowls. Garnish generously with freshly chopped coriander leaves. A final sprinkle of garam masala just before serving will enhance the aroma beautifully.
4. Serving Suggestions: Serve your incredible Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe immediately with warm, fluffy naan bread, roti, or steamed basmati rice. The bread is perfect for scooping up every last drop of that luscious gravy! You could also offer a simple side salad with thinly sliced red onions and cucumber for a refreshing contrast. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!
5. Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day! Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

And there you have it – the journey from simple ingredients to an extraordinarily flavorful meal is complete! I truly believe this isn’t just another recipe; it’s an invitation to experience the sheer joy of creating something truly special in your own kitchen. We’ve explored how to achieve that signature creamy, rich, and subtly sweet yet tangy sauce that makes Butter Chicken so universally adored. This dish truly stands out because it delivers authentic Indian restaurant-quality taste with surprisingly little fuss. You might think such a complex flavor profile would require hours of preparation or a chef’s special touch, but as you’ve seen, it’s entirely within reach for any home cook. The vibrant colors, the intoxicating aroma, and the tender, succulent chicken bathed in that exquisite sauce are all testament to why this particular rendition is an absolute must-try. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience that awakens your senses and leaves you deeply satisfied, proving that incredible culinary adventures don’t always demand extensive time or a culinary degree.

What truly sets this approach apart is its emphasis on accessibility without compromising on taste. I specifically designed this to be a Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe that doesn’t just promise simplicity but actually delivers it, transforming what might seem like an intimidating dish into a delightful weeknight possibility. Imagine coming home after a long day and knowing you can whip up something so comforting and delicious without feeling overwhelmed. That’s the magic we’re aiming for here! The steps are straightforward, the ingredients are readily available, and the results are consistently spectacular. You’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can recreate those beloved flavors, making it perfect for both impromptu family dinners and impressing guests without spending all your time slaving over a hot stove. This recipe empowers you to bring the warmth and richness of Indian cuisine directly to your dining table, offering a homemade alternative that often surpasses what you might find outside.

Now that your incredible Butter Chicken is ready, let’s talk about how to serve it to maximize its deliciousness! The classic pairing, of course, is with fluffy, aromatic Basmati rice, which soaks up every drop of that glorious sauce beautifully. Don’t forget to have plenty of warm, soft naan bread on hand – perfect for scooping up the creamy goodness and ensuring not a single bit goes to waste. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, a side of garlic naan or even a plain roti would be equally delightful. For a refreshing counterpoint to the richness, consider serving it with a simple cucumber raita (a yogurt-based dip with grated cucumber and a hint of spice) or a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime or lemon juice just before serving can elevate the flavors even further, adding a bright, zesty finish that truly makes the dish sing. These accompaniments not only complete the meal but also enhance the overall dining experience.

Elevate Your Culinary Experience with Creative Variations

But wait, the fun doesn’t stop there! While the core recipe is a masterpiece on its own, don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can easily adjust the amount of chili powder or omit the green chilies altogether. For those who love a bit more heat, a pinch more cayenne pepper or an extra green chili will do the trick. Looking for a vegetarian alternative? This sauce works wonderfully with pan-fried paneer (Indian cheese), chickpeas, or a medley of your favorite vegetables like cauliflower, potatoes, and peas. For a dairy-free option, you can experiment with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream instead of traditional cream, which will lend a slightly different but equally delicious richness. You could even use this sauce base for other proteins, like shrimp or lamb, opening up a whole new world of culinary possibilities. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, inviting you to experiment and discover your own perfect version.

Your Turn to Create and Share!

I’ve loved sharing this recipe with you, and now it’s your turn to bring this magic to life in your own kitchen. I wholeheartedly encourage you to roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and give this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe a try. I promise you, the reward of that first spoonful of tender chicken drenched in the velvety, flavorful sauce will be absolutely worth it. There’s an undeniable satisfaction that comes from creating such a fantastic meal from scratch, knowing exactly what went into it, and tailoring it precisely to your taste. Once you’ve made it, don’t keep the deliciousness to yourself! I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you add any unique twists? What did your family and friends think? Share your successes, your serving suggestions, or even your creative variations. Your feedback and stories inspire me and other home cooks in our community. So go forth, cook with passion, and prepare to fall in love with your new favorite homemade Indian dish!

Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Discover how simple it is to create a restaurant-quality Butter Chicken at home. This streamlined recipe delivers tender chicken in a rich, creamy, and subtly sweet tomato-based sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressive enough for guests.

Prep Time
45 Minutes

Cook Time
50 Minutes

Total Time
35 Minutes

Servings
4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• ½ teaspoon curry powder
• 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups heavy cream

Instructions

1. Step 1
   In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, ½ teaspoon curry powder, and 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt. Mix well and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
2. Step 2
   Heat 1.5 tablespoons of butter and 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken in batches and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Step 3
   In the same pot, add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4
   Stir in the 15-ounce can of tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste), and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
5. Step 5
   Return the seared chicken to the pot. Stir in 2 cups of heavy cream and the remaining 1.5 tablespoons of butter until melted and well combined. Let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to finish cooking.
6. Step 6
   Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with warm naan bread, roti, or steamed basmati rice.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.