Delicious Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe – Does the very thought of tender chicken swimming in a rich, creamy, and subtly spiced tomato sauce make your mouth water? If you’ve ever dreamt of recreating that iconic Indian restaurant experience in your own kitchen without spending hours slaving over a stove, then you are in the perfect place! I am absolutely thrilled to share a dish that promises all the depth of flavor you adore, made incredibly simple and accessible for any home cook.

Originating from the bustling streets of Delhi, India, in the mid-20th century, Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani as it’s traditionally known, has captured hearts worldwide. It’s revered for its perfect balance of tangy tomatoes, sweet cream, and aromatic spices, all beautifully harmonizing with succulent pieces of chicken. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a celebration of comfort, a culinary hug that transcends borders and brings joy to every table.

Why You’ll Adore This Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

What makes this particular version so special? It’s meticulously designed to bring that authentic, irresistible taste directly to your table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor impact. Say goodbye to complicated ingredient lists and lengthy preparation times. People adore Butter Chicken for its unbeatable flavor profile, its velvety smooth texture, and the sheer satisfaction it delivers with every spoonful, especially when served with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with a gourmet-feeling meal that is wonderfully straightforward to prepare.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken Marinade:
  • 1.5 lbs (about 680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt (full-fat recommended for tenderness)
  • 1 tablespoon ginger paste
  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder (Kashmiri chili powder for color, or regular for heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• For the Butter Chicken Gravy:
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or canola)
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon ginger paste
  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (or 3-4 large fresh tomatoes, blanched, peeled, and pureed)
  • 1/2 cup water (or chicken broth)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup cashew pieces (soaked in warm water for 15 minutes, then drained, optional but highly recommended for creaminess)
  • 2 teaspoons red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (or to taste, balances acidity)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi), lightly crushed between your palms
• For Garnish (Optional):
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • A swirl of heavy cream
  • A knob of butter

Preparing the Chicken Marinade for your Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken:

Embarking on this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe journey begins with giving our chicken the royal treatment it deserves! The marinade is crucial for infusing flavor and ensuring the chicken remains incredibly tender and juicy. Trust me, this step makes all the difference.

1. First, take your boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts and cut them into uniform 1-inch pieces. I personally love using thighs because they stay much more moist and flavorful, but breasts work beautifully too if you prefer leaner meat. Aim for even sizes so they cook consistently.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, salt, and fresh lemon juice. Give it a good stir until all the spices are well incorporated into the yogurt, forming a vibrant, aromatic paste.
3. Add the cut chicken pieces to this marinade. Using your hands (gloves are a good idea here!), thoroughly coat each piece of chicken with the marinade. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered. This ensures maximum flavor penetration.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the best results and deepest flavor, I highly recommend marinating for at least 2-4 hours, or even better, overnight. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful your chicken will be, which is key to a truly outstanding Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken. This resting period allows the acids in the yogurt and lemon juice to tenderize the chicken fibers, while the spices permeate the meat.

Crafting the Rich Gravy Base for your Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken:

While our chicken is happily marinating, we can get started on the heart and soul of our Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe: the luscious, velvety gravy. This is where the magic truly happens, building layers of complex flavors that are both comforting and incredibly satisfying.

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter with the oil over medium heat. The combination of butter and oil helps prevent the butter from burning while providing that signature rich flavor.
2. Once the butter has melted and is gently shimmering, add the finely chopped yellow onion. Sauté the onion, stirring frequently, until it becomes translucent and softened, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Don’t rush this step; properly cooked onions lay a sweet foundation for the gravy.
3. Add the ginger paste and garlic paste to the pot. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until their raw aroma dissipates and a fragrant scent fills your kitchen. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Now, it’s time to introduce the spices. Add the red chili powder, turmeric powder, ground coriander, and cumin powder. Stir them into the onion mixture and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom in the hot oil. This process, known as “bhunno,” deepens their flavor and color. You might need to add a splash of water if the spices start to stick or dry out.
5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes (or your fresh tomato puree). Stir well to combine everything. If using fresh tomatoes, make sure they are very ripe for the best flavor.
6. If you’re using cashews for extra creaminess, now is the time to add them. The pre-soaked and drained cashew pieces will cook down with the tomatoes and blend seamlessly into the sauce, providing an unparalleled richness.
7. Add the 1/2 cup of water (or chicken broth) along with the sugar and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. This slow simmer allows the tomatoes to break down completely, and the flavors to meld beautifully. You’ll notice the oil starting to separate on top, which indicates that the sauce is cooking down perfectly.
8. Once the gravy base has simmered, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly.
9. Carefully transfer the gravy base mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender. If using a regular blender, work in batches and be extremely cautious as hot liquids can create pressure. Blend until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy, with no visible chunks of onion or tomato. For an extra silken texture, you can pass the blended gravy through a fine-mesh sieve, but I often skip this step for convenience in this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. Return the smooth gravy to the pot.

Cooking the Marinated Chicken:

With our marinade working its magic and the rich gravy base ready, it’s time to cook our chicken. This step is about getting beautiful color and char on the chicken pieces, adding another layer of flavor to our butter chicken.

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil (or a combination of oil and butter) in a large non-stick skillet or a cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. You want the pan to be hot enough to sear the chicken.
2. Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You’ll likely need to cook the chicken in two or three batches to avoid lowering the pan temperature too much, which would result in steamed chicken rather than beautifully seared pieces. Overcrowding can prevent that desirable browning.
3. Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it develops a lovely golden-brown char and is cooked through. The exact timing will depend on the thickness of your chicken pieces. Don’t overcook the chicken at this stage, as it will continue to cook in the gravy. We want it tender and juicy.
4. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate. Repeat with any remaining batches of chicken.

Assembling the Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken:

Now comes the exciting part – bringing all these wonderful components together to create our magnificent Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe! This is where the dish truly transforms into the creamy, dreamy delight we all love.

1. Return the pot with the smooth gravy base to medium-low heat. Let it warm up gently.
2. Stir in the heavy cream. This is where the sauce gets its signature richness and pale orange hue. Stir constantly for a minute or two until the cream is fully incorporated and the sauce is a beautiful, uniform color.
3. Add the cooked chicken pieces to the gravy. Stir gently to coat all the chicken in the luxurious sauce.
4. Now, add the garam masala and the crushed dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi). The kasoori methi is a non-negotiable ingredient for authentic butter chicken flavor, adding a distinct aroma and depth. Simply crush them lightly between your palms before adding to release their essential oils.
5. Stir everything together thoroughly. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want a little more salt, sugar, or even a touch more red chili powder if you desire more heat. Remember, balance is key in this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken.
6. Allow the butter chicken to simmer gently for another 8-10 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally. This simmering time is crucial for allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the gravy and for the sauce to thicken slightly to a perfect consistency. You’ll notice the sauce becoming even more vibrant and the aromas intensifying.
7. Just before serving, stir in an extra knob of unsalted butter (if you wish for an even richer finish) and let it melt into the sauce. This final touch of butter truly elevates the dish and contributes to its name!

Finishing Touches and Serving Your Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken:

Congratulations, you’ve just created an absolutely incredible Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe! Now for the final flourishes that make it restaurant-worthy and utterly irresistible.

1. Remove the pot from the heat. Your butter chicken is now ready to be enjoyed!
2. For an elegant presentation and burst of freshness, ladle generous portions of the butter chicken into serving bowls.
3. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro. The vibrant green not only adds a beautiful contrast but also a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the curry.
4. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can add a small swirl of heavy cream on top or a tiny knob of butter, which will melt beautifully into the warm curry.
5. Serve your glorious Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken hot with your favorite accompaniments. It pairs wonderfully with fluffy basmati rice, warm naan bread (especially garlic naan!), or even simple roti or chapati. The bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible, creamy sauce.

This Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The tender chicken, the incredibly rich and aromatic tomato-based gravy, and the creamy finish make it a comforting classic that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Conclusion:

And there you have it, my friends! We’ve reached the culmination of what I truly believe will become a staple in your culinary repertoire. This isn’t just another recipe; it’s an invitation to experience the sheer joy and satisfaction of creating an utterly spectacular meal right in your own kitchen, without any fuss or complexity. After guiding you through the steps, I’m confident that you’ll now understand why this particular rendition of Butter Chicken is an absolute game-changer. It’s the perfect harmony of rich, creamy textures and exquisitely balanced spices that dances on your palate, offering a depth of flavor that often takes hours of simmering to achieve, but here, it comes together with remarkable speed.

What truly sets this dish apart is its incredible ability to deliver restaurant-quality taste in a fraction of the time you’d expect. Forget long waits for takeout; with this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe, you’re in control of every delicious detail. You know exactly what’s going into your meal, allowing you to tailor the freshness and quality of ingredients to your personal preference. The tender, succulent pieces of chicken, swimming in that velvety, aromatic sauce, are a testament to the fact that incredibly satisfying Indian cuisine is well within reach for even the busiest home cooks. It’s a dish that genuinely warms the soul and satisfies the deepest cravings for comfort food, yet it feels wonderfully sophisticated and impressive.

Elevate Your Dining Experience: Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations

Now that you’ve mastered the art of making this incredible Butter Chicken, let’s talk about how to present it and even how to playfully adapt it to suit different moods and palates. Traditionally, it shines alongside fluffy Basmati rice, which perfectly soaks up every drop of that luscious sauce. Don’t forget warm, pillowy naan bread – ideal for scooping up the last bits of creamy goodness. If you’re looking for a slightly healthier alternative, brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice make fantastic companions. For an extra touch of freshness and color, a generous sprinkle of finely chopped fresh cilantro is non-negotiable, and a swirl of cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt can add an extra layer of richness just before serving.

Feeling adventurous? This recipe is incredibly versatile! You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking; add an extra pinch of Kashmiri chili powder for more heat, or scale back if you prefer a milder flavor profile. To boost your vegetable intake, consider stirring in some fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing it to wilt into the sauce, or add some colorful bell peppers or frozen peas for a delightful textural contrast. For our vegetarian friends, this recipe can be beautifully adapted by substituting the chicken with pan-fried paneer (Indian cottage cheese), chickpeas, or a medley of your favorite hearty vegetables like potatoes and carrots. Imagine serving leftover Butter Chicken in wraps or as a gourmet sandwich filling – the possibilities are truly endless!

Your Turn: Cook, Savor, and Share!

I genuinely can’t wait for you to experience the magic of this dish firsthand. I’m absolutely certain that once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a cherished favorite in your household. There’s a profound satisfaction that comes from preparing such a flavorful and comforting meal from scratch, and I promise you’ll feel immensely proud of the results. So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, set aside a little time, and embark on this delicious culinary adventure. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this amazing Butter Chicken a try this week!

Once you’ve whipped up your own batch, I would absolutely love to hear all about your experience. Did you add any unique twists? How did your family react? Please feel free to leave a comment below, share your photos on social media (I’d be thrilled to see them!), and let me know how it turned out. Your feedback not only brightens my day but also helps other aspiring home cooks on their journey. Happy cooking, and get ready to enjoy one of the most comforting and flavorful meals you’ll ever make!

Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Tender chicken in a rich, creamy, and subtly spiced tomato sauce, made incredibly simple and accessible for any home cook.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
45 Minutes

Total Time
30 Minutes

Servings
4-6 servings

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1 tsp salt (for marinade)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 0.5 tsp curry powder
• 1 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 tbsp butter, divided
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt (for sauce, adjust to taste)
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups heavy cream

Instructions

1. Step 1
   In a bowl, combine chicken thighs, 1 tsp salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well, cover, and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor).
2. Step 2
   Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken in batches and cook until browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Step 3
   In the same skillet or a large pot, melt 1 tbsp butter and the remaining 2 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4
   Stir in the can of tomato sauce, sugar, 1 tsp salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing flavors to meld.
5. Step 5
   Add the cooked chicken to the sauce. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining 2 tbsp butter. Simmer gently for another 8-10 minutes, uncovered, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and flavors to fully combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Step 6
   Remove from heat. Serve your Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken hot with fluffy basmati rice, naan bread, or roti. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

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.