A Scrumptious Dive into Creamy Goodness

Ever craved a dish so flavorful it wraps around you like a warm hug? Enter this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe! In just one pan, you’ll whip up a rich, creamy masterpiece that delivers bold flavors with minimal fuss. Perfect for those busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why Make This Recipe

Why go for Butter Chicken?

Easy Cleanup: You’ll only need one pan! Who has time for five bowls after a long day?
Family-Friendly: Kids and picky eaters love this creamy goodness. You’ll find empty plates in no time.
Quick Prep: With its straightforward steps, you can indulge in a delicious meal in about 30 minutes. Dinner goals, right?

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics! Gather up:

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
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
1 teaspoon garam masala
½ teaspoon curry powder
¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Naan bread
Steamed rice

Directions

Ready to make magic happen? Follow these steps:

Marinate the Chicken: Toss the chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it sit for about 15 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté garlic and onion until soft and fragrant.
Build the Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, sugar, additional salt, and black pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
Season and Simmer: Add the chicken back, pour in heavy cream, and add cayenne pepper, garam masala, and more curry powder. Let it simmer on low for 10 minutes.
Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter for that luscious finish. Don’t skimp!
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with parsley and dig in with naan or over fluffy rice. Yum!

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe (Overview)

Let’s break it down nicely! First, you’re marinating the chicken for those deep flavors. Then, into the pan it goes until golden brown, giving your kitchen a delightful aroma. After that, you build a rich sauce with spices and cream—seriously, don’t skip the garlic toasting; it’s a game-changer! Finally, let it simmer a bit for everything to meld together.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Serving this Butter Chicken is just as fun as making it! Scoop a generous portion over a bed of steaming rice, garnished with vibrant green parsley, and paired with warm, pillowy naan. The colors alone are inviting, with the creamy orange sauce contrasting beautifully against the white rice. Plus, nothing beats the aroma wafting through your home—it’s like a mini vacation to India! 😊

How to Store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Got leftovers? No worries! This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. You can also freeze it for about 2 months. When reheating, pop it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if it thickens up too much. Easy peasy!

Tips to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Here are some quick insider tricks:

Marinating Overnight: If you have time, marinate the chicken overnight for even bolder flavors.
Swap the Chicken: Feeling adventurous? Swap chicken for tofu or paneer for a vegetarian version.
Heat Preferences: Adjust the cayenne for your taste; a little brings the warmth without overwhelming!
Creamy Alternatives: Use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option.

Variation

Want to mix it up? Consider adding veggies like spinach or peas to sneak in some greens. You can also play with spices like cumin or coriander for a unique twist. Feeling wild? Try a coconut-lime version for a tropical vibe. 🌴

FAQs

1. Can I make this Butter Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep it a day ahead and just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

3. How do I make it spicier?
Add more cayenne pepper or toss in some chopped fresh chilies during cooking for a kick!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!