Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe: Quick & Delicious!

Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe – the mere mention of it conjures images of creamy, rich, and utterly satisfying Indian cuisine. For many, Butter Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, a dish synonymous with warmth, incredible depth of flavor, and a truly luxurious experience. But what if I told you that achieving that restaurant-quality taste in your own kitchen is not only possible but also surprisingly straightforward and quick?

This iconic dish, known in India as Murgh Makhani, originated in Delhi in the mid-20th century. Born from a clever use of leftover tandoori chicken and a rich tomato-based gravy, it quickly rose to international fame for its unique blend of tangy tomatoes, aromatic spices, and a luxurious creamy finish. It’s a culinary masterpiece that has captured hearts worldwide, becoming a beloved staple in Indian restaurants and homes alike, celebrated for its comforting embrace and complex yet harmonious flavors.

Why do we adore Butter Chicken so much?

Its universal appeal lies in its perfectly balanced flavor profile: the subtle sweetness, the gentle tang, the earthy depth from various spices, and the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of the chicken, all enveloped in a velvety, buttery sauce that just begs to be savored with every spoonful. People adore it for its sheer deliciousness and the comforting warmth it offers. Now, imagine bringing that authentic, beloved flavor to your dinner table without spending hours slaving over a hot stove. That’s precisely what our Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe promises: an accessible, delightful journey to one of India’s most cherished dishes.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken Marinade:
  • 1.5 lbs (about 680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces. I personally love using chicken thighs for this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe because they stay so much more tender and moist.
  • 1/2 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt. The thicker, the better for coating!
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste. You can make this fresh by blending equal parts ginger and garlic, or use a good quality store-bought one.
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder (Kashmiri red chili powder for vibrant color without too much heat, or adjust to your spice preference).
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder.
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste.
• For the Butter Chicken Gravy:
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided (2 tablespoons for sautéing, 1 tablespoon for finishing).
  • 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil (like vegetable or canola).
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped.
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste.
  • 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for at least 15 minutes (this helps them blend smoothly into the sauce, giving our butter chicken that signature creamy texture).
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes, pureed. Using canned tomatoes is a fantastic shortcut for this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe as they offer consistent flavor and ripeness.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin.
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander.
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder (again, adjust to your liking).
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder.
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala.
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar (helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the overall flavor).
  • 1/2 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth, as needed for consistency.
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a slightly lighter version, but heavy cream offers the best richness).
  • 1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), crushed between your palms. This ingredient is essential for authentic butter chicken flavor, so please don’t skip it!
  • Salt to taste.
• For Garnish:
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped.
  • A swirl of extra heavy cream (optional, for presentation).

Marinating the Chicken: The Flavor Foundation

This initial step is crucial for infusing our chicken with deep, authentic flavors, making our Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe truly stand out. Don’t rush it!

1. First things first, let’s prepare our chicken. Take your boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts and cut them into uniform 1-inch pieces. Aim for consistency here so they cook evenly. I find that chicken thighs tend to yield a juicier, more tender result, which is perfect for this dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste, 1 teaspoon of red chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of garam masala, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Give this a good stir until all the spices are thoroughly incorporated into the yogurt, creating a vibrant, aromatic marinade.
3. Add your cut chicken pieces to the marinade. Using your hands (or a spoon, if you prefer not to get messy), ensure every single piece of chicken is completely coated with the flavorful mixture. It’s important that the marinade adheres well to the chicken, so take your time with this.
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor and tenderness, I highly recommend marinating for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight (up to 12 hours). This extended marination time allows the yogurt to tenderize the chicken and the spices to penetrate deeply, resulting in an incredibly flavorful and succulent dish. This patience truly pays off in the final result of our Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe.

Building the Aromatic Base: Heart of the Sauce

The sauce is arguably the most important part of butter chicken. Taking the time to build a rich, flavorful base will elevate your dish from good to absolutely incredible.

5. While your chicken is marinating, you can get a head start on preparing the sauce ingredients. If you haven’t already, make sure your raw cashews are soaking in hot water. This step is key for achieving that silky-smooth, restaurant-quality gravy. Let them soak for at least 15 minutes, or until they’ve softened slightly.
6. In a large, heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter with 1 tablespoon of neutral cooking oil over medium heat. The oil helps prevent the butter from burning and allows for higher heat cooking.
7. Once the butter has melted and is shimmering, add your finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion, stirring occasionally, until it turns soft and translucent, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Don’t rush this step; properly caramelized onions add a wonderful sweetness and depth to the sauce. You’re looking for a golden-brown color, indicating rich flavor development.
8. Now, add another 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger-garlic paste to the pan. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking or burning. You’ll notice a lovely aroma filling your kitchen – that’s when you know it’s ready for the next step.
9. Next, add your ground spices: 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder. Stir these spices with the onions and ginger-garlic paste for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until they become incredibly fragrant. This brief toasting of the spices is called “bhuno” in Indian cooking and significantly enhances their flavor profile. Be careful not to burn them!
10. Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes (or pureed diced tomatoes). Add the soaked and drained cashews to the pan as well. Stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and softens the tomatoes and cashews further, making them easier to blend.
11. Once the mixture has simmered, remove the pan from the heat. Carefully transfer the hot tomato-cashew mixture to a blender. Safety tip: When blending hot liquids, only fill the blender halfway, hold the lid down firmly with a kitchen towel, and start on a low speed, gradually increasing. You can also vent the lid slightly to allow steam to escape. Blend until the sauce is incredibly smooth and creamy, with no visible chunks of onion or cashews. For an extra velvety texture, you can pass the blended sauce through a fine-mesh sieve, though this is optional for a homemade version and still produces a fantastic Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe without it.

Cooking the Chicken and Developing Depth

Cooking the chicken correctly is vital for texture and flavor. We want a nice sear, but still want it to be tender.

12. Return your large pan or Dutch oven to medium-high heat. You may add a tiny splash of oil if needed, but often there’s enough residue from the previous steps. Carefully add the marinated chicken pieces to the hot pan in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding will lower the pan’s temperature and cause the chicken to steam instead of sear, preventing that lovely browned crust we’re aiming for.
13. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it develops a beautiful golden-brown color and is lightly charred in spots. The goal here isn’t to cook the chicken all the way through, but rather to create a flavorful crust and lock in the juices. It will finish cooking in the sauce.
14. Once all the chicken pieces are seared, remove them from the pan and set them aside on a plate. Those browned bits left in the pan? That’s pure flavor, known as “fond,” and we’ll scrape that up to enrich our sauce.

Assembling the Rich and Creamy Gravy

This is where all our hard work comes together into the luscious, comforting dish we know and love.

15. Return the pan to medium-low heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the pan and let it melt. Pour the silky-smooth blended tomato-cashew sauce back into the pan. Use a rubber spatula to get every last bit of that delicious sauce from your blender!
16. Stir in the 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar into the simmering sauce. The sugar helps to balance the acidity from the tomatoes and enhances the overall sweetness and complexity of the butter chicken.
17. Gently add the seared chicken pieces back into the sauce, along with any accumulated juices on the plate. Stir everything together carefully to ensure the chicken is fully coated in the fragrant gravy.
18. Pour in about 1/2 cup of water or low-sodium chicken broth. This helps to achieve the desired consistency for your butter chicken. If you prefer a thicker sauce, use less liquid; for a looser sauce, add a little more. Let the curry simmer gently on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows the chicken to finish cooking through and absorb all the incredible flavors of the sauce, truly bringing our Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe to perfection.
19. Now for the magic touch! Stir in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream. This is where the sauce gets its signature richness and creamy texture.
20. Finally, take 1 teaspoon of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) and crush them between your palms directly over the pan. This releases their aromatic oils and imparts that distinctive, slightly earthy, and sweet fragrance that is absolutely characteristic of authentic butter chicken. Stir it in thoroughly.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Almost there! A few final adjustments and you’ll be ready to enjoy your delicious creation.

21. Taste the butter chicken and adjust the salt levels as needed. Remember, flavors can intensify as the dish rests.
22. Allow the butter chicken to rest for a few minutes off the heat before serving. This brief resting period helps the flavors to meld even further and allows the sauce to thicken slightly.
23. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro. If you’re feeling fancy, you can also add a swirl of extra heavy cream on top for a beautiful presentation.
24. Serve your glorious Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe hot with fluffy basmati rice, warm naan bread, or roti for scooping up every last drop of that incredible sauce. Enjoy the fruits of your labor! This dish is a crowd-pleaser and a perfect example of how an authentic Indian curry can be made easily at home.

Conclusion:

And there you have it, my friends! We’ve journeyed through the steps, savored the anticipation, and now we stand at the threshold of culinary triumph. I truly believe that this recipe is more than just a set of instructions; it’s an invitation to experience joy in your kitchen and at your dining table. If you’ve been on the fence about tackling an Indian dish at home, let me assure you, this is the one to start with. It completely demystifies what many perceive as a complex cuisine, proving that incredible flavor doesn’t have to come with an intimidating process or a lengthy ingredient list.

I’ve poured my heart into crafting this particular version because it strikes that perfect balance: it’s deeply authentic in its flavor profile, yet astonishingly approachable for home cooks of all skill levels. You get that rich, creamy, tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices, coating tender pieces of chicken, all without spending hours slaving over a hot stove. It’s the kind of dish that makes your entire home smell divine, building anticipation long before the first bite. Every spoonful is a warm embrace, a testament to the power of simple, fresh ingredients expertly combined. It’s a meal that feels special enough for a celebratory dinner, yet it’s so straightforward, it can easily become a cherished weeknight staple. I promise you, the satisfaction of creating such a delicious and heartwarming dish from scratch, with your own two hands, is an incredibly rewarding experience that will leave you feeling like a true kitchen hero.

Now, let’s talk about making this already fantastic dish even better, or perhaps just different, to suit your mood and preferences. While a steaming mound of fluffy basmati rice and warm, pillowy naan bread are, in my humble opinion, the quintessential accompaniments, don’t feel limited! For an added layer of flavor and texture, consider serving it alongside some crispy homemade roti or even a light, refreshing cucumber and yogurt raita to cut through the richness. If you’re looking to sneak in some extra vegetables, a handful of fresh spinach or peas can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking, adding a lovely pop of color and nutrition. For those seeking a vegetarian alternative, cubed paneer (Indian cottage cheese), chickpeas, or even firm tofu can be substituted for the chicken, making this recipe incredibly versatile. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spice level either; a pinch more cayenne or a finely chopped green chili can amp up the heat for those who love a fiery kick, while a touch more cream at the end will mellow it out beautifully for milder palates. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a dollop of extra cream right before serving are always a good idea for that picture-perfect finish.

My hope is that this recipe will become a treasured addition to your culinary repertoire. I genuinely believe that everyone deserves to experience the magic of a truly spectacular homemade meal, especially one that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Indian restaurant but was prepared with love right in your own kitchen. This is more than just a meal; it’s an experience waiting to happen. So, what are you waiting for? Take a deep breath, gather your ingredients, and dive into the wonderful world of this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. I truly can’t wait for you to try it! Once you’ve whipped up your own batch, I absolutely encourage you to share your culinary triumph with me and the rest of our food-loving community. Did you add a secret ingredient? Did you serve it in an unexpected way? Did your family rave about it? Your feedback, photos, and any delightful modifications are what make this community thrive. Please don’t be shy; let’s celebrate your cooking success together! Happy cooking, my friends, and enjoy every single delicious bite!

Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Achieve restaurant-quality Butter Chicken in your own kitchen with this surprisingly straightforward and quick recipe. Enjoy tender chicken in a creamy, rich tomato-based sauce, a culinary masterpiece of balanced flavors and comforting warmth.

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
50 Minutes

Total Time
50 Minutes

Servings
6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1 teaspoon salt (for chicken)
• 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, for sauce)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups heavy cream

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Combine chicken chunks with 1 tsp salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt in a bowl. Mix well, ensuring chicken is fully coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for best flavor.
2. Step 2
   In a large pan or Dutch oven, heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent (8-10 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3
   Stir in the canned tomato sauce, sugar, 1 tsp salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
4. Step 4
   While the sauce simmers, in a separate pan or using the same pan (after transferring sauce), heat the remaining 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, searing for 3-4 minutes per side until golden-brown and lightly charred. Remove chicken and set aside.
5. Step 5
   Return the sauce pan to medium-low heat. Stir in the heavy cream. Add the seared chicken pieces and any juices back into the sauce. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and tender and sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Step 6
   Taste and adjust salt as needed. Let rest a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve hot with basmati rice or naan bread.

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.