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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is one of the most beloved Indian-inspired dishes worldwide. It’s rich, creamy, mildly spiced, and utterly comforting. Traditionally, butter chicken is slow-cooked, layered with spices, and served in restaurants with fluffy naan bread or steamed rice. But you don’t need a fancy kitchen or hours of preparation to enjoy this dish at home. This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken brings all the comforting flavors you love—tender chicken simmered in a velvety tomato and cream sauce, infused with garlic, spices, and butter—in a simplified, weeknight-friendly recipe. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together in under an hour. Serve it with warm naan, fluffy rice, or both, and you’ll have a complete meal that’s restaurant-worthy but made entirely at home.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-size pieces)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika sweet
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Sauce
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 6 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 15- ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
For Serving
  • Cooked rice
  • Naan bread

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Garlic press (optional)
  • Sauce ladle
  • Optional:
  • Rice cooker (for serving with rice)
  • Cast iron skillet (for extra sear on chicken)

Method
 

Step 1: Marinate & Cook the Chicken
  1. Season chicken with salt, black pepper, cayenne, curry powder, and paprika.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear chicken until browned on all sides (about 5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, add butter. Sauté onions until golden brown.
  2. Add minced garlic and garlic powder, cooking until fragrant.
  3. Stir in tomato sauce, garam masala, curry powder, paprika, sugar, and salt. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Make It Creamy
  1. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and Greek yogurt.
  2. Simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until sauce thickens and becomes rich.
Step 4: Combine Chicken & Sauce
  1. Return chicken to skillet, stirring to coat evenly.
  2. Simmer another 5–10 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
  1. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
  2. Serve hot with rice and naan bread.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed.
🥄 Variations
Lightened-Up Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Spicier Butter Chicken: Add extra cayenne or a fresh chili pepper.
Vegetarian Twist: Substitute chicken with paneer, tofu, or chickpeas.
Coconut Butter Chicken: Replace cream with coconut milk for a dairy-light version.
Slow Cooker Version: Cook chicken and sauce in a slow cooker for 6 hours on low.
Herb Upgrade: Garnish with cilantro instead of parsley for traditional flavor.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier and more tender.
What’s the difference between butter chicken and tikka masala?
Butter chicken is richer and creamier, while tikka masala is more tomato-forward and spicier.
Do I need Greek yogurt?
It helps thicken and enrich the sauce, but you can skip it or use sour cream.
Can I make this without cream?
Yes, substitute coconut milk or evaporated milk for a lighter sauce.
What’s the best rice to serve with butter chicken?
Basmati rice is traditional, but jasmine or long-grain rice works too.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats beautifully and even tastes better the next day.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely—use less cayenne for mild or more for extra heat.
Can I use jarred tomato sauce?
Yes, but choose unsalted or low-sodium varieties.
Is naan bread necessary?
Not required, but naan is the perfect vessel for soaking up the sauce.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just use a larger pan or cook in batches.
🏁 Conclusion
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken proves that you don’t need to dine out to enjoy restaurant-quality flavors. With tender chicken simmered in a creamy tomato sauce and infused with warm spices, it’s a dish that satisfies both comfort food cravings and a love for bold flavors.
Paired with rice and naan, it’s a meal that feels indulgent yet approachable, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Once you make it at home, you’ll see just how easy and rewarding butter chicken can be.