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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken with Rice and Naan

Few dishes bring the same level of comfort and satisfaction as a creamy, flavorful bowl of Butter Chicken. Known for its rich tomato-based sauce, tender pieces of chicken, and perfect balance of spices, this dish has become a beloved favorite around the world. The best part? You don’t need to order takeout or spend hours in the kitchen—you can make this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken right in your own kitchen with simple, fresh ingredients. Butter chicken, often referred to as “murgh makhani” in its traditional form, originated in India and quickly became one of the most popular dishes in Indian restaurants globally. Our version keeps the rich, buttery flavor and creamy texture but simplifies the steps so that it’s approachable for home cooks of all levels. Imagine juicy pieces of chicken simmered in a spiced tomato sauce, enriched with butter and cream, and finished with a touch of yogurt for smoothness. Paired with fluffy rice and warm naan bread, it’s a complete meal that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to prepare. This recipe is designed for busy families and food lovers alike—you’ll get all the flavor of a restaurant-style butter chicken without complicated techniques. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is sure to become a staple in your home.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Here’s everything you’ll need to make this comforting butter chicken:
Chicken
  • 1 ½ lbs Boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables & Aromatics
  • 6 Garlic cloves minced
  • 1 medium Onion finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • ¼ cup Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Condiments & Sauce Base
  • 1 15-ounce can Tomato sauce
Pantry Staples & Spices
  • ½ tsp Black pepper
  • ½ tsp Cayenne pepper adjust to spice preference
  • 1 tsp Curry powder
  • 1 tsp Garam masala
  • 1 tsp Sweet paprika
  • 2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Sugar
Oils & Dairy
  • 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 3 tbsp Butter
  • 1 tbsp Greek yogurt
  • 2 cups Heavy cream
Sides
  • Cooked rice to serve
  • Naan bread for dipping and scooping

Equipment

  • You don’t need a long list of tools to make butter chicken at home. Just a few kitchen essentials:
  • Large Skillet or Deep Pan (for cooking chicken and sauce)
  • Sharp Knife & Cutting Board (for prepping chicken and vegetables)
  • Measuring Spoons & Cups (for spices and liquids)
  • Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula (for stirring the sauce)
  • Medium Pot (for cooking rice)
  • Serving Bowls & Plates (for presenting with rice and naan)

Method
 

  1. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to create the perfect butter chicken:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
  1. Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks.
  2. Pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Prepare Aromatics
  1. Mince garlic cloves and finely chop the onion.
  2. Set aside parsley for garnish.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides (about 6–7 minutes).
  3. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté Onion and Garlic
  1. In the same skillet, add butter.
  2. Sauté onions until golden and soft (about 5 minutes).
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
  1. Add tomato sauce, curry powder, garam masala, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, sugar, and black pepper.
  2. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes to allow spices to bloom.
Step 6: Add Cream and Yogurt
  1. Lower heat to medium.
  2. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until fully incorporated.
  3. Add 1 tbsp Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
Step 7: Simmer with Chicken
  1. Return browned chicken to the skillet.
  2. Stir to coat chicken evenly in the sauce.
  3. Cover and let simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 8: Taste and Adjust
  1. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed (more salt for balance, cayenne for heat, sugar for sweetness).
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
  1. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the butter chicken.
  2. Serve hot with steamed rice and warm naan bread.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed.
🥄 Variations
Milder Butter Chicken: Reduce cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
Spicier Butter Chicken: Add chopped chili peppers or extra cayenne.
Healthier Option: Use chicken breast instead of thighs and light cream instead of heavy cream.
Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with paneer cubes or chickpeas.
Coconut Twist: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Herb Variation: Add cilantro instead of parsley for a more traditional flavor.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier and more tender.
2. What makes butter chicken different from chicken tikka masala?
Butter chicken is creamier and milder, while tikka masala is usually spicier and more tomato-forward.
3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Cook chicken with sauce ingredients on LOW for 4–5 hours, stir in cream and yogurt at the end.
4. Do I need Greek yogurt?
It adds creaminess but can be skipped or replaced with sour cream.
5. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned sauce?
Yes, but blend them into a puree first for smoothness.
6. How do I make this dish lighter?
Use light cream or half-and-half, and reduce butter.
7. What type of rice goes best?
Basmati rice is traditional, but jasmine or long-grain rice also work.
8. Can I freeze butter chicken with cream?
Yes, but thaw gently to prevent sauce from separating.
9. How can I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer uncovered longer, or add a spoonful of tomato paste.
10. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, butter chicken tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
🏁 Conclusion
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken brings rich restaurant flavors right to your table without complicated steps. With tender chicken simmered in a creamy tomato sauce and perfectly balanced spices, it’s a dish that pleases everyone—from spice lovers to those who prefer milder meals.
Paired with fluffy rice and soft naan bread, it becomes a complete, satisfying dinner perfect for family nights, gatherings, or even meal prep. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Cooking butter chicken at home not only saves money but also allows you to control the spice level and ingredients—making it a healthier and more customizable option than takeout. So grab your skillet, gather your spices, and let the magic of butter chicken bring warmth to your table tonight.