Name: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tbsp plain yogurt or Greek yogurt (optional, for quick marinade); 1 tsp minced garlic; 1 tsp grated fresh ginger; 1 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp oil or butter (for cooking chicken); 3 tbsp butter (for sauce); 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp grated ginger (or fresh); 1 ¾ cups tomato puree or crushed tomatoes; ¾ cup heavy cream or coconut milk; 1 tsp ground turmeric; ½ tsp ground cumin (additional, for sauce); ½ tsp paprika (additional, for sauce); 1–2 tsp sugar or honey (to balance acidity); Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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Quick & easy homemade butter chicken is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish that I can make right at home in under 30 minutes. Tender pieces of chicken are simmered in a buttery tomato-based sauce, seasoned with warm Indian spices, and finished with cream for that signature velvety texture. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights when I want something satisfying without the takeout.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me restaurant-style flavor without the long cooking time or complicated prep. The chicken stays tender and juicy, and the sauce is smooth, spiced just right, and incredibly comforting. It pairs perfectly with rice or naan, and it’s easy to scale up for meal prep or leftovers. Plus, I can control the ingredients, making it lighter or spicier to fit my mood. Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Plain yogurt or Greek yogurt (optional for quick marinade)
Garlic (minced)
Ginger (grated)
Garam masala
Ground cumin
Paprika
Salt and pepper
Oil or butter (for cooking)

For the butter chicken sauce:

Butter
Onion (finely chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Fresh ginger
Tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
Heavy cream or coconut milk
Garam masala
Ground turmeric
Ground cumin
Paprika
Sugar or honey (to balance acidity)
Salt and pepper
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Directions

I start by seasoning the chicken with yogurt, garlic, ginger, and spices (if I have time to marinate, even 15 minutes helps).
In a large skillet, I heat oil or butter and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, then remove it and set it aside.
In the same pan, I melt butter and sauté onions until soft, then add garlic and ginger.
I stir in the spices and cook until fragrant, then pour in the tomato puree and let it simmer to deepen the flavor.
I add cream and a little sugar, season to taste, and let the sauce thicken slightly.
I return the cooked chicken to the pan, stir to coat it in the sauce, and simmer everything together for a few more minutes.
I garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over rice or with naan.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

I swap cream for coconut milk to make it dairy-free and slightly lighter.
For extra spice, I add cayenne or a chopped chili when cooking the sauce.
I use tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
I’ve made it in the Instant Pot for an even quicker method—everything cooks in one pot.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
It also freezes well—I let it cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months. I thaw overnight and reheat with a splash of cream or broth to freshen it up. Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

FAQs

Can I make this without cream?

Yes, I use coconut milk or cashew cream when I want a dairy-free version. It’s still rich and flavorful.

What cut of chicken works best?

I prefer boneless thighs for juicier meat, but chicken breast works just as well if I don’t overcook it.

Is this spicy?

It’s mildly spiced, not hot. I adjust the heat by adding or skipping chili powder or cayenne based on who I’m cooking for.

Can I use store-bought butter chicken sauce?

Yes, but I love making it from scratch because it tastes fresher and lets me control the ingredients.

What do I serve with butter chicken?

I usually pair it with basmati rice, naan, or roti. A simple cucumber salad or steamed veggies make great sides too.

Conclusion

Quick & easy homemade butter chicken is one of those recipes I turn to again and again. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, all without needing hours in the kitchen. Whether I’m cooking for a family dinner or prepping lunch for the week, it’s always a hit. Once I started making it at home, I never looked back.