Homemade Butter Chicken
A Creamy, Comforting Dish in Just 45 Minutes
Craving takeout but want to cook at home? This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken brings all the bold flavors of the classic Indian favorite right to your kitchen—without hours of prep or complicated steps.
Juicy chunks of chicken are simmered in a velvety tomato-cream sauce infused with garam masala, ginger, garlic, and butter, giving you an authentic-tasting meal that’s perfect for weeknights or weekend indulgence.
Serve with fluffy rice or warm naan and get ready for a dish the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken Recipe
- Ready in under 1 hour – no need to marinate overnight
- Rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced
- Great for meal prep – tastes even better the next day
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Customizable spice level for kids or heat lovers
- Pairs beautifully with naan, basmati rice, or roti
- Freezer-friendly for future cravings
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Here’s everything you need for rich, restaurant-style butter chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or ghee)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce or pureed tomatoes
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving
How to Make Butter Chicken (Step-by-Step)
🔸 Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
Add garlic and ginger, and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
🔸 Step 2: Bloom the Spices
Add in your garam masala, cumin, chili powder, turmeric, paprika, and salt. Stir and toast the spices for 1 minute to bring out their aroma and depth of flavor.
🔸 Step 3: Add Chicken
Toss in the chicken pieces and stir to coat them well in the spice mix. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet).
🔸 Step 4: Add Tomato Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
🔸 Step 5: Stir in Cream and Yogurt
Add the heavy cream, yogurt (if using), and sugar to the pan. Stir until the sauce turns a rich orange color and becomes luxuriously creamy. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to come together.
🔸 Step 6: Taste and Finish
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too tangy, a little more sugar can help. Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or extra chili powder. Garnish with chopped cilantro just before serving.
What to Serve with Butter Chicken
This dish is all about comfort, so pair it with:
- Steamed basmati rice – perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce
- Homemade naan or store-bought flatbread
- Jeera rice (cumin rice) for a little extra flavor
- Roasted or sautéed veggies like green beans or cauliflower
- Raita or cucumber yogurt to cool things down
Tips & Variations
- Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken for paneer, tofu, or chickpeas
- Dairy-free? Use coconut milk and vegan butter
- Extra creamy? Add a tablespoon of cream cheese at the end
- Want deeper flavor? Marinate chicken in yogurt and spices overnight
- Use a blender: Blend the onion-tomato mixture before adding chicken for an ultra-smooth sauce
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing
- Meal prep: This butter chicken stores beautifully
- Fridge: Keeps for up to 4 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring often
Final Thoughts
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken proves that you don’t need a long ingredient list or hours of simmering to get authentic flavor. It’s creamy, comforting, and layered with just the right amount of spice. Perfect for busy nights, date night, or meal prep—it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again.
Get the rice going, warm the naan, and dig in. 🍛🧄🫓
