Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken: Creamy, Flavorful, and Comforting

Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is one of the most beloved dishes in Indian cuisine worldwide. This rich, creamy, and aromatic chicken curry features tender pieces of chicken simmered in a luscious tomato and butter sauce infused with warm spices. The combination of creamy textures, subtle tang, and balanced heat makes it a favorite for both casual meals and special occasions.

Traditionally, butter chicken is a slow-cooked dish, but with this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe, you can bring those authentic flavors to your table in less than an hour. Using simple ingredients like boneless chicken thighs, yogurt for tenderizing, and a fragrant blend of spices, you can make a comforting curry perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Whether served over fluffy steamed rice or with warm, pillowy naan bread, this dish delivers a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress family and friends. Let’s explore how to make this classic Indian comfort food at home with ease and confidence.

The Origins of Butter Chicken

Butter chicken originated in the 1950s in Delhi, India, when chefs at the Moti Mahal restaurant wanted to find a way to reuse leftover tandoori chicken. They simmered the cooked chicken in a tomato-based gravy rich with butter and cream, creating a dish that soon became an international sensation. Today, butter chicken remains a staple in Indian restaurants and home kitchens alike.

This recipe pays homage to those roots while streamlining the process for modern home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

Ingredients Breakdown and Why They Matter

Chicken & Marinade

• Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are preferred for butter chicken because of their natural juiciness and tenderness. The higher fat content keeps the meat moist during cooking, resulting in tender bites that soak up the sauce beautifully. While chicken breasts can be used, they tend to dry out faster.
• Greek yogurt: This not only adds flavor but acts as a tenderizer, breaking down muscle fibers for soft chicken. It also helps the spices stick to the meat.
• Salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder: These spices build the foundation of flavor in the marinade, giving the chicken a subtle smoky, savory, and mildly spiced profile before it even hits the pan.

Butter Chicken Sauce

• Vegetable oil and butter: A combination that provides a balanced fat base; oil prevents butter from burning and helps sauté the aromatics evenly.
• Garlic and onion: The essential aromatics form the flavor base, sautéed until golden and fragrant.
• Tomato sauce: Provides acidity and sweetness to the sauce. It simulates the traditional use of fresh tomatoes and cream but in a more convenient canned form.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomato sauce and deepens the overall flavor.
• Heavy cream: The key to the rich, velvety texture that defines butter chicken.
• Spices (garam masala, curry powder, cayenne, black pepper): These bring warmth, complexity, and a subtle heat to the dish. Garam masala, in particular, is a blend of ground spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and cumin, crucial for authentic flavor.
• Parsley (optional): A fresh garnish that adds color and a slight herbaceous note.

To Serve

• Naan bread and steamed rice: Classic accompaniments that help soak up the creamy sauce and complete the meal.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken thigh pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well, coating all the chicken evenly. Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, preferably longer (up to overnight) in the fridge. The yogurt tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or heavy-bottom pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces, spreading them in a single layer. Sear until golden and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Reduce the heat to medium. In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion softens and turns translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. These aromatics create a flavorful base for the sauce.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and stir well to combine with the aromatics. Add sugar, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder. Stir thoroughly and simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Add Cream and Butter

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream along with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is rich and creamy.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the browned chicken to the pan, stirring to coat it in the creamy sauce. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors and ensure the chicken is heated through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve immediately with warm naan bread and steamed rice for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Best Butter Chicken at Home

• Marinate for maximum flavor: Even a short 15-minute marinade improves tenderness and depth. Overnight is ideal.
• Use chicken thighs: They stay juicy and absorb the sauce better than breasts.
• Adjust the heat: Control the spice level by modifying or omitting cayenne pepper.
• Simmer gently: Avoid boiling once cream is added to prevent curdling and keep the sauce silky.
• Make ahead: Butter chicken tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
• Blend for smoothness: For an ultra-smooth sauce, blend the tomato-onion base before adding cream.

Variations to Try

• Vegetarian: Swap chicken for paneer or tofu cubes, cook similarly.
• Coconut cream: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version with a subtle coconut flavor.
• Extra smoky: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or grill the chicken pieces before adding to the sauce.
• Spicy twist: Add chopped fresh chilies or a dash of chili powder to increase heat.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic butter chicken pairs perfectly with fragrant basmati rice or soft naan bread.
• Accompany with a side of cucumber raita to cool the palate.
• Serve alongside sautéed greens or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, but chicken breasts can dry out faster. If using breasts, cut into uniform pieces and avoid overcooking.

Q: How long can I store leftover butter chicken?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

Q: Can I freeze butter chicken?
A: Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Q: What is garam masala?
A: Garam masala is a fragrant blend of ground spices commonly used in Indian cooking. It typically includes cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, cumin, coriander, and peppercorns.

Q: How do I make the sauce less spicy?
A: Reduce or omit cayenne pepper and use mild paprika instead of smoked or hot varieties.

Conclusion

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe captures the rich, comforting essence of classic Indian cuisine in a simple, accessible way. Using tender marinated chicken thighs simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce, you can enjoy authentic flavor with minimal effort.

Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this butter chicken pairs beautifully with naan bread and steamed rice to create a hearty, satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply craving a delicious curry, this recipe delivers warmth, indulgence, and unforgettable taste every time.

Give this recipe a try and experience the joy of homemade butter chicken fast, flavorful, and absolutely delicious.

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