Easy Homemade Butter Chicken | Quick Dinner, Big Flavor

Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is your weeknight dinner hero in disguise. Rich, creamy, and bursting with warm spices, this comfort food classic somehow walks the tightrope of being wildly flavorful and yet shockingly easy to throw together. Whether you’re juggling after-school chaos or clocking out of a Zoom marathon, Easy Homemade Butter Chicken gives you restaurant vibes without the takeout guilt—or price tag. With the primary keyword “Easy Homemade Butter Chicken” baked into the name and nestled in this intro, let’s talk about why this chicken dish is ready to be your next go-to dinner.

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What is Easy Homemade Butter Chicken?

So what exactly is Easy Homemade Butter Chicken? It’s a cozy Indian-inspired dish that stars tender marinated chicken cooked in a silky tomato-cream sauce with just the right balance of spices. Think of it as the cooler, creamier cousin to your typical chicken curry—but way less fussy. Traditionally called Murgh Makhani in India, it’s often a slow-cooked dish.

But this homemade version skips the long prep and gives you all the rich flavor in under an hour. We’re talking juicy chicken thighs, garlic, butter, tomato sauce, cream, and a gentle kick of spice that won’t set your mouth on fire (unless you want it to). It’s got that “hug in a bowl” energy—and yes, it tastes even better when mopped up with some naan or spooned over fluffy rice.

Reasons to Try Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Let’s be honest, dinner can feel like a daily episode of Chopped—what’s in the fridge, what can I make fast, and who’s going to complain about it? Enter Easy Homemade Butter Chicken. Here’s why this one’s worth a spot in your meal rotation: First, it’s incredibly forgiving. No tandoor oven? No problem. You get bold flavor with pantry spices and one pan.

Second, it’s picky-eater approved. The creamy texture and mellow heat make it family-friendly (you can dial the spice up or down). Third, cleanup is minimal—hello, one-skillet magic! And finally, it reheats like a dream, so it’s perfect for leftovers or meal prep. Need more ideas for low-effort comfort meals? Check out our Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta or Creamy Dill Pierogi Soup next!

Ingredients Needed to Make Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

For the Chicken & Marinade:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (bite-sized)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• ½ teaspoon curry powder
• 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon curry powder
• ¼ cup chopped parsley (optional)

To Serve:

• Naan bread
• Steamed rice

Instructions to Make Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Ready to turn some basic pantry staples into a dinner that feels like a warm hug? Let’s go step by step. You can also refer to our step-by-step video recipes if you’re more of a visual learner.

Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, toss together the chicken, salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and yogurt. Use your hands or a spoon—whatever’s less messy—to coat every piece. Let it sit for 15 minutes. This step lets the flavors sink into the meat while you get the rest going.

Cook the Chicken

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want golden edges and cooked-through bites. Scoop the chicken out and set it aside, but don’t clean the pan—those bits stuck to the bottom are flavor gold.

Sauté the Garlic and Onion

Reduce the heat to medium. Toss a tablespoon of butter into the same pan and let it melt. Add garlic and onion with a pinch of salt. Stir and scrape up those golden bits. Let everything cook down until soft and fragrant—about 5 minutes.

Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar. Let that bubble gently for 2–3 minutes. Then return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the heavy cream. Stir slowly, watching the sauce transform into that dreamy orange-pink color.

Spice and Simmer

Add cayenne (if you like heat), garam masala, curry powder, black pepper, and a touch more salt if needed. Let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. This is where the magic happens—everything melds into a creamy, flavorful sauce.

Finish with Butter

Toss in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter and let it melt for that glossy, rich finish. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy—or just dive in!

What to Serve with Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

This dish is a texture lover’s dream, so you’ll want something soft and scoopable on the side. Steamed basmati rice is the classic choice—light and fluffy to soak up every drop of that buttery sauce. But let’s not forget naan. Tear it, swipe it, repeat. Want something a little different? Try it with garlic mashed potatoes or a side of roasted veggies. Craving a lighter pairing? A simple cucumber salad with lemon juice and mint gives you a refreshing break from the richness. And for a cozy dinner spread, add something like our Butternut Squash & Garlic Herb Steak Bowls to the table for variety.

Key Tips for Making Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

• Use chicken thighs. They stay juicy and flavorful—no dry chicken here.
• Don’t skip the marinate. Even 15 minutes helps infuse flavor.
• Control the heat. Cayenne is totally optional, so customize it for your crew.
• Tomato sauce vs. crushed tomatoes? Stick with sauce for a smoother, creamier texture.
• Simmer low and slow. Once you add the cream, avoid boiling or the sauce might split.
• Want it thicker? Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with ⅓ cup water and stir it in near the end.

Storage and Reheating Tips Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This dish keeps well and tastes even better the next day. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. Microwave also works—just cover it and stir halfway through. Want to freeze it? Let it cool completely first, then store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Pro tip: portion it out for quick work lunches! When reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge or warm gently on the stove.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Sure! But breasts can dry out quickly, so be careful not to overcook them.
Is this super spicy? Nope. It’s flavorful but mild. You control the heat with cayenne.
Can I make it dairy-free? Yes! Use coconut milk or cashew cream in place of heavy cream and plant-based butter.
Can I make this ahead? Definitely! It actually gets better as it sits. Make it a day ahead and just reheat when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wildly satisfying about making Easy Homemade Butter Chicken at home. It’s quick, comforting, and tastes like you’ve been simmering all day—even if you whipped it up in under an hour. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to spice up your meal plan, this dish brings big flavor with little effort. And if you’re hungry for more cozy chicken recipes, don’t miss our High-Protein White Chicken Chili or Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini. Now go grab that naan and dive in.

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