Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe That Amazes Every Time

Have you ever craved restaurant-quality butter chicken but thought it would take hours to make at home? I was in the same boat until a few years ago, when my busy weeknight dinner rotation desperately needed some excitement. That’s when I discovered this quick & easy homemade butter chicken recipe that changed everything. As a mom of two with a full-time job, finding dishes that feel special without consuming my entire evening is like striking gold.

This butter chicken has become our family’s Monday night tradition – a warm, fragrant start to the week that feels like a hug in a bowl. My kids, who once turned their noses up at anything with “too many spices,” now request this dish by name. Even my husband, who grew up eating authentic Indian cuisine, gives this simplified version his stamp of approval.

What makes this recipe special isn’t just the rich, creamy tomato sauce or the tender chicken pieces – it’s how accessible it makes a seemingly complex dish. Let’s dive into how you can create this quick & easy homemade butter chicken in your kitchen tonight!

Ingredients for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Quick & easy homemade butter chicken starts with quality ingredients that blend together to create that signature creamy, aromatic sauce. You’ll need:

For the chicken marinade:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the sauce:

• 3 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup water (if needed)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Don’t have yogurt on hand? Sour cream works in a pinch. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream can replace heavy cream for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile. The beauty of this butter chicken recipe is its flexibility – you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper.

Timing

• Prep time: 15 minutes (including marinating)
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

This quick & easy homemade butter chicken comes together in about half the time of traditional versions, which often require marinating overnight and simmering for hours. Perfect for weeknight cooking when time is precious!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and all the marinade spices.
2. Add chicken pieces and mix until thoroughly coated.
3. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prep other ingredients (or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator if you’re planning ahead).

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Heat ghee or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onions and sauté until soft and translucent (about 4-5 minutes).
3. Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).
4. Stir in all the sauce spices and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
5. Pour in tomato sauce, stirring to combine with the spices. Let simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Add marinated chicken pieces to the sauce, including any excess marinade.
2. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
3. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and sugar.
4. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. If too thick, add a splash of water.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Pro tip: Don’t rush the onions! Properly sautéed onions create the foundation for this quick & easy homemade butter chicken. They should be soft and slightly golden before adding the other ingredients.

Nutritional Information

One serving of this quick & easy homemade butter chicken (approximately 1 cup) contains:

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 2g

The protein from chicken helps keep you satisfied, while the ginger and garlic offer anti-inflammatory benefits. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to reduce fat content while maintaining creaminess.

Equipment Needed for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Making this quick & easy homemade butter chicken doesn’t require any fancy equipment:

• Large skillet or sauté pan (with lid)
• Mixing bowl for marinating
• Sharp knife for cutting chicken
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

If you have an Instant Pot, you can adapt this recipe by using the sauté function for the initial steps, then pressure cooking the chicken with the sauce for 5 minutes with a quick release. The result is equally delicious with even less active cooking time!

Why You’ll Love This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

There are countless reasons why this butter chicken recipe has become a staple in my household:

• Restaurant-quality flavor in half the time of traditional recipes
• Uses mostly pantry staples you likely already have
• Perfect for meal prep—it actually tastes better the next day!
• Kid-friendly but sophisticated enough for dinner parties
• Versatile base that can be customized to your spice preference
• One-pan cooking means minimal cleanup
• Much more affordable than takeout

My neighbor Julie tried this recipe last month and texted me at 9 PM: “I can’t believe I made butter chicken that tastes this good on a Monday night!” That’s exactly why I love sharing this quick & easy homemade butter chicken recipe—it brings that moment of culinary triumph to even the busiest home cooks.

Healthier Alternatives for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

This quick & easy homemade butter chicken can be adapted to fit various dietary needs:

For lighter versions:

• Substitute boneless, skinless chicken breast for the thighs
• Use light coconut milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream
• Replace ghee with olive oil or coconut oil
• Reduce sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey

For dietary restrictions:

• Dairy-free: Use coconut oil instead of ghee and full-fat coconut milk instead of cream
• Paleo/Whole30: Skip the sugar and use compliant substitutes for dairy
• Lower-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice

My sister follows a dairy-free diet and says the coconut milk version is actually her favorite way to enjoy this quick & easy homemade butter chicken!

Serving Suggestions for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

This quick & easy homemade butter chicken pairs beautifully with:

• Fluffy basmati rice or jeera (cumin) rice
• Warm naan bread for sopping up the delicious sauce
• Cooling cucumber raita on the side
• Simple steamed vegetables like cauliflower or peas
• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette

For a complete Indian-inspired feast, serve alongside our popular chana masala recipe and some quick pickled onions.

During summer months, I love adding a side of grilled vegetables brushed with a little of the same spice mixture. In winter, a warming cup of chai tea makes the perfect end to this meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Even a simple recipe like this quick & easy homemade butter chicken has a few potential pitfalls:

• Using cold chicken straight from the refrigerator—let it come to room temperature for more even cooking
• Overcrowding the pan when cooking the chicken, which causes steaming rather than browning
• Adding cream to a boiling sauce, which can cause curdling (always reduce heat first)
• Skipping the sugar, which balances the acidity of the tomatoes
• Using old spices that have lost their potency—this dish really shines with fresh, aromatic spices

I learned the hard way about overcrowding the pan during a dinner party attempt. The chicken took forever to cook and never developed that beautiful caramelization. Now I cook in batches if needed, and the difference in flavor is remarkable!

Storing Tips for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

This quick & easy homemade butter chicken actually improves with time as the flavors meld together:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The sauce may thicken in the fridge—just add a splash of water when reheating.
• Freezing: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

I often make a double batch of this quick & easy homemade butter chicken specifically for freezing. There’s nothing better than discovering a container of homemade butter chicken in the freezer on a busy weeknight!

Conclusion

This quick & easy homemade butter chicken has become more than just a recipe in my household—it’s a solution to the eternal question: “How can I make something special when I don’t have much time?” The aromatic spices, creamy sauce, and tender chicken create a dish that feels like it should have taken hours, not minutes.

What I love most about sharing this quick & easy homemade butter chicken recipe is seeing friends and family discover that cooking Indian cuisine at home isn’t as intimidating as they thought. It’s a gateway dish that builds confidence in the kitchen while delivering incredible flavor.

I’d love to hear how this recipe works for you! Leave a comment below or tag @HarmonyMeal on social media with your butter chicken creations. And if you enjoy this dish, you might also love our 30-minute weeknight curry collection for more simple, flavorful recipes.

FAQs About Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

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