Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in this quick & easy homemade butter chicken?

Yes! Chicken breasts work well in this recipe but cook slightly faster than thighs. Reduce the cooking time by 1–2 minutes and be careful not to overcook, which can cause dryness. Thighs tend to stay juicier, but breasts make a leaner option.

Is butter chicken spicy?

Butter chicken is traditionally mild to medium in spice. This recipe uses cayenne pepper for adjustable heat—start with 1/4 teaspoon and increase to taste. For a completely mild version, omit the cayenne and serve hot sauce on the side.

Can I make quick & easy homemade butter chicken ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, this dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if needed.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Great substitutes include half-and-half, coconut milk, or a blend of milk and a teaspoon of flour to thicken. These alternatives reduce the fat content or make the dish dairy-free while still delivering creamy texture.

How do I thicken butter chicken sauce if it’s too runny?

Let the sauce simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce naturally. Alternatively, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the sauce. Simmer until it reaches the desired consistency.

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe That Amazes Every Time 2025

Name: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe That Amazes Every Time
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Ingredients: For the chicken marinade:; 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1/2 cup plain yogurt; 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

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe That Amazes Every Time

Print Recipe

This quick & easy homemade butter chicken is your shortcut to restaurant-quality flavor in under 35 minutes. Creamy, aromatic, and endlessly comforting, it’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or impressive weekend dinners.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Indian-Inspired

Ingredients

Scale

For the chicken marinade:
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup plain yogurt
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

Instructions

In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and spices. Add chicken and coat well. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
Heat ghee in a skillet. Sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and ginger; cook until fragrant.
Stir in coriander, garam masala, cumin, and cayenne. Cook for 30 seconds. Add tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
Add chicken with marinade. Cook 8–10 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
Reduce heat and stir in cream and sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add water if sauce is too thick. Season to taste.
Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.

Notes

Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or half-and-half for a lighter version. Use chicken breast for a leaner cut. Perfect with basmati rice, naan, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 420
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 540mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: easy butter chicken, weeknight Indian recipe, creamy chicken curry, 30-minute Indian dinner

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/quick-easy-homemade-butter-chicken/