Delicious Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe: Are you ready to dive into one of the most beloved and incredibly satisfying dishes that promises to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of India?

I know I am! This iconic North Indian curry, known for its lusciously creamy tomato-based sauce and tender pieces of marinated chicken, has captured the hearts of food lovers worldwide. Originating in Delhi in the mid-20th century, Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, quickly became a culinary sensation. It stands out due to its milder, richer profile compared to other spicier curries, making it a universal favorite. Its irresistible blend of aromatic spices, tangy tomatoes, and the decadent richness of butter and cream creates an unparalleled comfort food experience that truly warms the soul.

I understand the desire for that authentic, restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen, but without the hours of effort often associated with traditional Indian cooking. That’s why I am so excited to share what I believe is the ultimate Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. You’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can recreate this culinary masterpiece, perfect for a busy weeknight yet impressive enough for guests. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with a dish that’s bursting with flavor, incredibly comforting, and surprisingly simple to prepare!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken Marinade:
  • 700g (about 1.5 lbs) Boneless Chicken Thighs or Breast: Cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. I personally prefer thighs for their tenderness, but breast works beautifully too for this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe.
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) Plain Greek Yogurt: Or regular plain yogurt, make sure it’s not sweetened. This tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
  • 2 tablespoons Ginger-Garlic Paste: You can make your own by blending equal parts fresh ginger and garlic, or use a good quality store-bought one.
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder: For color and its earthy notes.
  • 1.5 teaspoons Red Chili Powder: Adjust to your spice preference. Kashmiri red chili powder gives a vibrant red color without excessive heat.
  • 1 teaspoon Garam Masala: A key spice blend for that authentic Indian flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin: Adds warmth and depth.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander: Provides a citrusy, earthy note.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt: Or to taste.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice: Helps to tenderize and brighten the flavors.
• For the Butter Chicken Gravy:
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: Essential for the name and the richness!
  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (or Ghee): For cooking the aromatics without burning the butter.
  • 1 large Onion: Finely chopped, about 1.5 cups.
  • 1.5 tablespoons Ginger-Garlic Paste: Fresh is always best for the gravy.
  • 1.5 teaspoons Ground Cumin: For the gravy base.
  • 1.5 teaspoons Ground Coriander: For the gravy base.
  • 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder: Again, adjust to your preference.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Powder: A touch more for color and health benefits.
  • 1 teaspoon Garam Masala: We’ll add this at a few stages for layered flavor.
  • 1 can (28 ounces / 794g) Crushed Tomatoes: Or about 3-4 large fresh ripe tomatoes, pureed. I find canned crushed tomatoes offer consistent flavor and texture.
  • 1/2 cup (70g) Raw Cashews: Soaked in hot water for 15-20 minutes, then drained. This is my secret for that incredibly creamy, rich texture without adding a ton of extra cream initially.
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) Water or Chicken Broth: For blending the gravy.
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar: To balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance the sweetness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Or to taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kasoori Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves): Crushed between your palms just before adding. This imparts a unique, slightly bitter, yet aromatic finish that defines Butter Chicken. Do not skip this!
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) Heavy Cream (or Double Cream): For the final luxurious touch.
• For Garnish (Optional but Recommended):
  • Fresh Cilantro: Roughly chopped.
  • A swirl of Heavy Cream: For that beautiful presentation.

Phase 1: Preparing the Chicken and its Flavorful Marinade

The first step in creating our Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is to ensure our chicken is as flavorful and tender as possible. This marinade does wonders!

1. Prepare the Chicken: If you haven’t already, take your boneless chicken thighs or breast and cut them into uniform 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Uniform pieces ensure even cooking, which is crucial. Place the chicken pieces into a large mixing bowl.
2. Combine Marinade Ingredients: To the bowl with the chicken, add the Greek yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and lemon juice.
3. Marinate Thoroughly: Using your hands (I find this is the best way to ensure everything is well coated), mix all the ingredients with the chicken until every piece is evenly covered in the vibrant marinade. This is where the magic truly begins to happen for a tender, flavorful chicken.
4. Refrigerate for Flavor Infusion: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the best results and deepest flavor penetration, I highly recommend marinating for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight (up to 12-18 hours). The longer it marinates, the more tender and succulent your chicken will be, contributing immensely to a fantastic Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken.
5. Cook the Marinated Chicken: When you’re ready to cook, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (or ghee) in a large non-stick pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You might need to cook the chicken in two or three batches to avoid steaming it.
6. Sear for Flavor and Texture: Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it’s nicely browned and slightly charred on the edges. This searing adds a wonderful depth of flavor and creates a beautiful texture that contrasts with the creamy gravy. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the gravy. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

   Quick Tip for Juicy Chicken:

   Don’t overcook the chicken during this initial searing phase. We’re looking for good color and some surface caramelization. It will simmer in the gravy later, ensuring it remains incredibly juicy and tender.

Phase 2: Crafting the Rich and Silky Tomato Gravy Base

This is where our Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe truly takes shape. The gravy is the heart of the dish, and achieving that smooth, restaurant-quality texture is easier than you think.

7. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan (no need to clean it, those browned bits are flavor!), add the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the butter has melted and is shimmering, add the finely chopped onions. Sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes, or until the onions are beautifully golden brown and softened. Patience here is key! Well-caramelized onions lay a sweet, fundamental base for the gravy.
8. Introduce Ginger-Garlic Paste: Add the 1.5 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste to the pan. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until its raw aroma disappears. You’ll notice a beautiful fragrance filling your kitchen.
9. Bloom the Dry Spices: Reduce the heat to low-medium. Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and 1 teaspoon of garam masala to the pan. Stir for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom in the hot oil. This process enhances their flavor profile significantly. Be careful not to burn them!
10. Add Tomatoes and Cashews: Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Now, add the soaked and drained cashews. The cashews are a game-changer for the ultimate creamy consistency without an overpowering nut flavor.
11. Simmer and Develop Flavors: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally. This allows the tomatoes to break down completely, for the flavors to meld, and for the raw taste of the tomatoes to disappear. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil starts to separate from the mixture at the edges.

    Why Cashews are Crucial for Texture:

    The cashews, once blended, create an incredible thickness and richness that heavy cream alone can’t replicate without making the dish feel overly greasy. They are fundamental to that luxurious mouthfeel we associate with a great Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken.

12. Blend for Silky Smoothness: Carefully transfer the entire contents of the pan to a blender. Add 1/2 cup of water or chicken broth. Blend until the mixture is incredibly smooth and creamy, with no visible bits of onion or cashews remaining. This might take 2-3 minutes, so be patient and blend in batches if your blender is smaller.
13. Strain for Perfection (Optional but Recommended): For that truly restaurant-quality, velvety smooth gravy, I highly recommend straining the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve back into the clean pan. Use a spoon or spatula to push the gravy through, discarding any fibrous residue left behind. This extra step ensures a perfectly luxurious texture for your Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken.

Phase 3: Bringing it All Together for Your Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

We’re in the final stretch! Now, we’ll combine all the components to create that luscious, rich, and utterly delicious Butter Chicken you’ve been craving.

14. Return Gravy to Pan and Season: Place the pan with the strained gravy back on medium-low heat. Add the sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt (or to taste). Stir well to incorporate.
15. Add the Cooked Chicken: Gently add the previously seared chicken pieces to the simmering gravy. Stir to coat the chicken thoroughly.
16. Simmer to Finish Cooking: Cover the pan and let the chicken simmer in the gravy for another 10-15 minutes. This allows the chicken to finish cooking through and absorb all the beautiful flavors of the gravy. The chicken will become incredibly tender.
17. Incorporate Kasoori Methi and Cream: After the simmering time, remove the lid. Take the 1/2 teaspoon of kasoori methi and crush it between your palms directly over the pan. This releases its unique, aromatic oils. Stir it into the gravy. Then, pour in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Stir gently until the cream is fully incorporated and the gravy takes on a beautiful, pale orange hue. Do not boil the gravy vigorously after adding cream, as it can curdle. Just heat through.

    The Magic of Kasoori Methi:

    Kasoori Methi is a secret ingredient for authentic Indian taste. Its slightly bitter, yet incredibly fragrant aroma is what distinguishes Butter Chicken from other creamy curries. Always crush it between your palms before adding to release its full potential.

18. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Give your Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken a final taste test. Adjust salt, sugar, or chili powder if needed. Sometimes a little extra pinch of garam masala at this stage can also brighten the flavors.
19. Garnish and Serve: Ladle your glorious Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken into serving bowls. Garnish generously with freshly chopped cilantro and, if desired, a beautiful swirl of extra heavy cream.

Serving Suggestions for Your Perfect Butter Chicken:

This Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is an absolute showstopper on its own, but it truly shines when served with the right accompaniments. I love to serve it with:

• Warm Basmati Rice: Fluffy, aromatic basmati rice is the perfect canvas to soak up every drop of that rich, creamy gravy.
• Garlic Naan or Roti: Freshly baked naan or soft roti are excellent for scooping up the chicken and gravy. The slight chewiness and flavor of the bread are a fantastic contrast.
• Cucumber Raita: A cooling cucumber raita (yogurt dip) helps balance the richness of the curry.
• Simple Green Salad: A light, fresh salad can also provide a refreshing counterpoint to the indulgent flavors.

Enjoy every spoonful of this incredibly flavorful and satisfying Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken. It’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal, and I promise you’ll be making it again and again!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! I truly hope you’re as excited as I am about trying this phenomenal recipe. I believe with all my heart that this isn’t just another dish; it’s an experience that brings the soulful, aromatic flavors of a beloved Indian classic right into your home, without any of the fuss you might associate with such a rich and complex meal. What truly makes this recipe a must-try, in my opinion, is its remarkable ability to deliver an authentic, restaurant-quality taste profile with astonishing simplicity. You’ll be amazed at how quickly those layers of sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy notes come together in a velvety, luxurious sauce that perfectly coats the tender chicken pieces.

I know many home cooks might feel intimidated by Indian cuisine, but this particular approach strips away all the complexity, leaving you with a straightforward process that guarantees delicious results every single time. It’s about more than just the taste; it’s about the joy of creating something truly special with your own hands, something that will undoubtedly impress your family and friends. The vibrant color, the intoxicating aroma that fills your kitchen, and that first, satisfying spoonful – these are the moments I live for, and I genuinely want you to experience them too.

Now, let’s talk about how to best enjoy your culinary masterpiece! While this dish is incredibly satisfying all on its own, pairing it with the right accompaniments truly elevates the experience. My absolute favorite way to serve this butter chicken is alongside a generous helping of light, fluffy basmati rice, which does an excellent job of soaking up every last drop of that delectable sauce. Warm, freshly made naan bread is another non-negotiable for me; tearing off a piece and scooping up the creamy chicken is a pure delight. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving it with some crispy paratha or even a simple roti. To cut through the richness and add a refreshing contrast, a side of cooling cucumber raita or a simple kachumber salad (diced cucumber, tomato, and onion with a squeeze of lemon) works wonders. For those who enjoy a little extra freshness, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro just before serving adds a beautiful pop of color and a lovely herbaceous note.

Don’t be afraid to experiment a little either! If you prefer your butter chicken with a bit more heat, feel free to add an extra pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped green chili to the sauce. For a slightly different texture, you could try grilling the chicken pieces first, imparting a smoky flavor before adding them to the sauce. And while this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe focuses on chicken, the sauce itself is so versatile. You could easily substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cheese) for a vegetarian version, or even add some cooked chickpeas and mixed vegetables like peas or spinach for a hearty, plant-forward meal. The possibilities are truly endless, and I encourage you to make this recipe your own!

So, what are you waiting for? I’m genuinely excited for you to dive into your kitchen and give this incredible recipe a try. You’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can recreate the magic of a restaurant favorite right in your own home. It’s a fantastic way to impress your loved ones, or simply treat yourself to a comforting and flavorful meal. Once you’ve whipped up your own batch and savored every delicious bite, I would absolutely adore hearing about your experience! Please, share your culinary adventures, your photos, and any creative twists you’ve added. Your feedback and stories inspire me, and I can’t wait to see how this recipe brings warmth and joy to your table. Happy cooking!

Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

A quick and easy homemade Butter Chicken recipe featuring tender marinated chicken in a lusciously creamy, tomato-based sauce. Perfect for a delicious weeknight meal.

Prep Time
45 Minutes

Cook Time
50 Minutes

Total Time
35 Minutes

Servings
4 servings

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1 tsp salt (for chicken)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 0.5 tsp curry powder
• 1 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 tbsp butter, divided
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 15-oz can tomato sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt (for sauce, adjust to taste)
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups heavy cream

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Cut 1.5 lbs chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks. In a bowl, combine chicken with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp sweet paprika, 0.5 tsp curry powder, and 1 tbsp Greek yogurt. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours refrigerated.
2. Step 2
   Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken in batches and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Step 3
   In the same pan, melt 1.5 tbsp butter. Add 1 diced medium onion and sauté for 8-10 minutes until golden brown. Add 6 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Step 4
   Stir in 1 15-oz can tomato sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste), and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
5. Step 5
   Add the seared chicken to the simmering gravy. Stir in 2 cups heavy cream and the remaining 1.5 tbsp butter. Heat through gently, ensuring not to boil vigorously. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Step 6
   Ladle your Butter Chicken into serving bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot with warm Basmati rice or naan.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.