How to Make Homemade Butter Chicken in 30 Minutes

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your family? If you’re like me, you love quick family dinners that don’t skimp on flavor. Today, I’m excited to share my Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe that you can whip up in just 30 minutes! This dish is perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, it pairs beautifully with naan bread and steamed rice, making it a complete meal that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for 30-minute meals.
• Rich, creamy sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
• Uses simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
• Great for family dinners or impressing your boyfriend with a delicious homemade meal.
• Can be easily adjusted for spice levels to suit your family’s taste.

Ingredients

To make this delightful butter chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• ½ teaspoon curry powder
• 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
• 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 for heat)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon curry powder
• ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Naan bread
• Steamed rice

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Now, let’s dive into the cooking process! Follow these simple steps to create your homemade butter chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well and let it marinate for about 10 minutes.
2. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Finally, stir in the garam masala and additional curry powder. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
7. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your butter chicken turns out perfectly:

• For a richer flavor, let the chicken marinate for longer if you have the time.
• Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or peas for extra nutrition and color.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper or add some chopped green chilies.
• Pair this dish with garlic herb roasted veggies for a complete meal.

How to Serve

This butter chicken is best served hot, straight from the skillet! I love to serve it with warm naan bread for dipping and a side of steamed rice to soak up that delicious creamy sauce. It’s a meal that kids love and is perfect for family of four dinner ideas. You can also make it a romantic dinner by serving it with a glass of your favorite wine!

Make Ahead and Storage

If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can marinate the chicken a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. This dish also freezes well, making it a great option for easy weeknight dinners for one or ready chicken recipes when you need a quick meal.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and let’s make this delicious butter chicken together! And if you’re in the mood for something sweet afterward, don’t forget to check out my recipe for Coconut Cake with Pineapple Filling: A Tropical Delight for Your Table. Happy cooking!

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

A flavorful and creamy butter chicken made quickly at home, perfect for a comforting meal.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients

  

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Protein

• 1.5 pounds skinless (boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks)

Spices & Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon curry powder

Dairy & Oils

• 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons butter (divided)

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 6 garlic cloves minced garlic
• 1 medium onion (diced)

Canned & Jarred Goods

• 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Dairy

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala

Garnish & Extras

• ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Sides

• Naan bread
• Steamed rice

Instructions

 

• Sauté onions and garlic in butter until translucent.
• Add spices and cook for 1 minute.
• Stir in tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper; simmer for 10 minutes.
• Add chicken and cook until done, then stir in heavy cream and garam masala.
• Garnish with parsley and serve with naan and rice.

Notes

For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSodium: 900mg

Keyword Butter Chicken

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