Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Name: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; 1 teaspoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon coriander; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; 1 can (15 oz) tomato puree; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Transform your dinner routine with this delectable Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe. Creamy, rich, and bursting with flavor, this dish features tender chicken thighs simmered in a luscious tomato sauce with aromatic spices. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, serve it alongside fluffy rice or warm naan for a comforting meal that will leave everyone satisfied.

Created by

Keira Dalton

Last updated on 2025-12-02T17:32:32.240Z

This butter chicken recipe has been a family favorite for years. It's quick to prepare and always a hit at dinners.

Flavorful & Satisfying

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is a flavor explosion that will elevate your weeknight dinners. Combining tender chicken thighs with a rich tomato sauce and a blend of warm spices, this dish brings a taste of India right to your kitchen. The multi-dimensional flavor profile ensures that each bite is a delightful experience, making it a dish you’ll want to prepare repeatedly.

What makes this butter chicken stand out is its perfect balance of spices. The garam masala, cumin, coriander, and turmeric work harmoniously to create a comforting yet vibrant sauce. Pairing the dish with fluffy rice or buttered naan elevates the meal to the next level, allowing you to soak up every last drop of that rich sauce.

Effortless Preparation

One of the best features of this recipe is how uncomplicated it is. With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up this delicious dish in about 30 minutes. This means you can enjoy a homemade meal without the hours of preparation often associated with Indian cooking. It’s perfect for busy families, last-minute dinner guests, or simply when you crave something comforting and delicious.

While it cooks, you can set the table or prepare sides, making it a seamless addition to your routine. The step-by-step instructions ensure that even novice cooks can achieve success, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time with family and friends rather than stress over meal prep.

Versatile Serving Suggestions

Butter chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. While traditionally paired with basmati rice or warm naan for a comforting meal, you can also experiment with side dishes. Try serving it with quinoa for a healthier twist or over a bed of steamed vegetables for a lighter option. Each of these accompaniments will soak up the delicious sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Additionally, this dish is not just for dinner—leftover butter chicken makes a great lunch or can be used as a filling for wraps. You can also create a fusion meal by serving it over pasta, adding your own creative spin that sparks dining excitement.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 can (15 oz) tomato puree
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste

Serve with rice or naan.

Instructions

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onions are golden brown.

Add Spices

Stir in the garam masala, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Simmer the Sauce

Add the chicken thighs and cook until slightly browned. Then pour in the tomato puree and bring to a simmer.

Finish with Cream

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.

Enjoy your meal!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Once you've made this delightful butter chicken, you might find yourself with leftovers. The good news is that they store well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Just make sure to let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making the next day’s meal even more enjoyable.

When it comes to reheating, you can use a microwave or stovetop. If using the stovetop, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Adding a splash of water or additional cream can help maintain the sauce's creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have chicken thighs on hand? You can easily substitute them with chicken breasts, though note that they may dry out more quickly due to less fat content. For a vegetarian version, try using paneer or tofu instead of chicken, allowing the dish to remain rich and satisfying.

If you’re looking to lighten up the dish, consider using half-and-half in place of heavy cream. You can also adjust the spice levels to suit your preferences—feel free to add more chili powder if you enjoy a spicy kick or reduce the spices for a milder taste.

Nutritional Benefits

This butter chicken recipe doesn’t just satisfy your taste buds; it also offers several nutritional benefits. Chicken thighs are a great source of protein and essential vitamins, and they provide a healthy dose of iron and zinc. The spices used, such as turmeric, have anti-inflammatory properties, making this dish not only delicious but also wholesome.

Additionally, the use of heavy cream contributes calcium to the meal, essential for strong bones. Pairing it with whole grains like brown rice can further enhance the nutritional profile, providing you with fiber and other essential nutrients.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can make butter chicken a day ahead and reheat it when ready to serve.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use coconut milk for a lighter option and a hint of sweetness.