Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
If you’re ready for the most comforting, flavorful meal that’s both simple and showstopping, let me introduce you to Easy Homemade Butter Chicken. Imagine tender bites of chicken enveloped in a luxuriously creamy, spiced tomato sauce—everything you love about Indian cuisine Main Course. Whether you’re after a midweek treat or dazzling friends over dinner, this dish has all the gorgeous flavors of classic butter chicken without any fuss. You’ll fall for how the yogurt marinade, buttery sauce, and warming spices come together in a matter of minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is delightfully straightforward, using kitchen staples that all pull their weight in taste and texture. Each ingredient adds a layer of authentic flavor, brilliant color, or irresistible creaminess to your pot of Easy Homemade Butter Chicken.
- Chicken Thighs: Juicy and full of flavor, thighs stay tender even after simmering, creating the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: This is the foundation of your marinade, making the chicken extra tender and infusing it with tangy richness.
- Lemon Juice: Just a tablespoon brightens everything up and balances the richness of the sauce.
- Garam Masala: The signature Indian spice blend that adds warmth and depth; don’t skip it!
- Ground Cumin: Earthy, nutty vibes that anchor the dish without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Turmeric: Adds golden color and subtle floral notes—plus, it’s good for you!
- Ground Coriander: Bright and citrusy, coriander lifts every bite.
- Salt: A must for making all the spices sing.
- Butter: The heart of butter chicken—nothing beats its creamy, indulgent finish.
- Oil: Helps sauté everything evenly and prevents the butter from burning.
- Onion: When sautéed until golden, onion adds a gentle sweetness and body to the sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for that pop of aromatic flavor.
- Fresh Ginger: Grated ginger gives a zingy, warm boost that’s essential to the sauce.
- Tomato Paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Tomato Puree: Gives the sauce its luscious, silky base—crushed tomatoes work too.
- Heavy Cream: For that signature velvety finish—swap in coconut milk for a lighter touch if you like.
- Sugar: Just a teaspoon to mellow the acidity of the tomatoes and round out the flavors.
- Fresh Cilantro: Totally optional, but a sprinkle at the end makes everything more vibrant and aromatic.
How to Make Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, coriander, and salt in a large bowl. Tumble in your chicken thigh pieces, making sure every morsel is coated in this flavorful marinade. Cover, refrigerate, and let the chicken rest for at least 30 minutes—or, for even juicier results, overnight. The yogurt and spices work their magic, ensuring every bite is packed with tenderness and taste.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a generously sized skillet, heat the butter and oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until beautifully soft and golden. Sprinkle in the garlic and ginger, letting their aromas fill your kitchen for about a minute. This simple base creates layers of flavor that make your Easy Homemade Butter Chicken so irresistible.
Step 3: Build the Tomato Sauce
Add the tomato paste to the skillet and let it sizzle for a minute or two, stirring well to combine. Pour in the tomato puree (or crushed tomatoes) and give everything a good stir. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, which helps deepen the sauce’s flavor and thickness—a quick step with a big payoff!
Step 4: Cook the Marinated Chicken
Add your marinated chicken pieces—along with every bit of marinade—to the bubbling tomato sauce. Simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully tender. Trust that the flavors are mingling perfectly, and your sauce will soon reach delicious heights.
Step 5: Finish with Creamy Goodness
Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the sugar, stirring to fully incorporate. Let your Easy Homemade Butter Chicken simmer for just 5 more minutes, allowing the sauce to transform into something irresistibly creamy and rich. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you like, add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro right before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Garnishes
The final flourish is all about the details: fresh cilantro gives a pop of green and fresh flavor, while a drizzle of cream or a few slices of chili can turn a humble bowl into a restaurant-worthy plate. Even a scatter of toasted cashews or almonds brings a gorgeous crunch if you’re feeling extra fancy.
Side Dishes
You have endless options! Classic, fluffy basmati rice is a must for soaking up that irresistible sauce. Or, go for warm, pillowy naan—perfect for scooping and savoring every drop. Even a side of crisp cucumber salad or simple steamed green beans makes for a balanced meal that lets your Easy Homemade Butter Chicken shine.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to change things up, serve the butter chicken in mini bowls or ramekins for small plates night, or pile it onto a platter with rice and a scatter of bright garnishes for a festive family-style feast. Spoon it over baked sweet potatoes or stuff it into wraps for a fun twist—there’s really no wrong way to devour this classic comfort food!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover Easy Homemade Butter Chicken will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop, and that dreamy sauce thickens up, often making it taste even better the next day.
Freezing
This dish is a freezer superstar! Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months—just be sure to label it (so you remember the treasure you have stashed away!).
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low-medium heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid boiling, as that can cause the creamy sauce to separate, but a gentle warmup will bring everything back together.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs lend extra juiciness, chicken breast works well if you’re after a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook it so it stays tender and moist.
Is it possible to make Easy Homemade Butter Chicken dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the yogurt with coconut yogurt or a dairy-free alternative, and trade the cream for canned coconut milk. The sauce will still be ultra-creamy and flavorful.
How spicy is this dish?
As written, Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is fairly mild but full of flavor. If you prefer a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped green chilies to the sauce when you add the aromatics.
Can I marinate the chicken for less than 30 minutes?
The longer the marinade, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will be. However, if you’re pressed for time, even a 15–20 minute marinade will impart some tasty flavors—just try to plan ahead whenever possible.
What can I do with leftover sauce?
The creamy tomato sauce is too delicious to waste! Use it to toss with sautéed veggies, spoon it over grilled paneer, or even stir into cooked lentils for an easy vegetarian meal.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Easy Homemade Butter Chicken, you’ll see just how easy it is to bring restaurant-style flavor to your own kitchen—no special skills or obscure ingredients required. I hope this recipe brings a little warmth and joy to your table whenever you need it most. Go ahead, give it a try, and be prepared for rave reviews from everyone lucky enough to share a meal with you!
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Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this Easy Homemade Butter Chicken. Marinated chicken cooked in a flavorful sauce with a hint of sweetness, perfect to pair with rice or naan.
Ingredients
Marinated Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
Butter Chicken Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 ½ cups tomato puree (or canned crushed tomatoes)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken, yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, coriander, and salt. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the Sauce: Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger. Add tomato paste and puree, simmer for 10 minutes. Add marinated chicken and cook for 15–20 minutes.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in cream and sugar, simmer for 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
- You can grill the marinated chicken before adding it to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
