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? I know I am! Today, I’m excited to share my Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe that you can whip up in just 30 minutes. Yes, you heard that right! This dish is not only packed with flavor but also fits perfectly into my collection of easy pasta recipes and quick family dinners. So, let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich, creamy sauce that pairs beautifully with naan or rice.
• Kid-friendly flavors that even picky eaters will love.
• Uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
• Great for meal prep or serving at family gatherings.

Ingredients

To make this delicious 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 get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own butter chicken masterpiece:

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. 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, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and additional curry powder. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.

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, even overnight if you have the time.
• Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. If you love heat, add more cayenne pepper!
• Use a mix of chicken thighs and breasts for a different texture.
• Pair this dish with a refreshing Creamy Cucumber Salad or a Cucumber Tomato Salad for a complete meal.

How to Serve

This butter chicken is best served hot, straight from the skillet! Here are some serving suggestions:

• Serve it over a bed of fluffy steamed rice for a comforting meal.
• Pair it with warm naan bread to soak up that delicious sauce.
• Top with additional parsley or cilantro for a fresh touch.
• For a fun twist, serve it with a side of Cucumber Vinegar Salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

This butter chicken is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store it:

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through.
• You can also freeze the butter chicken for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

So there you have it! A Quick And Easy Butter Chicken recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home. Whether you’re looking for easy family dinner ideas or just a delicious meal to enjoy, this dish checks all the boxes. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your loved ones. Happy cooking!