Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Introduction

What if you could bring the bold, creamy flavors of India’s most famous dish straight to your kitchen in less than 30 minutes? 🇮🇳
Recent data from Google Trends 2025 shows that “homemade butter chicken recipes” are among the top 10 most searched global dinner ideas, proving that people crave authentic flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.

This quick & easy homemade butter chicken recipe combines tender chicken in a rich, buttery tomato sauce that’s perfectly spiced and irresistibly creamy. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a curry lover, this is your go-to butter chicken recipe homemade version — no takeout required!

🧂 Ingredients List

For the Chicken Marinade:

1 lb (450g) boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or regular yogurt)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp turmeric
Salt, to taste

For the Butter Sauce:

3 tbsp butter (unsalted, divided)
1 tbsp oil (vegetable or ghee)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp grated ginger
1½ cups tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
1 tsp ground cumin
1½ tsp garam masala
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
¾ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
1 tbsp honey or sugar, to balance acidity
Salt & pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

Fresh cilantro, chopped 🌿
Extra butter drizzle
A squeeze of fresh lime juice

⏰ Timing

Step	Time
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes

⏳ Fact: The average restaurant-style butter chicken takes 60–90 minutes to prepare. This version cuts it in half — a 50% faster, equally flavorful alternative.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, garam masala, chili powder, turmeric, and salt. Add the chicken and mix well until coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

💡 Pro Tip: The yogurt tenderizes the meat while locking in flavor — don’t skip it!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet or pan, heat 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp oil over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated chicken and cook until lightly browned (about 3–4 minutes per side).
Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

🔥 Chef’s Insight: You don’t need to cook the chicken fully — just get that golden sear for flavor. It’ll finish cooking in the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same pan, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add onion, and sauté until soft and golden (around 5 minutes).
Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant. Then stir in tomato puree, cumin, paprika, and garam masala.

Let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly and turns deep red.

🧄 Pro Tip: Cooking down the tomatoes enhances sweetness and reduces acidity — key to an authentic butter chicken flavor.

Step 4: Add Cream and Chicken

Pour in the cream and stir until combined. Return the chicken to the pan, coating it in the luscious sauce. Simmer for another 8–10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Add honey or sugar, and adjust salt or spice to taste.

Step 5: Finish with Butter & Garnish

Turn off the heat, stir in an extra 1 tbsp butter for richness, and top with fresh cilantro.
Serve hot with basmati rice, naan, or roti for the ultimate comfort meal.

🧾 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420 kcal
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	8g
Fat	32g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	410mg
Sugar	5g

🧠 Insight: Compared to restaurant versions (which can exceed 700 kcal per serving), this quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe is nearly 40% lighter — without losing flavor.

🥗 Healthier Alternatives

Low-Calorie: Use coconut milk light or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
Low-Fat: Reduce butter to 2 tbsp and use olive oil for sautéing.
High-Protein: Add chickpeas or lentils to increase protein and fiber.
Low-Carb: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of basmati.
Vegan Option: Substitute tofu for chicken and plant-based butter or coconut cream for dairy.

🌿 Fun Fact: Studies show substituting plant proteins for animal proteins just 3 times a week can improve gut health and reduce cholesterol.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve with steamed basmati rice or garlic naan.
Add a side of cucumber raita or mango chutney for contrast.
Sprinkle crushed cashews or almonds for extra crunch.
Pair with iced chai latte or sweet lassi for a complete Indian experience.

🍋 Bonus: Add a dash of lime before serving — it enhances the creaminess and balances spice perfectly.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Chicken: Shrimp-like dryness is not what you want — simmer gently!
Skipping the Marinade: Yogurt and spices create that signature tenderness.
Using Low-Quality Tomatoes: The sauce relies on fresh, ripe tomato flavor — avoid watery canned versions.
Adding Cream Too Early: The sauce may split. Always simmer first, then add cream off the boil.
Not Adjusting Spices: Butter chicken is meant to be balanced — sweet, savory, and slightly spicy. Taste before serving!

🧊 Storing Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Portion into freezer bags and freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm slowly on low heat. Add a splash of cream or water to refresh texture.

🍛 Meal Prep Tip: The sauce actually gets richer the next day — perfect for make-ahead dinners.

🪄 Conclusion

This quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe brings authentic Indian comfort food right to your table — fast, creamy, and unbelievably delicious. It’s proof that restaurant-quality flavor doesn’t need restaurant prices or hours of cooking.

👉 Try it tonight, tag #SarapCook, and share your results in the comments! Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly recipe inspiration and kitchen hacks.