Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

This quick and easy homemade butter chicken delivers all the rich, creamy flavors of the beloved Indian restaurant favorite in under 30 minutes using accessible ingredients and simplified techniques. The tender chicken simmers in a luxurious tomato-cream sauce infused with aromatic spices, creating an authentic-tasting dish that’s surprisingly approachable for home cooks. If you enjoy this style of flavorful, creamy curry, you might also like chicken tikka masala, korma, or other Indian-inspired dishes that bring restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant flavors at home – recreates the complex, rich taste of professional butter chicken using simple techniques and ingredients available at most grocery stores
• Weeknight-friendly timing – comes together in under 30 minutes, making authentic Indian cuisine accessible even on busy evenings when time is limited
• Perfectly balanced richness – achieves the signature creamy, mildly spiced profile that appeals to both curry newcomers and experienced enthusiasts
• One-pan convenience – everything cooks in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup while allowing flavors to develop and meld together beautifully

Ingredients Breakdown

Boneless chicken thighs: The ideal protein choice for butter chicken due to their higher fat content and superior flavor that stands up to bold spices. Chicken thighs remain tender and juicy even if slightly overcooked, making them more forgiving than breast meat. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy eating. The dark meat provides richness that complements the cream sauce while absorbing the aromatic spices beautifully. If using chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook them.

Garam masala: The essential spice blend that provides the complex, warming flavors that define Indian cuisine. A good garam masala typically includes cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin, coriander, and black pepper. Store-bought blends offer convenience and consistent results, though quality varies significantly between brands. Look for blends with vibrant color and strong aroma. The spice should be added at multiple stages to build layers of flavor throughout the dish.

Tomato sauce: Forms the base of the rich, flavorful sauce that gives butter chicken its characteristic color and tangy depth. Use high-quality plain tomato sauce without added herbs or seasonings that might compete with the Indian spices. San Marzano or other premium tomato sauces provide superior flavor if budget allows. The tomato base balances the richness of the cream while providing acidity that brightens the overall dish.

Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious, velvety texture that makes butter chicken so indulgent and satisfying. Heavy cream with 35-36% fat content provides the best results and won’t curdle when simmered with acidic tomatoes. Don’t substitute with milk or half-and-half, which lack the fat content necessary for proper consistency and may break when heated. The cream should be added gradually and at the right temperature for smooth incorporation.

Fresh ginger and garlic: Provide the aromatic foundation that gives authentic flavor to the dish. Fresh ingredients deliver superior taste compared to powdered versions, with bright, pungent notes that can’t be replicated. Mince both very finely to ensure even distribution and prevent large pieces from overwhelming individual bites. The combination creates the essential flavor base that supports all other seasonings.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cut 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch cubes. Season the chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, tossing to coat evenly. Let the seasoned chicken sit for 5-10 minutes while you prepare other ingredients to allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. The pan should be large enough to hold all ingredients comfortably without overcrowding. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
3. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on most sides and cooked through. The chicken doesn’t need to be perfectly browned but should have good color and be fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate, leaving any browned bits in the pan for flavor.
4. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, add 1 large diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. The onion should be tender but not browned, providing sweet flavor that balances the spices.
5. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger to the pan, cooking for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir constantly to prevent burning, which would create bitter flavors. The aromatics should release their essential oils and smell intensely fragrant.
6. Add 1 tablespoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric to the pan. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant and slightly darkened. This blooming step intensifies the spice flavors and prevents any raw taste in the finished dish.
7. Pour in one 15-ounce can of tomato sauce, stirring to combine with the spiced onion mixture. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, which add significant flavor to the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly.
8. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream gradually, mixing well to prevent curdling. Add 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste), and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat (optional). The sauce should be smooth, creamy, and well-integrated without any separation.
9. Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with any accumulated juices, stirring gently to coat with the sauce. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has reached your desired consistency. The sauce should coat the chicken pieces generously without being too thick or too thin.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, garam masala, or cayenne as needed. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro for color and freshness. Let stand for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to settle before serving over rice or with naan bread.

Perfect Texture: What to Look For

Successfully executed butter chicken should have a rich, creamy sauce that coats the chicken pieces generously without being too thick or thin. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked through without being dry or tough. The sauce should be smooth and velvety, with no separation between the cream and tomato components. When properly balanced, each bite should deliver complex spice flavors followed by cooling creaminess, with the chicken absorbing the aromatic sauce while maintaining its own texture and flavor. The overall consistency should be similar to a light gravy that clings to rice or bread.

Customization Options

This versatile recipe adapts beautifully to different preferences and dietary needs. For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add fresh chilies with the ginger and garlic. Create a richer version by adding an extra tablespoon of butter at the end, or make it lighter by substituting coconut milk for some of the cream. Vegetarians can replace chicken with paneer, cauliflower, or chickpeas. For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for 30 minutes before cooking, though this extends the cooking time beyond the quick version.

Practical Tips

Spice quality: Fresh, high-quality spices make a significant difference in the final flavor. Replace spices that have lost their potency, and consider buying from specialty stores or online sources for the best garam masala blends.

Cream incorporation: Add cream gradually while stirring to prevent curdling. If the sauce does separate, remove from heat and whisk vigorously, or use an immersion blender briefly to re-emulsify the mixture.

Consistency control: If the sauce becomes too thick, thin with a small amount of chicken broth or water. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors.

Make-ahead potential: This dish actually improves in flavor when made ahead and reheated gently. Store refrigerated for up to 3 days, adding a splash of cream or broth when reheating to restore the proper consistency.

Common Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, though cooking time should be reduced to prevent overcooking. Cut breast meat slightly smaller and watch carefully to avoid drying out. Thighs provide better flavor and texture but breasts work if preferred.

What if I can’t find garam masala? Make your own by combining 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin and coriander, 1/2 teaspoon each of cardamom and cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon each of cloves and black pepper. Store-bought is more convenient but homemade allows customization.

Can I make this dairy-free? Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a different but delicious flavor profile. The sauce will have a subtle coconut taste that complements the spices well. Use coconut oil instead of butter for completely dairy-free preparation.

How spicy should this be? Traditional butter chicken is mild to moderately spiced, focusing on aromatic rather than hot spices. The cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted or omitted entirely based on heat tolerance.

Serving Suggestions

This rich, flavorful curry works beautifully served over basmati rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce while providing neutral contrast to the bold flavors. Warm naan bread or roti make excellent accompaniments for scooping up the creamy sauce. For a complete Indian meal experience, serve alongside simple vegetable dishes like sautéed spinach or roasted cauliflower.

Traditional accompaniments like cucumber raita (yogurt sauce) provide cooling contrast to the rich curry, while pickled onions or chutneys add acidic brightness that cuts through the cream. A simple salad of sliced cucumbers and tomatoes dressed with lemon juice offers fresh contrast. Mango lassi or other yogurt-based drinks complement the meal perfectly while helping cool any spice heat.

Nutritional Benefits

This homemade version provides excellent nutritional value while allowing control over sodium and fat content compared to restaurant versions. Chicken thighs provide complete protein, iron, and B vitamins essential for energy metabolism. The tomato base contributes lycopene and vitamin C, while the aromatic spices offer various antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Ginger and garlic provide beneficial compounds that support immune function and digestive health. The cream provides calcium and fat-soluble vitamins, while the moderate portion size when served over rice creates a balanced meal. By preparing this dish at home, you avoid excessive sodium and preservatives found in many commercial versions while controlling ingredient quality and creating a more wholesome version of this beloved comfort food that satisfies both nutritional needs and flavor cravings.