How to Make Easy Homemade Butter Chicken in Just 30 Minutes

It was one of those nights, I was starving, had zero motivation to order delivery, and I craved something rich, comforting, and full of flavor. I opened the fridge, saw leftover chicken, half a can of tomato paste, and a tub of Greek yogurt. The wheels started turning.

I remembered a butter chicken I’d had at a friend’s place, creamy, spiced, with that addictive balance of tang and heat. But the prep? Intimidating… or so I thought.

That’s how I discovered the magic of Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken, a one-pan wonder that takes just 30 minutes, uses pantry staples, and tastes like it came straight out of your favorite Indian restaurant. It’s rich without being heavy, full of spice but not overwhelming, and ridiculously easy to make.

Whether you’re new to Indian flavors or a longtime fan, this is the kind of recipe that hits the spot without hitting your schedule.

Looking for more creamy chicken meals? Don’t miss our Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini for a decadent, cheesy spin.

Ingredients You Need for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Key Spices for Signature Flavor

To make authentic-tasting easy homemade butter chicken, you need a base of warm, fragrant Indian spices. Here’s the essential lineup:

• 1 tbsp garam masala – the heart of the dish
  
• 1 tsp turmeric – for color and subtle earthiness
  
• 1 tsp cumin – smoky, warm, and grounding
  
• ½ tsp chili powder – add more for heat, or skip for mild
  
• 1 tsp paprika – balances flavor without burning heat
  
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
  

Creamy Tomato Base

• 1 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp oil – the combo prevents burning
  
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 1 tsp grated ginger
  
• 1 cup canned tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
  
• ½ cup heavy cream or plain Greek yogurt
  

Protein + Optional Add-ins

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
  
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  
• 1 tsp sugar (optional – enhances tomato sweetness)
  
• ½ tsp fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) – for authentic finish (optional but powerful)
  

Shortcut Tip: Don’t have all the spices? Use a pre-mixed butter chicken seasoning packet.

Looking for a protein-packed meal with creaminess? Don’t miss our Chicken Breast High Protein meal prep idea.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Butter Chicken at Home

Step 1: Quick Marinade

Toss chicken with:

• ½ tsp salt
  
• ½ tsp turmeric
  
• ½ tsp garam masala
  Let sit while you prep the sauce (no long wait required).
  

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat:

• Heat butter + oil
  
• Sear chicken pieces for 3–5 minutes until golden (they don’t need to be fully cooked)
  
• Remove and set aside
  

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same pan:

• Add onions and sauté 2–3 minutes
  
• Stir in garlic and ginger for 1 minute
  
• Add tomato puree, spices, salt, and simmer 6–8 minutes uncovered
  

Step 4: Simmer with Chicken

• Return seared chicken to the sauce
  
• Cover and cook 10–12 minutes until chicken is fully cooked
  
• Stir in cream or yogurt, simmer 2 more minutes
  
• Adjust seasoning
  

Step 5: Serve

Garnish with cilantro. Serve hot with rice or naan.

Short on time? Speed things up by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken!

Craving another creamy dish? Try our Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne.

Customizing the Recipe for Different Diets

For a Lighter Version:

• Swap out the cream for nonfat Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt for a lighter twist.
  
• Cut down butter to just 1 tsp or omit altogether
  
• Add cauliflower or zucchini to increase volume without calories
  

For Dairy-Free Diets:

• Use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream
  
• Substitute butter with olive oil or vegan margarine
  

Vegetarian Swap:

• Swap the chicken for paneer cubes or firm tofu
  
• For texture, lightly pan-fry paneer or tofu before simmering in sauce
  

Love global fusion? You’ll enjoy our Chicken Marinade for Greek Bowl.

How to Serve & Store Butter Chicken Properly

Best Ways to Serve It

• Basmati rice – classic pairing
  
• Garlic naan – to scoop up the rich sauce
  
• Roti or paratha – for a more rustic touch
  
• Cauliflower rice – low-carb swap
  

Garnish with:

• Fresh chopped cilantro
  
• A swirl of cream or a drizzle of chili oil
  
• Toasted cashews or almonds (optional crunch)
  

Storage Tips

Want something equally creamy but with a twist? Try our Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini.

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Quick and Easy Homemade Butter

This quick & easy homemade butter chicken is creamy, rich, and made with simple ingredients in just 30 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into pieces
• 1 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp neutral oil
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 cup tomato puree
• ½ cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp sugar optional
• ½ tsp dried fenugreek leaves optional
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Method

 

1. Season chicken with salt, turmeric, and a bit of garam masala. Set aside.
2. Heat butter and oil in a pan. Sear chicken until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté onions until soft. Add garlic, ginger, and cook 1 minute.
4. Stir in tomato puree and all spices. Simmer 6–8 minutes uncovered.
5. Add chicken back. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes until fully cooked.
6. Stir in cream or yogurt. Simmer for 2 more minutes.
7. Garnish with cilantro and serve with rice or naan.

Notes

• Use coconut milk for dairy-free version.
• Chicken breast works but may dry faster, don’t overcook.
• For more heat, add cayenne or chili flakes.
• Store leftovers in airtight container for 3–4 days.

FAQs – Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken