Name: Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely minced or grated; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into ¾-inch chunks; 4 tablespoons tomato purée; 1 tablespoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon chili powder or paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half or yogurt for a lighter version); To taste fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe

There’s something absolutely magical about the first bite of Easy Homemade Butter Chicken—the creamy, spiced sauce wrapped around tender chunks of chicken, pairing comfort and excitement in a single forkful. This beloved Indian restaurant classic tastes even better when made fresh in your own kitchen, filling your home with incredible aromas and warmth. The recipe brings together all the flavors you crave using ingredients you likely have on hand, and transforms dinnertime into a little celebration, whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging solo.

Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is just how approachable the ingredients are. Each one is simple, but they all play a crucial role—some bring richness, others a gentle heat or brightness, while a few add that signature color and mouthwatering creaminess.

Oil: The base for sautéing and deepening the flavor from the very start; any neutral oil works, but I love using sunflower or canola.
Butter: Essential for that buttery, velvety sauce that gives this dish its name and classic flavor.
Onion (1 medium, diced): Sweet and golden when sautéed, onions provide both body and background aroma to the sauce.
Fresh Ginger (1 tsp, finely minced or grated): Brings a zesty warmth and depth; fresh is a must here for the best results.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A backbone of flavor, adding savory notes that melt into the sauce.
Chicken (1.5 lb, boneless, skinless breasts or thighs, cut into ¾-inch chunks): Thighs are juicier, but breasts work beautifully—just cut evenly for perfect cooking.
Tomato Purée (4 tbsp): Offers brightness, body, and that saucy, golden-orange color everyone loves.
Garam Masala (1 tbsp): The signature Indian spice blend—don’t skip it, as it provides unmistakable warmth and complexity.
Chili Powder or Paprika (1 tsp): Choose chili powder for gentle heat, or paprika for a smokier, milder kick and bold color.
Ground Cumin (1 tsp): Adds earthiness and a faintly smoky touch that balances out the richness.
Salt (1 tsp): Brings all the flavors together and ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Black Pepper (¼ tsp): For a subtle heat that defines the finish of the dish.
Heavy Cream (1 cup; or half & half, or yogurt for lighter version): Cream is classic for a silky texture, but half & half makes it lighter, and yogurt offers a tangy twist.
Fresh Cilantro (to taste, for garnish, optional): Bright and fresh, it’s the perfect counterpoint to the rich sauce—if you’re a cilantro lover, pile it on!

How to Make Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Step 1: Sauté Oil, Butter, and Onion

Start by heating the oil together with the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the butter to melt gently, filling the kitchen with a rich aroma. Add the diced onions and cook them for about 3–4 minutes. Stir occasionally, letting them turn lightly golden—this step lays the groundwork for the deep, sweet essence in the sauce.

Step 2: Add Ginger and Garlic

Sprinkle in the finely minced ginger and garlic. Keep stirring for about 30 seconds, watching carefully so they don’t burn. This quick sauté releases all of their magical fragrance and sets the scene for the layers of flavor to come in your Easy Homemade Butter Chicken.

Step 3: Flavor and Brown the Chicken

Now, add the chicken chunks to the pan, straight into the onion, garlic, and ginger mixture. Immediately follow with the tomato purée, garam masala, chili powder (or paprika), ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat every piece of chicken. Let everything cook together for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chicken should cook through and begin absorbing all those vibrant spices, transforming as they mingle in the pan.

Step 4: Simmer with Cream

Pour in the heavy cream (or half & half or yogurt if you’re opting for a lighter version). Reduce the heat to low, letting the sauce gently bubble. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors fully harmonize into that creamy, restaurant-style finish.

Step 5: Taste, Adjust, and Garnish

Before serving, give your Easy Homemade Butter Chicken a taste. Adjust the seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. Just before you dish it up, scatter fresh cilantro leaves over the top for a pop of herbal brightness. Serve it hot and steamy, right from the pan onto eager plates.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Garnishes

A shower of fresh cilantro is the most traditional and visually striking garnish. You can also add a drizzle of extra cream or a sprinkle of crushed cashews for a touch of luxury. For an extra flourish, top with thinly sliced red onions or a few wedges of fresh lime for a bright contrast.

Side Dishes

The classic way to serve Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is with warm, fluffy basmati rice or pillowy naan bread—both soak up every drop of that golden sauce. For a lighter meal, pair it with lightly steamed or roasted vegetables, or a crisp cucumber and tomato salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to impress, serve your butter chicken in individual bowls with a swirl of cream and a sprig of cilantro. For gatherings, present it family-style in a large serving dish, surrounded by naan and a variety of chutneys. Or, stuff leftovers in a warm wrap or pita, topped with lettuce and cucumber for an unforgettable fusion lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Homemade Butter Chicken keeps beautifully. Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a meal-prep hero for busy weeks.

Freezing

Yes, you can absolutely freeze this dish! Ladle completely cooled butter chicken into freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Label and date them, then freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember, cream-based sauces may separate a little after defrosting, but a good stir when reheating brings everything back together.

Reheating

Warm Easy Homemade Butter Chicken gently in a saucepan set over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce is too thick, splash in a bit of water or extra cream until it’s silky again. For single servings, the microwave works too—just use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring in between for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs actually make the dish even juicier and more flavorful. You can use either, just make sure to cut them into evenly sized pieces for even cooking.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’d like a lighter option, use half & half or plain yogurt. Yogurt gives a lovely tang and cuts the richness a bit. Just stir it in off the heat to prevent curdling.

Do I really need garam masala?

Garam masala is responsible for the signature flavor of Easy Homemade Butter Chicken. If you can get it, don’t skip it! In a pinch, you can mix equal parts ground cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, but nothing beats the real blend.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe is quite mild if you use paprika, and gently warming if you pick chili powder. You can always adjust the heat by adding more or less chili, or skip it for a kid-friendly, very mild version.

Can I make Easy Homemade Butter Chicken vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or cubes of paneer; just brown them well before adding to the sauce. All the other steps and ingredients remain the same, so you still get that rich, satisfying meal.

Final Thoughts

Give Easy Homemade Butter Chicken a try and discover just how surprisingly simple—and outrageously delicious—homemade comfort food can be. You might just find that it becomes the highlight of your weeknight dinner rotation, something to look forward to sharing, again and again.

Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This easy homemade butter chicken recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish that can be made in no time. Tender chicken cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce with a blend of aromatic spices, this dish is sure to be a favorite at your dinner table.

Instructions

Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until lightly golden.
Stir in minced ginger and garlic; cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Add chicken pieces, tomato purée, garam masala, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until chicken is cooked through and spices are fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and reduce heat to low.
Simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve hot with basmati rice or naan bread.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Indian