Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken – Better Than Takeout!

Why Butter Chicken is a Beloved Classic

There are some dishes that feel like a hug in a bowl, and butter chicken is one of them. With its velvety tomato-based sauce, gentle warmth from aromatic spices, and tender bites of chicken, it has become one of the most recognized and loved Indian dishes worldwide. Whether you’ve tasted it at a restaurant, ordered it for takeout, or tried a family version at home, the rich balance of cream, butter, and subtle spices makes it unforgettable.

What makes butter chicken truly special is its ability to please everyone at the table. Unlike fiery curries, it has a mellow, slightly sweet, and creamy profile that even kids enjoy. At the same time, it’s layered with enough spice and depth to satisfy more adventurous palates. That’s why it’s a go-to comfort dish for families and a restaurant favorite for newcomers to Indian cuisine.

The best part? You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to enjoy it. This recipe is designed to bring the restaurant-style richness of butter chicken into your own kitchen—without complicated steps or hours of preparation. With the right shortcuts and simple techniques, you’ll have a steaming bowl of butter chicken on the table in under an hour, ready to be served with rice, naan, or your favorite flatbread.

What is Butter Chicken?

Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, was born in Delhi in the 1950s at the famous Moti Mahal restaurant. Legend has it that it was created almost by accident, when leftover tandoori chicken was simmered in a tomato-based sauce enriched with cream and butter. The result was a dish so irresistible that it quickly became a culinary icon.

The hallmark of butter chicken is its velvety, mildly spiced sauce. Unlike fiery curries, it leans toward comfort, offering a delicate balance of tangy tomatoes, warm spices, and luxurious cream. The chicken itself is tender and juicy, often marinated briefly in yogurt and spices before being cooked.

Many people confuse butter chicken with chicken tikka masala, but the difference lies in the sauce. Butter chicken is richer and creamier, with a buttery finish, while tikka masala tends to be spicier and more tomato-forward.

Why This Recipe is “Quick & Easy”

Traditional butter chicken recipes can involve long marinations, tandoor ovens, and carefully balanced spice blends. But for busy home cooks, that’s not always realistic. That’s why this recipe is streamlined to fit modern kitchens and weeknight schedules.

Instead of marinating the chicken overnight, we use a short yogurt coating or even skip it entirely while still ensuring tenderness through careful cooking. The entire dish comes together in one pan, minimizing cleanup and making the process simple and approachable.

Another reason this recipe is so easy: it relies on pantry-friendly ingredients. Crushed tomatoes, cream, and common spices like cumin, coriander, and chili powder mean you don’t have to make an extra trip to a specialty store. And if you own an Instant Pot or slow cooker, this recipe adapts beautifully, cutting down even more on active cooking time.

The result? A butter chicken that tastes restaurant-worthy but fits into your weeknight routine.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

• Chicken: You can use either chicken breasts or thighs. Breasts cook faster and are leaner, while thighs stay juicier and offer deeper flavor. Both work well depending on your preference.

• Yogurt: A quick yogurt marinade helps tenderize the chicken and adds subtle tang. If you don’t have time, you can cook the chicken directly and still get great results.

• Tomato Base: Butter chicken gets its body from a smooth tomato sauce. Crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, or even passata can be used, depending on what’s available. The key is simmering until the raw tomato taste mellows.

• Cream: Heavy cream brings the signature richness. For a lighter option, you can substitute with coconut milk or Greek yogurt, though the flavor will shift slightly.

• Butter: True to its name, butter chicken needs butter. It adds silkiness and rounds out the acidity of the tomatoes. Unsalted butter works best to control seasoning.

• Spice Essentials: Garam masala (a warm spice blend) is the heart of this recipe, joined by cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. These create the gentle heat and fragrance that make butter chicken so inviting.

• Fresh Herbs: Cilantro is more than garnish—it brings brightness and freshness to the final dish.

Expert Tip: If you can, seek out authentic Indian spices from specialty stores or online—they’re more aromatic than supermarket blends. But don’t worry: pantry spices work perfectly in this easy version.

Essential Equipment

You don’t need a professional kitchen to make butter chicken, but a few tools will make it easier:

• Heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven – for even cooking and preventing the sauce from burning.

• Wooden spoon or spatula – gentle stirring keeps the sauce smooth.

• Blender (optional) – for an extra silky sauce, though not required.

• Instant Pot or slow cooker – great for set-it-and-forget-it cooking.

With just these basics, you’ll be ready to create butter chicken that feels restaurant-quality without leaving home.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken
   Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Heat oil or butter in a skillet and sear until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.

2. Build the Sauce Base
   In the same pan, add more butter. Sauté finely chopped onions until golden, then add garlic and ginger. Stir in spices (garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder) until fragrant.

3. Add Tomatoes
   Stir in crushed tomatoes or puree. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, allowing the raw acidity to mellow and deepen into a rich base.

4. Cream & Butter Finish
   Lower the heat, then stir in cream and butter. The sauce will turn velvety and aromatic. Season with salt and a pinch of sugar if needed.

5. Simmer with Chicken
   Return the seared chicken to the pan. Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

6. Garnish & Rest
   Stir in fresh cilantro, then let the curry rest for 5 minutes before serving. This short resting time allows the flavors to settle and deepen.

Pro Tip: If the sauce feels too thick, thin it with a splash of water or chicken stock.

Flavor Variations & Customizations

One of the best things about butter chicken is how versatile it is. You can easily adjust it to fit different tastes and dietary needs without losing its comforting essence.

• Make it spicy: For a fiery kick, add fresh chopped chili peppers or increase the amount of chili powder. Kashmiri red chili is ideal for bold flavor without overwhelming heat.

• Dairy-free: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream for a rich, slightly sweet variation that’s completely dairy-free.

• Lighter option: Use plain Greek yogurt in place of cream to keep the sauce creamy but lighter in calories and fat.

• Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with paneer cubes or chickpeas for a plant-based twist that still delivers hearty satisfaction.

• Low-carb: Instead of naan or basmati rice, serve butter chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly meal.

Each variation still delivers the iconic buttery, spiced sauce but allows you to tailor the dish to your preferences. Whether you’re serving a crowd with mixed diets or just want to experiment, these customizations ensure butter chicken stays fresh and exciting every time.

Expert Tips for Success

Getting butter chicken just right is all about technique. Here are some expert tips to guarantee delicious results every time:

• Bloom the spices: Always sauté spices in butter or oil to release their essential oils and deepen the flavor. This step makes the sauce aromatic and full-bodied.

• Choose the right cut: Boneless chicken thighs work best for tender, juicy bites that won’t dry out during simmering.

• Quick marinade hack: If you’re pressed for time, even a 15-minute marinade in yogurt and spices will infuse the chicken with flavor.

• Mind the cream: Avoid boiling the cream or sauce on high heat—it can split. Instead, simmer gently for a silky consistency.

• Blend the sauce: For that smooth, restaurant-style finish, blend the tomato base before adding cream and chicken.

These small but impactful techniques make the difference between a good butter chicken and a truly outstanding one.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

Butter chicken is most iconic when served with warm naan bread or steamed basmati rice—perfect for soaking up the rich sauce. But don’t stop there!

For a modern twist, try spooning it over quinoa, couscous, or even pasta for a comforting fusion dish. As sides, consider refreshing cucumber raita, sweet mango chutney, or lightly roasted vegetables to balance the richness.

When it comes to drinks, pair it with a chilled sweet lassi to cool the spices, or opt for sparkling water with lime for a refreshing, light option.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Butter chicken is fantastic for meal prep because it reheats beautifully.

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the sauce without cream, then add cream when reheating.

• Reheating: Warm gently over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

Meal prep tip: Double the sauce recipe and freeze in smaller portions. You can then cook fresh chicken and add the sauce for a quick, weeknight-friendly dinner.

Nutrition Information

A typical serving of butter chicken (with sauce, without rice or naan) contains approximately:

• Calories: 350–400 kcal

• Protein: 28–30g

• Fat: 20–25g

• Carbohydrates: 8–10g

It’s a protein-rich dish thanks to the chicken and yogurt marinade, with moderate fat from butter and cream. Carbs come mostly from the tomato-based sauce and any side pairings like rice or naan.

For a lighter option, use low-fat cream or Greek yogurt and chicken breast instead of thighs. Serve with cauliflower rice to lower carbs.

Butter chicken can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, especially when paired with lighter sides.

FAQs (People Also Ask)

What is the difference between butter chicken and tikka masala?
Butter chicken is creamier and slightly sweeter, while tikka masala is spicier and more tomato-forward.

Can I make butter chicken without cream?
Yes! Substitute Greek yogurt, coconut milk, or cashew cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.

What cut of chicken is best?
Boneless chicken thighs are ideal for tenderness, but chicken breast can be used for a leaner option.

Can I make this in the Instant Pot or slow cooker?
Absolutely. Both methods infuse deep flavor and make the chicken extra tender. Just finish with cream after cooking.

How do I thicken butter chicken sauce?
Simmer uncovered to reduce liquid, or add blended cashews or almond paste for a natural thickener.

What spices are essential?
Garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder are must-haves for authentic flavor.

Is butter chicken spicy?
Traditionally, it’s mild and creamy. Spice levels can be adjusted to taste.

Final Thoughts & Encouragement

Butter chicken is one of those timeless dishes that feels both indulgent and comforting. With its velvety sauce, tender chicken, and customizable flavor, it’s no wonder it has become a global favorite.

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility—whether you make it spicy, dairy-free, vegetarian, or low-carb, the result is always satisfying. By following the expert tips and variations shared here, you can bring restaurant-quality butter chicken to your own table with ease.

So grab your spices, warm up the pan, and get ready to enjoy a homemade classic that never fails to impress!