Name: Homemade Butter Chicken - Best Homemade Dinner Recipes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup plain yogurt; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground turmeric; 1 tsp chili powder; 2 tbsp butter; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger; 1 can (14 oz) tomato puree; 1 cup heavy cream; Salt to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

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If I had to pick one dish that always makes me feel like I’m treating myself after a long day, it would be homemade butter chicken. The sauce feels silky, the chicken turns tender, and the whole thing just hits the right notes of comfort and flavor. It’s one of those homemade recipes that never fail to remind me why I love cooking at home. I’ll be honest, the first time I tried making butter chicken, I thought it might end up as one of those dinner recipes that looks great online but tastes average in real life. I was wrong. The mix of spices, tomato, and cream works like magic together. I remember standing by the stove, sneaking in a taste, and thinking, wow, this is what recipes homemade are supposed to feel like. So if you’re searching for dinner recipes that bring joy without fuss, you’ll want this on your table. It’s not just one of those recipes dinner options—it’s the one you’ll crave when you need comfort, something filling, and a meal that makes you close your eyes for a second and smile. That’s the beauty of homemade dinner recipes—they turn ordinary evenings into something you remember.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
3) Ingredients for Homemade Butter Chicken
4) How to Make Homemade Butter Chicken
5) Tips for Making Homemade Butter Chicken
6) Making Homemade Butter Chicken Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Homemade Butter Chicken
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Homemade butter chicken is more than just a meal. It’s a dish that manages to comfort and surprise at the same time. You get tender pieces of chicken cooked in a creamy sauce that’s full of flavor. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but feels fancy enough to serve to guests. And once you learn it, you’ll keep it in your back pocket for when you want something cozy yet impressive.

Think of this recipe as the kind of homemade dinner recipe that proves cooking at home doesn’t have to feel stressful. You’ll recognize the balance of spices, the smooth cream, and the tang of tomato with every bite. It’s the kind of dish that works as a weeknight rescue or a weekend reward.

Another takeaway is how forgiving this dish is. Miss a step? You’ll probably be fine. Spilled a little too much cream? It’ll still taste wonderful. It’s that kind of recipe that allows you to relax in the kitchen and enjoy the process instead of stressing over perfection.

2) Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

When I think of easy dinner recipes, butter chicken always makes the list. You don’t need complicated tools or rare ingredients. Most of the work is just letting the sauce simmer while you set the table or sneak a bite of naan on the side. That’s why this dish is one of my favorites.

This recipe is about comfort. You marinate chicken, cook it with spices, and then watch as it comes alive in a silky sauce. It’s the kind of recipe that builds confidence in the kitchen because the results are always satisfying. Every spoonful feels like a reminder that homemade recipes are worth the little bit of effort they ask for.

So if you’re someone who craves homemade dinner recipes that actually deliver on flavor, this is the one you’ll turn to often. It saves you from takeout and gives you something warm, flavorful, and made with your own hands.

3) Ingredients for Homemade Butter Chicken

Chicken Thighs: I prefer thighs for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender. The flavor holds up well during simmering, and the sauce clings to the meat beautifully.

Yogurt: This acts as the base for the marinade. It makes the chicken soft and helps the spices settle into every bite. A plain, unsweetened yogurt works best.

Lemon Juice: Just enough to brighten the chicken and balance the richness of the sauce. It adds a subtle tang that makes the spices shine even more.

Spices: Garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder. These aren’t just seasonings, they’re the soul of butter chicken. They create warmth, color, and depth.

Butter: It wouldn’t be butter chicken without butter. A couple of tablespoons bring a richness that defines the sauce and gives it that smooth finish.

Onion, Garlic, and Ginger: This trio sets the stage for flavor. You sauté them until they’re fragrant, and suddenly the whole kitchen smells inviting.

Tomato Puree: The backbone of the sauce. It blends with cream to create that beautiful orange-red color everyone recognizes in butter chicken.

Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its lush, velvety feel. It balances the acidity of tomato and rounds out the spices. Half-and-half works if you want a lighter touch.

Cilantro: A fresh garnish to finish the dish. It adds a hint of brightness to each serving and makes the plate look complete.

4) How to Make Homemade Butter Chicken

Step 1. Marinate the chicken. Mix yogurt, lemon juice, and spices in a bowl. Coat the chicken pieces and let them rest for at least half an hour. If you can, leave it overnight—it only gets better.

Step 2. Cook the aromatics. Melt butter in a pan and sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until they soften and release their fragrance. This step makes the house smell like dinner’s on its way.

Step 3. Add the chicken. Place the marinated pieces in the pan and let them cook until no longer pink. The spices cling to the meat and create a wonderful base of flavor.

Step 4. Build the sauce. Stir in the tomato puree and let it simmer. The sauce thickens slightly, and you’ll notice the colors deepen as everything comes together.

Step 5. Finish with cream. Lower the heat, pour in the cream, and stir gently. Let it simmer for about ten minutes until the sauce turns rich and smooth.

Step 6. Taste and serve. Add a pinch of salt if needed, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top, and serve with rice or naan. That’s when you’ll know the wait was worth it.

5) Tips for Making Homemade Butter Chicken

Marinate longer when possible. A quick 30 minutes works, but overnight is even better. The chicken absorbs all those spices and tastes more complete. It’s one of those small steps that makes a big difference.

Use fresh spices. Old jars sitting in the back of the cupboard lose flavor over time. When the spices are fresh, the dish feels alive, not flat. It’s a detail that’s worth caring about.

Control the cream. You don’t need to drown the sauce. Add enough for richness, then adjust to your preference. Too much cream and you lose the balance; too little and you miss the luxury of butter chicken.

6) Making Homemade Butter Chicken Ahead of Time

Butter chicken holds up well when made ahead. In fact, I think it tastes even better the next day. The spices have more time to settle and blend into the sauce. You’ll notice how the flavors deepen after resting in the fridge overnight.

When making it ahead, I usually cook the sauce completely and let it cool before storing. Then I reheat it slowly on the stove, stirring often so it doesn’t stick. The chicken stays tender, and the sauce comes back to life easily.

If you want to save time on a busy evening, this make-ahead trick is worth it. Cook once, eat twice, and still feel like you’re enjoying a freshly made dinner recipe at home.

7) Storing Leftover Homemade Butter Chicken

Leftovers rarely last long in my house, but when they do, butter chicken stores well. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce feels too thick.

If you need it to last longer, freeze it in portions. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready. The flavor holds, and the texture stays pleasant. It’s one of those meals you’re actually happy to find in the freezer.

The best part of storing leftovers is how easy they are to repurpose. Spoon the chicken and sauce over rice, tuck them into wraps, or even use them as a topping for baked potatoes. Homemade dinner recipes don’t always need to stay the same every time—they can adapt to your week.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe