There’s something comforting about chicken recipes that balance creamy sauces with bold spices. This homemade butter chicken does exactly that, giving you the rich flavor of an Indian butter chicken recipe easy enough for a weeknight. I’ve tried dozens of curries, but the smooth tomato cream sauce here hits differently—it’s mellow, warm, and always a hit at the table. You don’t need a long list of ingredients to pull this together. In fact, this butter chicken recipe Indian easy style uses simple pantry spices, a touch of cream, and tender chicken that soaks up every bit of flavor. I’ve cooked it both for busy weeknights and slow weekends, and it never disappoints. Sometimes I even sneak a piece of naan before dinner’s served—no regrets. If you’ve been looking for easy chicken recipes Indian families swear by, this one is as dependable as it gets. An easy butter chicken recipe that’s creamy without being heavy, and savory without overpowering your taste buds. Trust me, if chicken recipes Indian style make your heart sing, this one belongs in your regular dinner rotation.

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 next!
9) Homemade Butter Chicken
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Homemade butter chicken is one of those chicken recipes that always brings comfort. It combines tender chicken with a creamy tomato base that has just the right amount of spice. If you want a meal that feels both easy and indulgent, this one does the trick every single time.

You’ll find the ingredients are simple, yet the flavors taste far more complex. The sauce comes together quickly, making it great for both a weeknight dinner and a special occasion. Serve it with warm naan or a bowl of basmati rice and you’ve got a complete meal.

It’s also a flexible recipe. Adjust the spice level to your liking, swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer, and even make it dairy-light with yogurt. Either way, it will hold its own at any dinner table.

2) Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

When I first learned how to make butter chicken, I assumed it would take hours. The truth? It’s as simple as marinating chicken, simmering a sauce, and bringing it together in one pan. That’s why this is one of my favorite chicken recipes to lean on when I don’t want to overthink dinner.

The marinade is quick and forgiving. Yogurt, a few warm spices, and the chicken soaks it all up. While it rests, you start the sauce with onions, garlic, and ginger. Before long, the kitchen smells like comfort itself.

What I love most is that you don’t need anything fancy. A can of tomatoes, some cream, and a few pantry spices give you an Indian butter chicken recipe easy enough to make any night of the week. The results are rich, but never heavy.

3) Ingredients for Homemade Butter Chicken

Chicken Thighs: I like thighs here because they stay tender and soak up the flavors better than breasts. Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and evenly.

Yogurt: A spoonful or two helps tenderize the chicken while adding a subtle tang. It’s the base of the marinade and keeps things juicy.

Spices: Garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder create that classic butter chicken flavor. Each one adds warmth without overpowering the dish.

Butter and Oil: Using both gives you flavor and helps prevent the butter from burning. It’s a little kitchen trick worth remembering.

Onion, Garlic, and Ginger: These three are the backbone of the sauce. They add depth and fragrance that makes the dish so inviting.

Tomatoes and Cream: A can of crushed tomatoes blended with cream creates the silky sauce. It’s a balance of tart and sweet that pulls the dish together.

Cilantro: Fresh leaves at the end brighten the dish and give a pop of color. Skip it if you don’t like cilantro, but it really does lift the flavors.

4) How to Make Homemade Butter Chicken

Step 1. Mix yogurt with the spices and coat the chicken pieces. Let them rest while you get the sauce started. Even 20 minutes is enough for them to take on flavor.

Step 2. Warm butter and oil in a pan. Add onion, garlic, and ginger, then cook until golden. This base will give the sauce a deep, savory flavor that lingers with every bite.

Step 3. Add the marinated chicken and let it brown lightly. You don’t need it cooked through just yet, as it will finish cooking in the sauce.

Step 4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer until the chicken cooks through and the sauce starts to thicken. It’s during this step that the kitchen feels cozy and inviting.

Step 5. Pour in the cream. The sauce will soften, mellow, and take on that familiar orange color. Keep it on low heat so it doesn’t split.

Step 6. Taste for seasoning. Add salt if needed, sprinkle cilantro over the top, and serve with rice or naan. That’s it, dinner’s ready.

5) Tips for Making Homemade Butter Chicken

Marinate the chicken ahead if you can. Even a short rest makes a difference, but letting it sit for a few hours builds a deeper flavor. I often do this in the morning so it’s ready to cook by dinner.

Don’t rush the onions. Give them time to soften and caramelize a little. They add natural sweetness that balances the spices and makes the sauce more rounded.

Use full-fat cream. It gives the sauce its silky texture and makes it taste luxurious. If you want a lighter version, you can swap in half-and-half, but the cream really makes it shine.

6) Making Homemade Butter Chicken Ahead of Time

This dish actually tastes even better the next day. The chicken sits in the sauce and the flavors settle into each other. I often double the recipe just to have leftovers for the week.

If you plan to make it ahead, cook it fully, then let it cool before storing. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

Another option is to prep the marinade the night before. That way, the chicken is ready to go straight into the pan the next day, saving you time when things get busy.

7) Storing Leftover Homemade Butter Chicken

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors only get better, so don’t be shy about reheating them for lunch or another dinner.

When reheating, keep the heat gentle. A splash of water or milk can help bring the sauce back to life if it’s too thick. Stir well and it will be as good as new.

For longer storage, freeze the butter chicken in single portions. It defrosts quickly and makes a great backup meal when you don’t feel like cooking.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) Homemade Butter Chicken