If comfort had a flavor, I’m pretty sure it would taste like butter chicken. This dish is the one I reach for when I want something rich, cozy, and quick to whip up without making a giant mess. It’s that perfect middle ground between a takeout splurge and a homemade dinner win. Think tender chicken pieces bathed in a creamy tomato sauce that clings to every bite of rice or naan. Now, don’t let the words butter chicken scare you off. This easy butter chicken recipe is one of those quick chicken recipes that makes you look like you’ve been simmering sauce for hours, when really you had it done in less than 30 minutes. That’s right—it’s as weeknight-friendly as grilled cheese, but way fancier and more filling. I promise you, this chicken butter recipe is the kind of kitchen magic that’ll earn you repeat requests. And let’s be honest, we all need chicken easy recipes that are reliable. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a table of hungry friends, this one checks every box. Creamy, flavorful, simple, and quick—it deserves a spot on your short list of go-to recipes chicken lovers keep tucked away. Just wait until that sauce hits the table… you’ll see what I mean.

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

1) Key Takeaways

This recipe transforms chicken into a creamy and flavorful dinner in less than 40 minutes.
It is quick to prepare and relies on simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Pairs beautifully with rice or naan for a complete meal that satisfies comfort food cravings.
It fits perfectly into chicken recipes collections for easy weeknight dinners.

2) Easy Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

I love meals that give me the satisfaction of takeout but with the comfort of cooking at home. Butter chicken sits high on that list. It makes me feel like I’ve achieved something great without actually working that hard. When I first made this, I was nervous about pulling off that rich restaurant-style flavor. To my surprise, it turned out better than expected and became one of my most reliable chicken recipes.

The beauty of this easy butter chicken recipe lies in its speed. It comes together quickly, with no complicated steps. I can walk into the kitchen after a long day and still get this done before the kids start asking when dinner will be ready. That’s why it has become one of my favorite quick chicken recipes.

Every time I serve it, someone asks for seconds. The sauce clings to the chicken perfectly and creates that comforting balance between creamy and spiced. It’s the kind of recipe that reminds me why I love cooking in the first place.

3) Ingredients for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Chicken Thighs: I prefer boneless thighs because they stay tender and juicy. They absorb flavor better than breast meat, making each bite rich and satisfying.

Butter: This is the heart of the recipe. Butter melts into the sauce and gives it that silky finish you can’t get from oil alone.

Olive Oil: I use a touch of olive oil along with butter to prevent burning and to balance the richness.

Onion: A finely chopped onion adds depth to the sauce. I always let it cook until golden for the best flavor.

Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a warmth to the dish. When it hits the butter, the aroma fills the whole kitchen.

Ginger: Grated ginger adds a zing that brightens the sauce and cuts through the creaminess.

Tomato Puree: Smooth tomato puree creates the body of the sauce. It gives the dish its color and balances the spices.

Heavy Cream: The cream rounds out the sauce and makes it velvety. Coconut milk can be used as a lighter option.

Spices: Garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and a touch of cayenne if you like heat. These give the dish its iconic flavor.

Cilantro: Fresh cilantro leaves make a bright garnish. They add freshness to every plate.

Rice or Naan: I always serve butter chicken with fluffy rice or soft naan bread to soak up every drop of sauce.

4) How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Step 1. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet. Add onions and let them cook until golden brown. This is the base of your flavor, so don’t rush it.

Step 2. Stir in garlic and ginger. The fragrance will tell you when it’s ready to move on. Usually a minute or so does the trick.

Step 3. Add the chicken chunks and cook until no pink remains. They don’t need to be fully done because they’ll finish in the sauce.

Step 4. Mix in the tomato puree and spices. Let everything simmer together until the chicken soaks up the flavors. I find that about 10 minutes works well.

Step 5. Pour in heavy cream and stir gently. The sauce will start to thicken and coat the chicken beautifully. Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 6. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Sometimes I add more garam masala or a pinch of salt. Trust your taste buds here.

Step 7. Garnish with cilantro. Serve hot with rice or naan. Watch it disappear faster than you made it.

5) Tips for Making Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that keep this dish foolproof. One is letting the onions cook longer than you think. Golden brown onions create a sweeter base and stop the sauce from tasting flat. Another tip is to marinate the chicken with yogurt and spices if you have extra time. It makes the meat more tender and flavorful. And when cooking the sauce, keep the heat on medium. Too high and the cream may separate, too low and the flavors won’t blend properly.

I also recommend serving it immediately once done. Butter chicken tastes best hot and fresh. Leftovers are still good, but there’s something about the first spoonful right from the skillet. If you like a stronger kick, add cayenne at the end instead of the beginning. It keeps the spice bright and noticeable.

This recipe is forgiving, which is why it stays on my list of chicken easy recipes. Small changes still lead to great results.

6) Making Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Ahead of Time

I often make this dish ahead when I know I’ll be busy. The sauce actually tastes better the next day because the spices have more time to settle in. When reheating, I do it slowly over low heat. It keeps the cream from separating and preserves the silky texture. If it feels too thick, I add a splash of water or milk.

For storing, I let it cool completely before transferring to a container. Butter chicken holds well in the fridge for up to three days. Freezing works too, though I find the texture changes slightly. Still, for quick meals, it’s a great option.

Making ahead lets me relax knowing dinner is sorted. It’s a lifesaver during hectic weeks when cooking feels overwhelming but I still want something good on the table.

7) Storing Leftover Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Leftovers never go to waste in my kitchen. I store butter chicken in airtight containers. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, I use a pan on low heat and stir often. The sauce loosens up if you add a splash of cream or milk. Microwaving works in a pinch but doesn’t give the same smooth result.

Sometimes I even repurpose it. Leftover butter chicken makes a great filling for wraps or a topping for baked potatoes. The flavors blend beautifully and give new life to the dish. That way no one gets bored of eating the same thing twice.

Having leftovers feels like a bonus meal with no extra effort. That’s why this recipe has become one of my favorite recipes chicken lovers can rely on for both flavor and flexibility.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken