Homemade Butter Chicken: A Rich & Easy 30-Min Meal

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Let’s be honest—some nights just call for cozy, soul-soothing comfort food. And that’s where Homemade Butter Chicken swoops in like a culinary superhero. Creamy, flavorful, and downright irresistible, this dish tastes like it took hours to make (but we’ll keep the secret between us—it’s surprisingly easy!).

Whether you’re wrangling picky eaters, craving takeout vibes without the delivery fee, or planning a casual dinner with friends, this recipe has your back. Bonus? It pairs perfectly with warm naan and fluffy rice, making it a total crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Butter Chicken

It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor—without being overly complicated.
Perfect for busy weeknights but fancy enough to impress guests.
Uses pantry-friendly spices you probably already own.
One pan, minimal mess, maximum flavor. (Who doesn’t love fewer dishes?)

Ingredients You’ll Need

Skinless Boneless Chicken Thighs
Greek Yogurt
Butter
Garlic Cloves
Onion
Tomato Sauce
Sugar
Heavy Cream
Freshly Chopped Parsley
Seasonings: Garlic Powder, Sweet Paprika, Curry Powder, Cayenne Pepper & Garam Masala
Serve with: Naan Bread & Steamed Rice

How to Make It (Step by Step)

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, mix chicken with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Coat well and let it sit for at least 15 minutes—just enough time to chop your veggies and maybe sneak a taste of the naan.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside (but keep that flavorful oil in the pan!).

3. Build the Sauce Base

Reduce the heat to medium and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet. Add minced garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onion is soft and your kitchen smells amazing.

4. Create the Magic

Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar, letting it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Add the cooked chicken back, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir until the sauce turns that gorgeous orange color we all love.

5. Spice It Just Right

Add cayenne pepper (if you like heat), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Let it all simmer together on low for 10 minutes while you set the table.

6. The Final Touch

Stir in 2 more tablespoons of cold butter until melted for that silky, restaurant-worthy finish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

7. Serve and Savor

Scoop generously over steamed rice, add some warm naan for dunking, and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite.

Aneta’s Little Tip

Don’t overthink the spice level—taste as you go! My kids love it mild, but when it’s just the grown-ups, I throw in extra cayenne for a little kick. This dish quickly became our family’s “fancy Friday” dinner—so easy, yet it feels special every single time.

Plate of creamy homemade butter chicken served with fluffy white rice and naan bread. — A comforting plate of homemade butter chicken with rice and naan, perfect for an easy and flavorful dinner.

FAQs About Homemade Butter Chicken

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Just keep an eye on the cook time so they don’t dry out.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, the flavors get even better after sitting in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream.

What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?

Sour cream or plain regular yogurt works too—no need to run to the store.

How should I store leftovers?

Pop them in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. It also freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.

Ready to Dig In?

There you have it—Homemade Butter Chicken that’s creamy, flavorful, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like heaven. Serve it with fluffy rice and pillowy naan, and watch everyone go back for seconds. Dinner doesn’t get much better than this!

This dish isn’t just a recipe; it’s a little love letter to cozy nights in, full bellies, and happy hearts. If you’ve been hunting for a go-to meal that feels special but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen, this is it. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. So grab your skillet, pour yourself a glass of wine (or sparkling water!), and let’s bring the magic of homemade butter chicken to your table tonight.

More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Try

If you loved making this Homemade Butter Chicken, there’s a good chance you’ll want to keep the flavorful fun going in your kitchen. Here are four of my favorite recipes that pair beautifully with a cozy night in or a casual dinner with friends. Each one brings its own unique twist—whether it’s sweet, savory, creamy, or spicy—and they’re all just as approachable as this recipe:

Explore the bold, takeout-inspired flavors of Mongolian Chicken—a sweet and savory dish that’s perfect for weeknights.
Cozy up with One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles, a hearty comfort food classic that’s easy to clean up.
Treat yourself to cheesy goodness with Ooey Gooey Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps, perfect for lunch or a casual dinner.
Add a little spice to your meal plan with the juicy and flavorful Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burger.

These recipes are perfect for expanding your weeknight dinner rotation while keeping things fun and delicious for the whole family!