Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is my answer to weeknight chaos. It’s inspired by the Skinny Taste ethos of flavor-packed, doable dinners for busy families. This recipe reflects a mom’s hunger for comfort without long prep. From mealtime scramble to a restaurant-worthy curry in under an hour.
I rely on pantry staples and smart steps to deliver creamy tomato bliss. If you crave a comforting, crowd-pleasing curry that fits a busy calendar, read on.
what make this Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken special
I reach for Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken on chaotic nights.
It tastes like a cozy restaurant at home, a Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken moment.
And I can finish it fast, with real flavor.
This dish is special because it uses pantry staples.
It builds depth fast without long prep.
The buttery, creamy sauce feels indulgent yet simple.
It’s a weeknight lifter for busy families.
A dish to impress loved ones without stress.
Picky eaters approve when sauce coats every bite.
It’s mom-friendly with simple ingredients and clear steps.
I love sharing tips that save time and avoid guesswork.
The result tastes like a warm hug in a bowl.
Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken: what makes it special
Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is more than a weeknight saver.
It proves flavor and ease can share the same plate.
I crafted it to fit a busy schedule without losing soul.
The Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken flavor and texture
The flavor bursts with creamy tomato and spice.
Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken delivers a silken, restaurant-worthy sauce.
It clings to every piece of chicken for comfort in every bite.
Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken for weeknights
Weeknights demand speed and soul.
This dish checks both boxes with simple marination and fast cooking.
I keep the steps clear so you can relax and enjoy.
A mom-friendly Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken with simple ingredients
You can pull this from pantry staples and a quick yogurt marinade.
A mom-friendly skillet dinner, built from basics.
You’ll love how easy it is to assemble.
Why You’ll Love This Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken delivers fast weeknight wins
On busy nights, I reach for this dish.
This Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken delivers fast weeknight wins.
My family feels cared for without the kitchen chaos.
The creamy, restaurant-worthy sauce in Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
The sauce glides like velvet over every bite.
Tomato sweetness meets cream for restaurant vibes at home.
I whisk and taste until it coats perfectly.
Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken that the whole family adores
My kids ask for seconds and thirds.
Picky eaters hug the creamy sauce with rice.
This is my weeknight hug in a bowl.
Ingredients for Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken ingredients overview
- 1½ lb chicken thighs, bite-size.
- 1 cup plain yogurt.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice.
- 1 tbsp grated ginger.
- 1 tbsp minced garlic.
- 1½ tsp cumin.
- 1½ tsp coriander.
- 1 tsp paprika.
- 1 tsp garam masala.
- ½ tsp turmeric.
- ½ tsp salt.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter.
- 1 tbsp olive oil.
- 1 medium onion, chopped.
- 1 tbsp minced garlic.
- 1½ cups tomato puree.
- 1 cup heavy cream.
- 1 tsp garam masala.
- 1 tsp paprika.
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional).
- Salt to taste.
- Cilantro for garnish, optional.
How to Make Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Here’s how I make Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken in a busy weeknight.
I keep the steps simple, the flavor big, and the kitchen calm.
Let’s start with marinating the chicken for extra tenderness and flavor.
Step 1 – Marinate the chicken for Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Marinade components and timing
I whisk plain yogurt with lemon juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, garam masala, turmeric, and salt.
Add the chicken pieces and coat well.
Marinate for at least 20 minutes; longer if you have time.
Why marinating matters for tenderness
Marinating keeps the chicken juicy as it cooks.
The yogurt helps tenderize while the spices perfume the meat.
Even a short soak boosts flavor before heat hits the pan.
Step 2 – Sear the chicken for Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Searing technique and color cues
Heat a heavy skillet over medium heat.
Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter.
Cook in batches until browned and partly cooked, about 2–3 minutes per side.
Step 3 – Build the aromatics and base sauce for Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger properly
In the same pan, add the remaining butter.
Sauté the onion until soft and golden, 5–7 minutes.
Stir in garlic and ginger; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4 – Simmer the sauce with tomato and spices for Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Balancing spices, heat, and depth
Stir in tomato puree, paprika, garam masala, and chili powder if desired.
Simmer 5–7 minutes to meld flavors.
Season with salt to taste.
Step 5 – Finish with cream and reintroduce chicken for Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Resting and final adjustments
Pour in heavy cream and stir until smooth.
Return the chicken and any juices to the pan.
Simmer 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.
Tips for Success
Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken tips for better flavor
Marinate 20 minutes minimum to unlock flavor.
Longer is better for tenderness.
Juicy chicken follows.
Brown the chicken in batches.
Overcrowding lowers heat.
Dry pieces well for sear.
Use full-fat yogurt and cream.
Low-fat thins the sauce.
Finish with a splash.
Season in layers and taste.
Salt at the end helps.
Adjust for your crowd.
Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken timing tips
Prep mise en place first.
Measure yogurt, spices, and cream.
Weeknights stay calm.
Keep a steady simmer.
Stir often to avoid scorching.
Taste and adjust later.
Want to prep ahead?
Freeze leftovers and reheat gently.
Use fresh rice for best results.
Equipment Needed
Essential equipment for Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
For Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken, you mostly need a reliable skillet.
A heavy-bottom pan helps the sauce cling and cook evenly.
If you don’t have a cast iron, a wide sauté pan works too.
A sturdy wooden spoon or silicone spatula keeps you safe while simmering.
Measuring cups or spoons help keep the spice balance in check.
A lid for your pan speeds up simmering when needed.
You’ll want a sharp knife and cutting board for clean chicken pieces.
A small bowl or two helps with marinating and tidy prep.
Paper towels nearby keep your work station clean as you go.
Optional gadgets like a meat thermometer can give peace of mind.
So can a timer to track marination and simmering without guesswork.
But you can trust your senses and taste instead.
- 12-inch heavy skillet or wide sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Small bowls for marinade and prep
- Optional: instant-read thermometer
Practical substitutions for common tools
If you don’t own a heavy skillet, use a wide nonstick or stainless pan. Keep heat moderate to avoid scorching spices. A lid helps simmer quickly when needed.
Swap a wooden spoon for a heat-safe silicone spatula. It works well with nonstick surfaces. It makes scraping easier.
No measuring spoons? Use standard spoons and approximate amounts. Quick flavor harmony is forgiving here. A whisk or fork blends yogurt and spices just fine.
Variations
I love how Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken flexes for diverse diets and busy weeks. Here are variations to keep the flavor bold.
Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken variations for dietary needs
If you’re dairy-free or gluten-free, swap in coconut milk and cashew cream with gluten-free tomato puree. For creaminess, whisk in dairy-free cream near the end.
Flavor twists to customize Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Try a pinch of cardamom, a dash of chili paste, or roasted cumin for a new aroma. Finish with lemon juice or fenugreek leaves.
Dairy-free or gluten-free options for Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Simple swaps keep this curry inclusive.
- Dairy-free: cashew cream or coconut milk instead.
- Gluten-free: use gluten-free tomato puree and spices.
- Check garam masala and thickeners’ labels carefully.
Serving Suggestions
Serving Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken with rice or naan
I love serving Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken over fluffy basmati rice.
Warm naan on the side makes a cozy, family-friendly plate.
Garnishes and presentation ideas for Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Garnish with cilantro for color and brightness.
A lemon wedge adds fresh zing.
Serve in shallow bowls to showcase the silk.
Sides and Sips to Complete Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Classic sides that pair perfectly with Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
I reach for fluffy basmati rice or warm naan to soak up the creamy sauce.
These sides pair perfectly with Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken.
A side of roasted cauliflower or steamed broccoli adds color and texture.
Refreshing drinks to serve with Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Mango lassi brings sweetness and cooling contrast to the spices.
Lemon-mint water or a light citrusy iced tea keeps it refreshing.
Keep a pitcher handy so guests sip between bites.
Light salads and cooling sauces to balance richness
A bright cucumber-tomato salad with lemon gives crunch and zing.
A simple arugula salad dressed in olive oil brightens the plate.
Yogurt-based raita or cilantro-mint chutney lightens the cream.
FAQs about Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Using chicken breasts instead of thighs for Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Breasts can substitute in Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken, but thighs stay juicier.
Cut breasts into bite-sized pieces and marinate briefly to boost flavor.
Marinate briefly; sear and simmer to finish, keeping flavors bright and inviting.
Can I make Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken ahead or freeze it?
Yes, you can make Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken ahead.
Refrigerate up to 2 days; freeze portions if needed.
Reheat gently with a splash of cream to restore silkiness.
How can I adjust the heat in Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken?
Adjust heat by starting with less chili powder and tasting as you go.
Remove seeds for milder spice; add gradually.
Finish with yogurt to mellow and balance heat.
Is Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken gluten-free and dairy-friendly?
It’s dairy-forward because of yogurt and cream.
Gluten-free with gluten-free tomato puree and spices, checked labels.
For dairy-free, swap in coconut milk or cashew cream for creamy texture.
What are smart substitutions if I’m missing an ingredient for Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken?
If you’re missing an ingredient for Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken, try these swaps.
Garlic or ginger can be replaced with powder.
Tomato puree can be substituted with canned tomatoes; adjust salt.
Final Thoughts on Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
The comforting payoff of Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
I’ve learned weeknight meals should feel like a hug, not a scramble. Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken serves velvet sauce and juicy chicken in under an hour, a quiet victory after a busy day. The kitchen smells warm and creamy, and plating it brings instant calm. It moves from stove to table with ease, yet feels restaurant-worthy at home.
A practical, weeknight-friendly curry you’ll reach for again and again
I’ll reach for this curry again and again when time is tight but comfort matters. It flexes for guests or leftovers, and flavor stays true with simple swaps. Leftovers become lunch, and my week feels lighter. It’s a trusted staple.