There’s a quiet kind of peace that comes when a pot of Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe simmers slowly on the stove, steam rising like a soft sigh from the kitchen. In those moments the world narrows to aroma and warmth, to the gentle rhythm of stirring and tasting. I invite you to take your time, breathe as you stir, and let this recipe become a small, steady act of care for yourself and those you love.
A Gentle Recipe for Body & Soul
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is not only about bright tomato and creamy butter. It is about the moment you slow down to savor the process. When the tomatoes melt into cream and butter, they make a sauce that feels like a warm blanket on a cool evening. There is nourishment here: protein to restore, healthy fats to soothe, and spices that lift the spirit without overwhelming the senses.
In my kitchen, the ritual matters as much as the recipe. I set out the ingredients, wash a few bowls, and let sunlight catch in the spoon. Each small action becomes a way to come home to the present. If you can, open a window for a little fresh air, and let the herbs release their gentle aroma as you cook.
Step by Step: How to Prepare Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
“Cooking is a quiet way of caring for yourself and the ones you love.”
Below is a calm, guided overview of the stages of this dish. Think of it as a gentle path to follow rather than a race to finish. Take your time at each step, and listen to the clues the food gives you: a golden edge on the chicken, a spoonful that feels balanced, a simmer that breathes and bubbles softly.
Wholesome Ingredients You’ll Need for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
1 ½ pounds skinless (boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
½ teaspoon curry powder
1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons butter (divided)
6 garlic cloves (minced)
1 medium onion (diced)
1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups heavy cream
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
1 teaspoon garam masala
½ teaspoon curry powder
¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Naan bread
Steamed rice
Mindful notes: use fresh herbs if you can they carry gentle energy and brighten the dish. If heavy cream feels too rich, substitute half-and-half for a lighter finish and a softer texture. A small spoonful of Greek yogurt in the marinade helps the chicken stay tender and kind while cooking.
Step-by-Step How to Prepare Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine chicken chunks with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, ½ teaspoon curry powder, and 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt. Mix so each piece is lightly coated. Let it rest for 15–30 minutes if you have time. This gentle pause lets the flavors begin to sink into the meat.
- Cook the Chicken
- Warm 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces; do not overcrowd the pan. Let them brown, turning occasionally. Each bite-sized piece will need about 6–8 minutes total until edges are golden and centers are just cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. Breathe as you work. The browning adds depth to the finished sauce.
- Prepare the Sauce Base
- Reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to the same pan. Add the diced onion and cook gently until translucent and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes. Stir and scrape any browned bits from the bottom; they hold much flavor. Add the minced garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until aromatic. Keep your movements slow and steady.
- Build the Sauce
- Pour in the 15-ounce can of tomato sauce, add 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt (adjust later), and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir slowly, letting the tomato and onion come together. Turn the heat to low and add 2 cups of heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is smooth and comforting. Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper if you like a warm, subtle heat.
- Season and Simmer
- Return the browned chicken to the pan, nestling the pieces gently into the sauce. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon garam masala and ½ teaspoon curry powder over the top. Cover and simmer on low for 10–15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or sweetness if needed. Feel the slow rhythm of simmering as a calming presence.
- Finish with Butter
- Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until it melts into the sauce. This final touch adds silk and shine to the dish. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it. If it needs more richness, add a touch more cream. Let the sauce rest off the heat for a few minutes so it settles and becomes even more harmonious.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Spoon the butter chicken over warm steamed rice or offer soft, pillowy naan for dipping. Garnish with ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a bright finish. Sit down, breathe, and share this nourishing meal slowly with someone you love. Stir gently and savor the warmth.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe with Intention
Think of serving as the final act of care in this quiet ritual. Bring the pan to the table and allow everyone to help themselves, tearing warm naan with calm, attentive hands. If serving family-style, place a small bowl of yogurt or raita nearby to add cooling contrast. Use shallow bowls so the sauce spreads and you can see the golden chicken resting in creamy tomato.
A mindful plate can soften any evening. Place a small spoon of butter on top of each portion so it melts slowly into the hot sauce. Let someone tear a piece of naan and dip it gently, watching the steam rise. Encourage slow conversation, and allow the food to settle into a gentle silence of contentment between bites.
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How to Store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe the Right Way
Storing this dish is simple, and it often deepens in flavor after a day. Allow the butter chicken to cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. In the refrigerator, store for up to 3–4 days. Gently reheat over low heat with a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce. This helps keep the texture smooth and comforting.
For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers and leave a little headroom for expansion. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight, then warm gently on the stove until just steaming. As the dish rests, its spices will find each other and the aroma will come back to life.
Mama Lila’s Helpful Tips
- Choose thighs for tenderness. Chicken thighs remain juicy and forgiving during cooking. If you prefer breast meat, cut it into slightly larger pieces and watch the cooking time carefully to avoid dryness.
- Brown slowly. Take a few extra minutes to get a light golden color on each piece of chicken. Those browned bits are flavor gold. Do not rush this step. If you feel impatient, breathe and remind yourself the depth of flavor comes from slow, patient heat.
- Adjust creaminess gently. If heavy cream feels too rich, use half-and-half or a blend of milk and a small knob of butter. Stir slowly and taste as you go. The sauce should feel balanced, uplifted by spices but soothing in texture.
- Use whole spices when possible. A little toasted garam masala or whole cardamom pod added to the sauce can bring aromatic lift. Toast whole spices in a dry pan for a minute until fragrant, then crush them gently before adding.
- Let it rest. Once off the heat, give the dish 5–10 minutes before serving. This small pause allows the flavors to settle and the sauce to become silkier.
Peaceful Variations to Explore
- Herb swap: Replace parsley with fresh cilantro for a brighter finish, or use a mix of both for layered fragrance.
- Vegetable additions: Stir in roasted cauliflower or spinach in the last 5 minutes of cooking for added color and comfort.
- Slow-cooker option: Brown the chicken and onions, then move everything into a slow cooker with remaining ingredients and cook on low for 3–4 hours. Finish with butter and cream toward the end.
- Lighter version: Use a mix of low-fat yogurt and milk to keep the creaminess but lower the richness. Simmer gently so the yogurt does not separate.
- Heat control: Add more cayenne for a warming, tingly bite, or leave it out for a very gentle, kid-friendly version. Small changes can make the dish feel like a new, familiar friend.
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix to coat. Let rest for 15-30 minutes.
- Warm 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and brown for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium, add remaining oil and butter to the pan. Cook onion until translucent (5-7 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook until aromatic.
- Add tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir and reduce heat. Add heavy cream slowly, stirring until smooth.
- Return chicken to the pan. Sprinkle with garam masala and curry powder. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in remaining butter until melted. Adjust thickness with water or extra cream if needed.
- Spoon butter chicken over rice or serve with naan. Garnish with parsley or cilantro.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Common Questions About Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, this dish often feels more comforting the next day. Flavors deepen as spices and aromatics meld. Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
How can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute coconut milk or a creamy plant-based milk for the heavy cream, and use a vegan butter or additional oil in place of butter. The texture will be slightly different but still comforting and lush.
Is it possible to freeze this dish?
Absolutely. Freeze in single portions for up to 3 months. Defrost slowly in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently to preserve texture and flavor.
Can I use a different cut of meat?
Yes. Chicken breasts can be used, but watch the cooking time closely so they do not dry out. For a richer variation, try bone-in thighs and extend the simmer time to ensure tenderness.
How spicy is this?
This version is mild with an option to add cayenne for heat. Adjust to taste, and remember that a small amount of heat can bloom during resting time.
Final Reflection or Closing Note
I hope this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe brings you the same peace and warmth it brings to my home each time I cook it. Cooking slowly and with care is a small, powerful ritual. When you prepare this meal, let each movement be gentle and intentional. Notice the steam, the light on your counter, the way the sauce gathers in the spoon. These are the quiet gifts that fold into nourishment and make dinner feel like a soft, healing ritual.
Conclusion
If you would like to explore another quick take on this classic, this Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken | Gimme Delicious offers a different approach that keeps convenience in mind while honoring flavor. For a deeply researched, step-by-step perspective on butter chicken techniques and variations, I also find value in Butter Chicken – RecipeTin Eats, which explains methodical steps and helpful tips that can expand your confidence in the kitchen.
I leave you with a simple wish: may your kitchen be a calm place for small acts of care, and may this dish give you warmth, nourishment, and the gentle comfort of a well-loved meal. Take your time, breathe as you stir, and let the flavors come together slowly.