I still remember the first time I made this Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe — the rich aroma filled my whole kitchen and I couldn’t wait to dive in. After tasting it, I knew this would become a staple in my weekly rotation because it’s creamy, comforting, and unbelievably satisfying.

What I love most is how simple it is to prepare, even on busy weeknights. No complex steps or fancy ingredients — just real flavor that everyone at the table will enjoy.

If you’ve been craving restaurant-style butter chicken at home, this recipe delivers every time. You can also enjoy a Halloumi with Honey and Thyme Recipe for a savory side that complements the richness of the curry.

Ingredients Section

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious butter chicken. Each ingredient plays a role in creating the rich, balanced sauce. You could also serve it alongside Mediterranean Mini Lahmacun Bites with Yogurt Drizzle Recipe for a fun, shareable appetizer.

1 tablespoon vegetable oil — helps brown the chicken without burning the butter and keeps the pan hot enough for a good sear.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided — gives the dish its signature richness and smooth flavor.
2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast, diced — cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully when cut into bite-size pieces.
5 cloves garlic, minced — fresh garlic gives the sauce a bold aromatic base; avoid garlic powder if possible.
2 inches fresh ginger, grated — fresh ginger adds warmth and brightness; grated ginger blends smoothly into the sauce.
1 teaspoon ground cumin — provides earthy depth that complements the tomato sauce.
2 teaspoons garam masala — the key spice blend responsible for authentic butter chicken flavor.
½ teaspoon chili powder (optional) — adds mild heat; skip if cooking for kids or spice-sensitive guests.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika — contributes gentle smokiness and enhances color.
1 teaspoon ground turmeric — adds golden color and subtle peppery warmth.
1 teaspoon salt — balances and enhances all flavors in the sauce.
15-ounce can tomato sauce or passata — forms the smooth, rich base of the curry sauce.
½ cup heavy cream — creates the creamy, velvety texture butter chicken is known for.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, parsley, or mint — used as garnish to brighten the final dish.

Note: The above ingredient quantities serve approximately 6 people.

Variations

You can easily tweak this recipe to suit dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Dairy-free version: Replace cream with full-fat coconut milk for similar richness without dairy.
Lower-fat option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be lighter.
Milder taste: Omit chili powder entirely for a kid-friendly version.
Slight sweetness: Add a teaspoon of sugar if you prefer to balance tomato acidity.
Flavor boost: Finish with extra fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long this recipe takes from start to finish:

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment You Need

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and quicker.

Large skillet or frying pan — used to cook chicken and simmer sauce evenly.
Wooden spoon or spatula — ideal for stirring without damaging cookware.
Sharp knife — ensures evenly cut chicken pieces for uniform cooking.
Grater or microplane — perfect for finely grating ginger and garlic.
Measuring spoons and cups — help maintain spice balance.

How to Make Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?

This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy evenings. Follow these steps to build deep flavor without complicated techniques. Each stage builds layers of taste while keeping the process simple.

Prepare the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until lightly browned on the outside, stirring occasionally. Move chicken slightly aside and melt the remaining butter in the same pan.

Add Aromatics and Spices

Add garlic and grated ginger to the melted butter and cook briefly until fragrant. Sprinkle in cumin, garam masala, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Stir well so the chicken is evenly coated with spices.

Simmer with Tomato Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and mix everything together until smooth. Cover and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5–10 minutes so the chicken cooks through and absorbs flavors.

Finish with Cream

Remove the lid and stir in heavy cream to create a silky, rich sauce. Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this recipe many times, I’ve learned a few tricks that improve the final dish.

I always brown the chicken well first because those caramelized bits deepen flavor.
I prefer fresh ginger and garlic since powdered versions lack brightness.
I taste the sauce before serving and sometimes add extra cream for smoothness.
If the sauce thickens too much, I loosen it with a splash of warm water.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?

Serve butter chicken hot over fluffy basmati rice so the grains soak up the creamy sauce. Warm naan bread or roti on the side is perfect for scooping up every drop. Garnish with chopped cilantro or mint for color and freshness, and serve with lemon wedges for a refreshing finishing touch.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown per serving.

Calories: Approximately 406 kcal
Protein: Around 35 g
Carbohydrates: About 10 g
Fat: Roughly 25 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the dish cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier.

Freezing

Butter chicken freezes well for up to 3 months. Store in freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to restore the smooth sauce texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are many reasons this dish becomes a household favorite quickly.

Quick and simple preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
Creamy, comforting sauce delivers restaurant-style taste at home.
Mild, adaptable spice level makes it family-friendly.
Ingredients are easy to find and affordable.
Recipe is flexible for dairy-free or lighter versions.

This Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is one of those comforting meals that feels special yet comes together effortlessly. Once you make it, it’s bound to join your regular dinner rotation.

Ash Tyrrell