Butter chicken night is the kind of night everyone secretly hopes for. You know the one—warm bowls, cozy vibes, and that rich, creamy sauce that makes you pause mid-bite like, wow, I made this?! Yep, this Quick Homemade Butter Chicken is pure comfort food magic without the restaurant bill or the all-day prep.
Let’s talk flavor. Butter chicken—also known as Murgh Makhani—was born in Delhi, India, and honestly? It understood the assignment. Tender chicken, a velvety tomato-based sauce, gentle spices, and just enough cream to make everything luxurious without being heavy. IMO, it’s the ultimate balance of bold and comforting.
Here’s the best part: this dish works for everyone. Feeding friends? It’s one of the best Easy Meals For A Group. Cooking for a crowd? It fits right in with Meals For Big Families. Just you and your favorite person? It absolutely qualifies as one of those cozy Recipes For Dinner For Two that feels special without trying too hard.
Budget-friendly too—because comfort food shouldn’t cost a fortune. This butter chicken easily lands among your go-to Cheap Recipes For Dinner, while still tasting like a restaurant splurge. Serve it over rice and suddenly you’ve got a satisfying Homemade Chicken And Rice Meal that checks all the boxes.
Busy week? No stress. This dish slides right into your Weekly Meal Ideas rotation. It’s simple, flexible, and totally approachable—even on a Tuesday. Plus, it proves that Easy Recipes Dinner Healthy and indulgent flavor can coexist. Yes, really.
Whether you’re craving one of those Easy Cozy Dinner Recipes or hunting for a Butter Chicken Recipe Easy Healthy enough for weeknights, this one delivers. FYI—leftovers taste even better the next day. Coincidence? Absolutely not.
So grab a pan, cue the cravings, and let’s make dinner something to look forward to. 🍛
Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Method
1. Flavor the Chicken
Add the chicken thighs to a bowl along with Greek yogurt, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and curry powder. Toss until every piece is fully coated. Set aside and let the flavors soak in for about 15 minutes while you prep everything else.
2. Brown the Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken into the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through—about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate, keeping the remaining oil in the skillet.
3. Start the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add a small amount of butter to the same pan. Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom (a splash of water helps). Add the garlic and onion with a pinch of salt and sauté until soft and fragrant.
4. Create the Creamy Base
Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle in the sugar. Let the mixture gently bubble for a few minutes, then return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir well and slowly add the heavy cream until the sauce turns a rich, creamy orange.
5. Season & Simmer
Season with garam masala, curry powder, black pepper, and cayenne if you like heat. Reduce the heat and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors fully develop.
6. Finish with Butter
Stir in the remaining cold butter until melted and silky. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
7. Serve
Spoon the butter chicken over warm rice and serve with soft naan on the side. Dig in while it’s hot and creamy.
Notes
Substitutions & Variations
- Chicken: Swap thighs for chicken breast, turkey, or tofu
- Yogurt: Use plain yogurt, coconut yogurt, or sour cream
- Butter: Replace with ghee, olive oil, or plant-based butter
- Garlic: Use jarred garlic or garlic powder (½ tsp per clove)
- Onion: Try shallots, leeks, or onion powder
- Tomatoes: Use canned crushed tomatoes or tomato paste + water
- Sugar: Honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute work well
- Cream: Coconut cream, half-and-half, or cashew cream