Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken (30-Minute Recipe)

If you love rich, comforting flavors but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is exactly the recipe you’ve been looking for. It captures everything people adore about classic butter chicken—the creamy tomato-based sauce, warm spices, and tender chicken—while streamlining the process so you can enjoy it any night of the week.

This version is designed for home cooks who want bold flavor without complicated steps. The chicken cooks quickly, the sauce comes together smoothly, and the result is a dish that tastes slow-simmered and restaurant-worthy, even though it’s made with simple, accessible ingredients. Every bite is rich, mildly spiced, and deeply comforting, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and relaxed weekend meals.

What truly makes this butter chicken special is its balance. The sauce is creamy without being heavy, spiced without being overwhelming, and flavorful enough to satisfy without needing a long ingredient list. Paired with rice or naan, it becomes a complete, satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet approachable.

If you’ve ever thought butter chicken was too complicated to make at home, this recipe will change your mind. Once you see how quickly it comes together—and taste how comforting and flavorful it is—you’ll understand why it’s a dish people come back to again and again.

Why You’ll Love It

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is everything people love about the classic dish—made simpler and faster for everyday cooking. One of the biggest reasons you’ll love this recipe is how approachable it is. You don’t need hours of marinating, specialty equipment, or a long list of hard-to-find spices to achieve that rich, comforting flavor.

Another reason this recipe stands out is the balance of flavors. The sauce is creamy and smooth, with warm spices that feel comforting rather than overpowering. It’s mild enough for the whole family, yet flavorful enough to feel satisfying and complete. Each bite delivers tender chicken coated in a velvety sauce that tastes indulgent without being heavy.

This butter chicken is also perfect for busy schedules. It comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknights when you want something homemade and comforting without a big time commitment. It reheats beautifully, which means leftovers are just as enjoyable the next day.

Finally, it’s a recipe that feels reliable. Once you make it, you’ll know exactly how it fits into your routine—easy to prepare, flexible to customize, and comforting every single time.

Ingredients + Tips

Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Thighs are slightly juicier, while breasts keep the dish leaner.

Tip: Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces so they cook quickly and evenly.

Butter

Butter adds richness and that signature flavor butter chicken is known for.

Tip: Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level of the dish.

Aromatics

Onion, garlic, and ginger create the flavor base of the sauce.

Tip: Cook them gently until soft and fragrant—this builds flavor without bitterness.

Tomatoes

Tomato purée or crushed tomatoes form the base of the sauce.

Tip: Simmer the tomatoes long enough to mellow their acidity and deepen the flavor.

Cream

Heavy cream gives the sauce its signature smoothness.

Tip: Add cream toward the end of cooking to keep the sauce silky.

Spices

Garam masala, paprika, turmeric, and a touch of chili powder add warmth and depth.

Tip: Adjust the spice level to your preference—this dish is easy to customize.

Steps (Chicken & Sauce)

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat a bit of oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly golden on the outside. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, add more butter if needed. Sauté the onion until soft and translucent. Add garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Spices

Sprinkle in the spices and cook briefly, stirring constantly. This step blooms the spices and enhances their flavor.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add the tomato purée and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for several minutes until thickened and smooth.

Step 5: Finish Cooking the Chicken

Return the chicken to the pan and simmer until fully cooked and tender.

Step 6: Add Cream

Lower the heat and stir in the cream. Simmer gently for a few more minutes until the sauce is rich and silky.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Season with salt as needed. Adjust spice or creaminess to your preference.

Variations

Butter chicken is wonderfully adaptable:

• Extra Creamy: Add a bit more cream or a spoonful of butter at the end.

• Spicy: Add chili powder or cayenne to taste.

• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

• Protein Swap: Use paneer, shrimp, or tofu instead of chicken.

• Vegetable-Forward: Add peas, spinach, or roasted cauliflower.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or water if the sauce thickens too much.

Butter chicken also freezes well for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions

Serve butter chicken over basmati rice, jasmine rice, or with warm naan or flatbread. A simple cucumber salad or steamed vegetables pair nicely and balance the richness of the sauce.

For a complete meal, add a side of lentils or roasted vegetables.

Final Thoughts

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is proof that classic comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. This recipe captures the essence of traditional butter chicken—rich sauce, warm spices, and tender chicken—while making it accessible for everyday cooking. It’s designed for real kitchens and real schedules, without sacrificing the flavors people love.

What makes this dish especially appealing is how forgiving it is. You can adjust the spices, creaminess, or protein to suit your tastes, and the recipe still delivers consistently great results. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just yourself, this butter chicken adapts beautifully.

This is also a recipe that grows with you. The first time you make it, you’ll appreciate how simple it is. Over time, you may start tweaking the spices, adding vegetables, or serving it in different ways—but the core of the dish remains comforting and satisfying.

In a world full of complicated recipes, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken stands out for its simplicity and reliability. It’s the kind of meal that brings warmth to the table, fills the kitchen with inviting aromas, and leaves everyone feeling satisfied. Once you add it to your rotation, it’s likely to become one of those trusted recipes you turn to whenever you want something comforting, flavorful, and easy—and that’s exactly what makes it a keeper.