Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Restaurant-Style Indian Flavor in 30 Minutes at Home

Craving the rich, buttery flavor of restaurant-style Butter Chicken without the long prep time or complicated ingredients? This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is the answer to your cravings — all the bold Indian spices, creamy tomato-based sauce, and tender chicken pieces, ready in just about 30 minutes!

Butter Chicken, or “Murgh Makhani,” is known for its luxurious texture and deeply spiced, slightly sweet sauce. While traditional versions can take hours of marinating and simmering, this version is designed to fit into your busy life without sacrificing flavor. We use pantry-friendly spices and a shortcut yogurt marinade that still delivers juicy, flavorful chicken in no time.

Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a seasoned spice-lover, this butter chicken recipe is approachable, delicious, and guaranteed to become a weeknight favorite.

???? Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken Marinade

500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into chunks)
100g plain yogurt
10g garlic paste (2 cloves)
10g ginger paste (1 tsp)
4g ground cumin (1 tsp)
4g ground coriander (1 tsp)
2g turmeric powder (½ tsp)
4g garam masala (1 tsp)
4g chili powder (adjust to taste, 1 tsp)
5g salt (1 tsp)
10g lemon juice (1 tbsp)

For the Butter Chicken Sauce

30g unsalted butter (2 tbsp)
150g onion, finely chopped
10g garlic, minced
10g ginger, minced
300g canned crushed tomatoes (or fresh puréed)
100ml heavy cream
10g sugar (1 tbsp, optional)
4g garam masala (1 tsp)
3g ground fenugreek (kasuri methi) (optional, ½ tsp)
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro (garnish, optional)
Additional 10g butter to finish (optional)

????‍???? Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix yogurt, garlic paste, ginger paste, spices, salt, and lemon juice.
Add chicken pieces and coat well.
Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 12 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a non-stick pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
Add a splash of oil or a little butter and sear the marinated chicken pieces until browned on the outside (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet).
Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same pan, melt 30g butter over medium heat.
Add chopped onions, sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft and golden.
Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute.
Stir in crushed tomatoes and simmer for 7–10 minutes, until the sauce thickens and deepens in color.
Add cream, sugar (if using), garam masala, and ground fenugreek (if using).
Return the chicken to the pan and simmer in the sauce for another 8–10 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
Add an extra knob of butter at the end for extra richness.
Taste and adjust salt, spice, and cream as needed.

Step 4: Serve

Serve hot with steamed basmati rice, warm naan, or soft roti.
Garnish with chopped cilantro or a swirl of cream.

???? Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Approximate values (based on 4 servings):

Calories: 510 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 680mg

???? Tips & Tricks

Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful than breasts — but both work great.
Don’t skip the yogurt marinade! Even 15 minutes makes the chicken more tender and flavorful.
For a richer sauce, add a bit of cashew cream or almond paste.
Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek) is optional, but adds that signature “restaurant taste” to butter chicken.
This sauce freezes beautifully — make extra and store it for a fast meal next time!
Add heat with extra chili powder or green chilies if you like it spicier.

???? From Our Kitchen to Yours

This butter chicken isn’t just a recipe — it’s a celebration of flavor, comfort, and the joy of cooking at home. We believe in meals that feel special even on busy days, and this one hits all the right notes: rich, savory, creamy, and fast. Our goal is to make your kitchen your favorite restaurant — and with this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken, you’ll be one step closer.

Pair it with fluffy naan or spoon it generously over rice — however you serve it, it’s guaranteed to impress.