Name: Easy Homemade Butter Chicken (20-Minute Dinner) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tbsp plain yogurt (Greek or non-dairy yogurt can be used); 1 tsp garam masala; 1/2 tsp ground turmeric; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp chili powder (or paprika for milder flavor); 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided; 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger); 1 1/2 cups tomato puree or passata; 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free); 1 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional); 1/2 tsp sugar; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh cilantro, chopped; Extra butter or cream drizzle; Toasted cashews

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I’m super excited to share my Easy Homemade Butter Chicken (20-Minute Dinner) Recipe with you because it’s a total game changer on busy nights. Seriously, if you love that rich, creamy, and flavorful butter chicken from your favorite Indian restaurant but don’t have hours to cook, this recipe has you covered. It’s fast, comforting, and just delicious enough to feel like a treat without the fuss.

What I love most about this Easy Homemade Butter Chicken (20-Minute Dinner) Recipe is how you get that authentic taste with minimal effort. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests last minute, it’s always a hit. Plus, it comes together so quickly, you can actually enjoy your evening instead of spending it stuck in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Easy Homemade Butter Chicken (20-Minute Dinner) Recipe blend beautifully to create a harmonious dish packed with warmth and creaminess. I always recommend sourcing fresh spices and good-quality tomato puree because they make all the difference here.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: They stay juicy and tender, perfect for quick cooking.
Plain yogurt: Adds tanginess while tenderizing the chicken; Greek or non-dairy works well.
Garam masala: This spice blend is the star that gives butter chicken its signature flavor.
Ground turmeric: Adds vibrant color and earthy notes.
Ground cumin: Provides a subtle smokiness that balances the spices.
Chili powder or paprika: Use chili powder for heat, or paprika if you prefer milder.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, don’t skip or reduce it too much.
Unsalted butter: Offers rich creaminess; divided to build flavor in stages.
Medium yellow onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and body.
Garlic: Freshly minced to punch up the aroma.
Fresh ginger or ground ginger: Fresh adds zing, ground is fine in a pinch.
Tomato puree or passata: Provides the classic base; avoid tomato sauce or diced tomatoes for best results.
Heavy cream or coconut cream: For luscious richness and smooth texture.
Smoked paprika (optional): Adds a subtle smoky depth if you like.
Sugar: Balances acidity from tomatoes gently.
Black pepper: Freshly ground for a final touch of spice.
Fresh cilantro (optional): For a fresh finish and a pop of color.
Toasted cashews (optional): Adds crunch and nutty flavor if you want to get fancy.

Variations

One of the best things about my Easy Homemade Butter Chicken (20-Minute Dinner) Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. I often customize it based on what I have on hand or dietary needs, and I encourage you to do the same!

Dairy-free: I use coconut cream instead of heavy cream—still creamy, just with a subtle coconut twist.
Milder version: Swap chili powder for mild paprika and skip the smoked paprika; great if you’re serving kids or spice-sensitive friends.
Added veggies: Sometimes I toss in spinach or peas for a green boost without changing the flavor much.
Spicy twist: If you’re a heat lover, add some fresh chopped green chilies or extra chili powder—watch out, it sneaks up!
Grilled chicken: For smoky flavor, grill the chicken pieces before adding to the sauce—super tasty but adds a bit of time.

How to Make Easy Homemade Butter Chicken (20-Minute Dinner) Recipe

Step 1: Marinate and Prep Your Chicken

Start by combining your bite-sized chicken thigh pieces with the yogurt, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt. I usually mix this up in a bowl and let it sit for at least 5 minutes while I chop the onion and prep the other ingredients. This quick marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor — it’s the little step that makes a big difference without requiring hours.

Step 2: Sauté Onions, Garlic & Ginger

Melt one tablespoon of butter in a large pan over medium heat, then add your finely chopped onion. Cook until the onions turn golden and soft, about 5 minutes—this slow caramelization is key to building the sauce’s sweetness. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger next; stir constantly to avoid burning and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Toss the marinated chicken right into the pan and cook for about 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the chicken to brown a little on the outside but stay juicy inside. This part smells amazing, trust me. Make sure to scrape any bits stuck to the pan—that’s flavor gold.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour in the tomato puree and sprinkle the second teaspoon of garam masala, smoked paprika (if using), sugar, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir it all together, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes so those flavors meld beautifully. Don’t rush this step – it’s what turns the sauce luscious and rich.

Step 5: Finish with Butter and Cream

Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and the heavy cream (or coconut cream) slowly, letting everything come together into a silky, velvety sauce. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed. At this point, if your sauce looks a little thick, a splash of water can loosen it up without diluting the flavor.

Your Easy Homemade Butter Chicken (20-Minute Dinner) Recipe is ready to be plated!

How to Serve Easy Homemade Butter Chicken (20-Minute Dinner) Recipe

Easy Homemade Butter Chicken (20-Minute Dinner) Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a handful of freshly chopped cilantro because it adds a bright, herbaceous punch that balances the creamy sauce. Sometimes, I drizzle a little extra butter or cream on top before serving for that extra indulgence. Toasted cashews sprinkled over add a nice textural contrast if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

This butter chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice—it’s my go-to for soaking up all that sauce. I also enjoy it with warm naan or roti for scooping. If you want to keep things light, a simple cucumber salad or steamed green beans cut through the richness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this in mini cast iron skillets right at the table, garnished with cilantro and cashews. It looks rustic but elegant. Another idea is layering the butter chicken over roasted cauliflower steaks or inside warm pita pockets for a fun twist that guests rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always cool the butter chicken fully before sealing it to keep the sauce nice and thick. Just give it a good stir before reheating to bring everything back together.

Freezing

Freezing is a breeze with this recipe! I portion the butter chicken into freezer-safe containers and it keeps well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results or gently defrost in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring often. This keeps the chicken tender and prevents the cream from curdling. If it looks thick, add a splash of water or cream as you warm it through.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Homemade Butter Chicken (20-Minute Dinner) Recipe using chicken breast?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat. Just be mindful that breast cooks faster and can dry out, so reduce cooking time slightly and avoid overcooking for juicy results.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! This Easy Homemade Butter Chicken (20-Minute Dinner) Recipe freezes really well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing, and thaw it slowly in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of tomato puree?

You can, but I recommend blending canned tomatoes until smooth to mimic puree texture. Using diced tomatoes will change the consistency and may result in a chunkier sauce.
What can I serve with this butter chicken if I want a gluten-free meal?

For a gluten-free option, serve with basmati rice, quinoa, or gluten-free flatbreads. Avoid traditional naan or roti unless they’re specifically gluten-free.
How spicy is this Easy Homemade Butter Chicken (20-Minute Dinner) Recipe?

This recipe is mildly spiced by default but you can easily adjust the heat by increasing or reducing chili powder or swapping it with paprika for milder flavor. It’s very flexible depending on your spice tolerance.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Butter Chicken (20-Minute Dinner) Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to prepare when time is tight but I still want something comforting and flavorful. It never fails to fill the house with wonderful aromas and get smiles at the dinner table. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do — it’s like your new weeknight secret weapon for a tasty, satisfying meal.