Homemade Butter Chicken: How to Make Restaurant Quality at Home

Hi! I’m Emily, the creator behind Bikren Cook. My journey with butter chicken began years ago when I was determined to create affordable meals that didn’t sacrifice flavor. After countless attempts to perfect this easy butter chicken simple recipe, I finally cracked the code to making restaurant-quality butter chicken with rice and vegetables right at home.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the right ingredients, preparing the perfect sauce, cooking techniques that ensure tender chicken every time, and serving suggestions that will make this dish a regular on your dinner menu for the week. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this easy butter chicken tasty recipe delivers yummy dinner ideas that anyone can master.

Why This Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe Works

• Uses affordable, easy-to-find ingredients making it perfect for budget-friendly meal planning
• Marinade requires just 15-30 minutes for maximum tenderness (not overnight like many recipes)
• Versatile dish that works for quick weeknight dinners or weekend entertaining
• Balanced flavors that please both adults and children
• Makes excellent leftovers for lunch the next day
• Can be adjusted for spice preference while maintaining authentic flavor

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Butter Chicken

Best Chicken Cuts for Butter Chicken

For the most flavorful and tender easy butter chicken dish, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the superior choice. Their higher fat content means they stay juicy through the cooking process and absorb the marinade beautifully. If you prefer white meat, boneless chicken breasts work too—just be careful not to overcook them.

Buying Tips

• Look for fresh chicken with a pinkish color and no strong odor
• Choose organic or free-range chicken when possible for better flavor
• Buy chicken thighs in family packs for a more affordable meal option
• If using chicken breasts, select smaller, evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking

Substitutions

While traditional butter chicken uses chicken, you can create a vegetarian version using firm tofu, paneer cheese, or a mix of hearty vegetables like cauliflower and chickpeas for a different take on this easy butter chicken simple recipe.

Ingredients & Prep for Homemade Butter Chicken

Chicken Prep Essentials

For the perfect easy butter chicken tasty result, trim excess fat from chicken thighs and cut into 1.5-inch pieces. This ensures even cooking and better sauce absorption. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before marinating—this seemingly small step makes a significant difference in how well the marinade adheres.

Marinade Ingredients

• 1 cup plain yogurt (full-fat works best)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon salt

Combine all ingredients in a bowl, add chicken, and let marinate for 15-30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor).

Sauce Staples

• 2 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• 1-2 tablespoons honey or sugar (to balance acidity)
• Salt to taste

These ingredients create that signature rich, complex flavor that makes butter chicken with rice and vegetables an irresistible dinner option.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Butter Chicken

Pre-Cooking Prep for Your Butter Chicken

1. Remove marinated chicken from refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking
2. Gather and measure all sauce ingredients before starting
3. Prepare rice or bread for serving
4. Chop any vegetables you plan to include

Cooking Method for Perfect Butter Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pan over medium-high heat
2. Add marinated chicken pieces without overcrowding (work in batches if needed)
3. Cook until lightly browned on all sides (about 3-4 minutes) – they don’t need to be fully cooked
4. Remove chicken and set aside
5. In the same pan, add ghee or butter
6. Sauté onions until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes)
7. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant
8. Add tomato paste and spices, stirring constantly for 2 minutes
9. Pour in crushed tomatoes, stirring well to combine
10. Simmer sauce for 10-15 minutes until it thickens and oil begins to separate
11. Blend the sauce until smooth using an immersion blender (or cool slightly and use a standard blender)
12. Return sauce to pan, add cream and stir well
13. Add browned chicken pieces and simmer for 8-10 minutes until chicken is fully cooked
14. Stir in kasuri methi and honey/sugar
15. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes

Doneness Check for Butter Chicken

The chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For thighs, they should be tender enough to cut easily with a spoon. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and have a rich orange-red color.

Resting Your Butter Chicken

Allow the finished dish to rest off heat for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period lets the flavors meld and the sauce thicken to the perfect consistency for your easy butter chicken dish.

Pro Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken

Avoiding Common Butter Chicken Mistakes

• Never boil the sauce after adding cream—keep it at a gentle simmer to prevent curdling
• Don’t skip the fenugreek leaves—they provide that distinctive restaurant flavor
• Balance acidity with a touch of sweetness (honey or sugar)
• Use enough salt—proper seasoning brings out all the complex flavors
• Allow time for the onions to properly caramelize for depth of flavor

Tool Recommendations for Butter Chicken Success

• Heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven for even heat distribution
• Immersion blender for smooth sauce (much easier than transferring hot sauce to a standard blender)
• Wooden spoon for stirring (metal can react with acidic tomatoes)
• Meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken every time
• Microplane for fresh ginger and garlic if not using paste

Storage & Reheating Butter Chicken

This easy butter chicken simple recipe actually improves in flavor the next day, making it perfect for your dinner menu for the week. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce and heat gently on the stovetop or microwave until just hot.

Looking for more kitchen inspiration? Find my collection of affordable meals and yummy dinner ideas on Pinterest – follow along for weekly meal planning solutions your family will love!

Flavor Variations for Butter Chicken

Spicy Butter Chicken

For heat lovers, add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper to the marinade or 1-3 finely chopped green chilies to the sauce. This creates a delicious contrast to the creamy base while maintaining the dish’s signature comfort food status.

Healthier Butter Chicken

For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt (added off-heat to prevent curdling). You can also reduce butter and use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner protein option in your easy butter chicken tasty dinner.

Global Flavor Twists

Serving Suggestions for Butter Chicken

The classic way to serve this easy butter chicken with rice and vegetables is with basmati rice and naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, consider these accompaniments:

• Cucumber raita to cool the palate
• Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Steamed or roasted vegetables like cauliflower, peas, or green beans
• Pickled onions for a tangy contrast
• Mango chutney for sweet-spicy balance

For a lighter option, serve over cauliflower rice or with a side of roasted vegetables. This versatility makes butter chicken a perfect addition to your dinner menu for the week, as you can vary the sides to keep meals interesting.

FAQs About Homemade Butter Chicken

Can I make butter chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, butter chicken often tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Make it up to 2 days ahead, refrigerate, and gently reheat before serving for an easy butter chicken simple dinner solution.

How can I make this dish less spicy for children?

Reduce or omit the chili powder and garam masala, focusing instead on the aromatics like ginger, garlic, and fenugreek. You can always serve additional chili on the side for adults who prefer more heat.

Can I freeze butter chicken?

Yes! Butter chicken freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. For best results, slightly undercook the chicken before freezing, cool completely, then store in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat, adding a touch of cream if needed to restore the sauce’s silky texture.

What’s the difference between butter chicken and tikka masala?

Butter chicken typically has a sweeter, creamier sauce, while chicken tikka masala is usually spicier with a more tomato-forward flavor profile. Both make excellent affordable meals for family dinners.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

While not ideal, you can use leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken. Add it to the sauce at the end of cooking, just long enough to heat through. This makes for an ultra quick and easy butter chicken when you’re really pressed for time.

Conclusion

Mastering homemade butter chicken is a game-changer for your weekly dinner rotation. This easy butter chicken tasty recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with surprisingly little effort, proving that affordable meals can still feel special. The combination of aromatic spices, tender chicken, and that signature rich sauce creates comfort food that the whole family will request again and again.

Remember that practice makes perfect—each time you make this dish, you’ll discover little adjustments that suit your family’s preferences. Soon enough, this butter chicken with rice and vegetables will become one of your signature dishes, perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions.

Why not try this recipe this week? Join thousands of home cooks who’ve transformed their dinner menu for the week with this versatile, crowd-pleasing dish. Your kitchen will be filled with incredible aromas, and your table surrounded by happy, satisfied diners!