Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken: The Ultimate 30-Minute Recipe

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Have you ever found yourself yearning for that deeply satisfying, creamy butter chicken you enjoy at your local Indian restaurant, only to assume it’s far too challenging to recreate at home? That decadent, velvety tomato gravy, the succulent chicken, those fragrant spices… it all seems like the work of a professional. Well, we’re here to let you in on a secret: not only is it achievable, but it’s also wonderfully straightforward! With our recipe, you can prepare a truly sensational Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken from scratch, and it’ll be on your table faster than you can decide on a takeaway.

This recipe demystifies the process, delivering all the authentic flavour without any of the fuss. We have fine-tuned our method to give you that classic restaurant experience using easy-to-find ingredients and simple instructions. Say goodbye to lengthy marination times and intimidating spice lists; it’s time to make this beloved dish a regular feature on your weeknight menu.

What Exactly Is Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)?

Butter Chicken, known as Murgh Makhani in its native Hindi, is arguably one of the most cherished Indian dishes across the globe, and its popularity is well-deserved. Its story began in Delhi during the 1950s at the renowned Moti Mahal restaurant. Legend has it that the chefs ingeniously repurposed leftover tandoori chicken by simmering it in a rich tomato and butter sauce to prevent it from drying out. In doing so, they created a culinary icon. You can delve deeper into its fascinating origins with trusted sources like the BBC.

Its hallmark flavour is a masterful blend of tangy tomatoes, luscious cream, and a gentle medley of aromatic spices. In contrast to many other curries, it is celebrated for being mild and having a wide appeal, which makes it an ideal starting point for anyone new to Indian cuisine, including children and pickier eaters.

Why You’ll Adore This Easy Butter Chicken Recipe

We are certain this will become your new favourite curry recipe. Here are just a few reasons why we cherish it, and we know you will too:

Ready in a Flash: From the moment you start to the minute you serve, this incredible curry can be ready in around 30 minutes. It’s the ideal meal for a hectic weekday evening.
Everyday Ingredients: We’ve designed this recipe around items readily available in any major supermarket, so there’s no need for a special trip to a world food store.
Rich & Creamy Flavour: We make no compromises on taste. This recipe yields a sumptuously smooth sauce that has all the depth of a dish that has been simmering for hours.
Perfect for the Whole Family: This is a mild, slightly sweet, and tangy curry that children tend to love. You can, of course, tailor the spice level to your own liking.
So Much Better Than a Takeaway: Making your own easy butter chicken recipe at home is not only healthier and fresher but also infinitely more satisfying.

Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Butter Chicken

The secret to a truly magnificent butter chicken lies in using high-quality ingredients. Here is a clear breakdown of everything we’ll need.

Ingredients for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

For the Chicken Marinade

Chicken: 500g of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, chopped into bite-sized 1-inch pieces. For the most succulent and flavourful results, we recommend using thighs.
Yoghurt: 3 tablespoons of plain, full-fat yoghurt. This works wonders to tenderise the chicken.
Ginger-Garlic Paste: 1 tablespoon. You can find this pre-made or easily create your own by blitzing equal quantities of fresh ginger and garlic cloves.
Spices: 1 teaspoon of garam masala, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/2 a teaspoon of turmeric powder, and 1/2 a teaspoon of red chilli powder (adjust this to suit your heat preference).
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice to brighten the flavours.
Salt: 1/2 an teaspoon.

For the Creamy Sauce (Makhani Gravy)

Butter: 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. It wouldn’t be butter chicken without it!
Oil: 1 tablespoon of a neutral-flavoured oil, such as vegetable or sunflower oil.
Onion: 1 medium-sized onion, chopped finely.
Ginger-Garlic Paste: 1 tablespoon.
Tomatoes: A 400g tin of chopped tomatoes, or use passata for an even smoother gravy.
Spices: 1 teaspoon of garam masala, 1 teaspoon of ground coriander, and 1/2 a teaspoon of red chilli powder.
Cashew Nuts: A small handful (around 15-20 nuts), which have been soaked in hot water for at least 15 minutes. This is our tip for achieving an incredibly creamy sauce without relying on too much cream.
Double Cream: 100ml. Feel free to swap this for single cream or coconut cream if you prefer a lighter alternative.
Sugar: 1 teaspoon, which helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.
Kasuri Methi: 1 teaspoon of dried fenugreek leaves. This ingredient is crucial for that authentic Indian curry flavour. Remember to crush the leaves in your palms just before you add them.
Fresh Coriander: A handful for a fresh, aromatic garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for a Perfect Butter Chicken

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium-sized bowl, mix the chicken pieces with all the specified marinade ingredients (yoghurt, ginger-garlic paste, spices, lemon juice, and salt). Stir thoroughly to ensure every piece is well-coated. Allow it to sit while you get on with the sauce; even 10-15 minutes of marination time will make a noticeable difference.
Start the Sauce: As the chicken marinates, blend your soaked cashew nuts with a splash of water until you have a completely smooth paste. Put this to one side. In a large, heavy-based pan or a Dutch oven, heat the butter and oil over a medium flame. Once the butter is foaming, add your finely chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent.
Cook the Aromatics: Add the tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste and continue to cook for a further minute until it releases its wonderful aroma. Now it’s time to add the ground coriander, garam masala, and chilli powder. Stir everything constantly for about 30 seconds to toast the spices and deepen their flavour.
Build the Gravy: Pour in the tinned tomatoes or passata, and then add the salt and sugar. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Next, add the cashew paste, mix it in well, and allow the sauce to cook for 5-7 minutes. Stir from time to time until the gravy has thickened and you can see a little oil separating around the edges.
Cook the Chicken: You have two options here. For maximum speed, simply push the sauce to one side of the pan and add the marinated chicken to the clear space. Sear it for a few minutes on all sides before incorporating it into the sauce. Alternatively, you can grill or pan-fry the chicken in a separate pan until it’s lightly golden, then add it to your gravy.
Finish the Curry: Place a lid on the pan and let the curry simmer for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fully cooked through and wonderfully tender. Reduce the heat to its lowest setting, then stir through the double cream and the crushed kasuri methi. Allow it to heat gently for a minute, but be careful not to let it boil. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt if you feel it’s needed.
Serve and Garnish: Your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is now complete! Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped coriander and an optional swirl of cream before serving it up.

Our Top Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Curry

To take your butter chicken from simply delicious to truly exceptional, we recommend keeping these pointers in mind.

The Magic of Kasuri Methi: These dried fenugreek leaves impart a distinctive, slightly bitter, yet deeply aromatic flavour that is absolutely vital for an authentic result. You can find them in the world food aisle of most large supermarkets or purchase them online.
Opt for Chicken Thighs: While chicken breast works perfectly fine, thighs are more forgiving during cooking and tend to yield juicier, more flavour-packed meat.
Toast Your Spices: Gently frying your ground spices for 30 seconds before adding the wet ingredients helps to unlock their essential oils, which significantly deepens the curry’s overall flavour.
For an Ultra-Smooth Sauce: If you’re aiming for that silky, restaurant-quality gravy, we suggest using an immersion (stick) blender to blitz the sauce until smooth just before you add the chicken and cream.
Balance the Flavours: Always taste your sauce just before you serve it. Could it do with another pinch of salt? A little more sugar to offset the tomato? Perhaps another splash of cream? Perfecting the final seasoning is the true secret to an amazing creamy chicken curry.

What to Serve with Your Butter Chicken

This curry pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. We particularly enjoy serving it with:

Rice: Light and fragrant basmati rice is the quintessential partner for this dish.
Bread: A warm, fluffy naan bread (especially a garlic one!) or some soft roti is essential for mopping up every last drop of that incredible sauce.
Sides: A simple side dish like a cooling cucumber raita (a yoghurt-based dip) or a fresh kachumber salad (made with chopped onion, tomato, and cucumber) offers a delightful, refreshing contrast.

If you’re mapping out a week of comforting and tasty meals, we wholeheartedly suggest you put our The Ultimate Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe on your list for another dish that is guaranteed to please the whole family.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Like many curries, butter chicken often tastes even more delicious the following day once the flavours have had a chance to fully develop!

To Store: Allow the curry to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To Freeze: Butter chicken freezes very well for up to 3 months. For the best texture, we advise freezing it without the cream and then stirring the cream in as you reheat it. Defrost it overnight in the fridge before use.
To Reheat: Gently warm the curry in a saucepan over a low to medium heat until it is steaming hot throughout. We suggest avoiding the microwave, as high heat can sometimes cause creamy sauces to split and can make the chicken tough.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make butter chicken dairy-free?

Of course! For a completely dairy-free version, simply use a plant-based yoghurt (such as coconut or soya) in the marinade, a dairy-free butter alternative or neutral oil for cooking, and replace the double cream with full-fat coconut cream to finish the sauce.

Is this homemade murgh makhani spicy?

Our recipe for homemade murgh makhani is designed to be very mild, making it suitable for the whole family. The level of heat is determined by the red chilli powder, which you can easily reduce or leave out completely. For those who enjoy a spicier curry, feel free to add more chilli powder or include a finely chopped fresh green chilli when you sauté the onions.

What is the difference between Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala?

This is a very common point of confusion! Although they seem similar, the primary distinction is in their flavour profiles. Butter chicken is characteristically milder, sweeter, and creamier, with tomato and butter being the star flavours. In contrast, Chicken Tikka Masala is generally spicier and more robust, with a stronger emphasis on onions and a more complex spice base.

Conclusion: Your New Favourite Weeknight Meal

And there you have it—a completely dependable recipe for a Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken that can genuinely stand up to your favourite restaurant’s version. We have shown you how to create a curry that is rich in flavour, wonderfully creamy, and deeply comforting, all without needing to dedicate hours to your kitchen. It is the perfect recipe to have in your repertoire, whether you are preparing a family dinner, hoping to impress some guests, or simply indulging in some well-earned comfort food.

So, why not give it a go? Put on your apron and prepare to delight everyone with this spectacular curry. We would be thrilled to know how you get on – please leave us a comment below or tag us in your pictures on social media! And if you’re on the lookout for another brilliant chicken recipe that is bound to be a hit, do take a look at our Tasty Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Delicious Easy.