Quick And Easy Butter Chicken — say hello to your new weeknight hero. Creamy, cozy, and totally achievable in about 30 minutes, this dish hits the comfort-food sweet spot without ghosting your evening plans. Whether you’re cooking for two, feeding a crowd, or trying to impress someone who swears they don’t like curry, this recipe brings the flavor drama minus the fuss.

Quick And Easy Butter Chicken — Why this recipe sings

What makes this recipe so irresistible? First off, the sauce: silky heavy cream + tomato base + a pat of cold butter at the end = a glossy, velvety sauce that clings to every piece of chicken. Second, the seasoning combo (sweet paprika, curry powder, garam masala, a little cayenne) gives warmth and depth without torching your taste buds. Third — and this is the secret — you marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices, which packs in tender, juicy flavor in minutes. Marinate longer for deeper taste.

Want a name-drop to win parent-teacher night? Toss this one in the category Amber Massey Dinner Favs for extra street cred. 😉

Ingredient list (short and useful)

• Skinless Boneless Chicken Thighs — juicy and forgiving; perfect for quick sear.
• Greek Yogurt — tenderizes and adds tang during the quick marinate.
• Butter — finish with cold butter for that restaurant-style silk.
• Garlic Cloves & Onion — base aromatics; don’t skip.
• Tomato Sauce — forms the saucy backbone. Use puree if you like smoother texture.
• Sugar — balances acidity; honey works too.
• Heavy Cream — makes it creamy and dreamy; substitutes suggested below.
• Parsley — fresh finish for color and brightness.
• Seasonings: garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, cayenne (optional), garam masala, black pepper.
• Serve with: naan bread & steamed rice.

Pro tip: use thighs if you want guaranteed juiciness; swap to breasts if you prefer leaner meat.

Simple how-to: the play-by-play (short)

1. Marinate chicken with yogurt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and salt — 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours). Marinate for maximum flavor.
2. Heat oil, sear chicken 8–10 minutes until golden; set aside.
3. Add butter to skillet, sauté garlic + onion until translucent. Deglaze and scrape up brown bits.
4. Stir in tomato sauce + a pinch of sugar; simmer 2–3 minutes. Add chicken back.
5. Pour in heavy cream, stir until color turns orangey. Add cayenne, garam masala, curry powder, black pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
6. Finish by stirring in cold butter for a silky sauce. Sprinkle parsley and serve.

The story behind this recipe

This version is comfort-leaning, quick, and slightly Americanized — meaning it’s cream-forward and kid-friendly. Butter chicken itself traces back to the Indian subcontinent, originally created in Delhi as a way to keep leftover tandoori chicken moist in a flavorful tomato-and-butter sauce. This 30-minute take keeps the spirit but leans into accessibility: no tandoor, no whisking yogurt into raw egg — just bold flavor with pantry-friendly steps. FYI: this is one of those recipes that magically looks like you planned for hours. IMO, that’s the best kind of kitchen victory.

Pro tips for the best outcome

• Toast your spices briefly in the hot oil before you add liquids — this wakes them up and deepens aroma.
• Don’t skip the cold butter finish — it emulsifies into the sauce and gives that lux mouthfeel.
• Sear rather than crowd the pan. Overcrowding steals the golden crust.
• If sauce thickens on reheating, add a splash of water or cream. Saves the day.
• Marinate longer when you can — even 30–60 minutes makes a noticeable difference.

Variations to try

• Vegetarian: swap chicken for firm tofu or paneer. Press and pan-sear first.
• Dairy-free: use coconut yogurt and coconut cream for a lush, dairy-free twist.
• Heat lovers: double the cayenne and add chopped green chiles.
• One-pan dinner: toss in sliced bell peppers and snap peas during the last 5 minutes for extra veg and color — a great way to make Butter Chicken With Rice And Vegetables a reality.
• Budget-friendly: this fits into Cheap Easy Meals For 2 or even Cheap Meals For One if you halve the recipe and serve over rice.

Best way to serve

Serve hot over steamed basmati rice or with pillowy naan for scooping. For a balanced plate, add a side of roasted or steamed veggies — carrots, green beans, or spinach work great. If you want the full dinner-table flex: garnish with a dollop of yogurt, chopped cilantro, and a lemon wedge. This is the kind of dish that makes people reach for seconds, so have extra rice ready!

Quick tips for storage & leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat and add a splash of cream or water if the sauce tightens.
• Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Leftover butter chicken makes an amazing sandwich filling or topping for baked potatoes. Don’t waste it.

Why this feels like an “Easy Butter Chicken Dish”

Because it strips away unnecessary steps and focuses on flavor: quick marinate, fast sear, short simmer, buttery finish. If you search for Easy Butter Chicken Simple recipes, you’ll notice they all share this pattern — minimal fuss, maximum comfort. This version is designed for busy evenings and picky eaters: it’s rich but not overwhelming, spiced but not aggressive. In fact, if you need Easy Dinner Recipes For Family Picky folks, this will probably be your MVP.

Two final quick-fire tips

• Layer your spices (some in the marinade, some in the sauce) for complexity without extra effort.
• Reserve a little sauce — it’s great on rice the next day and reheats beautifully.

FAQs

---

So there you go: a rich, creamy, Easy Butter Chicken Tasty enough for date night and simple enough for a Wednesday scramble. Hungry yet? Go marinate that chicken — and enjoy the smug glow when everyone asks, “Did you make this?” with total awe.

Print