Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Butter chicken is a beloved Indian dish that has gained immense popularity worldwide. Known for its creamy and rich sauce, it’s a comforting meal that can be made quickly and easily at home. This quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe lets you enjoy this indulgent dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why make this recipe

Making butter chicken at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to suit your taste. It’s a great option for family dinners or gatherings, delivering a comforting meal that’s sure to impress. Plus, with the ease of preparation, you can whip up this dish even on a busy weeknight.

How to make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• ½ teaspoon curry powder
• 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 6 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon curry powder
• ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Naan bread
• Steamed rice

Directions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.

2. Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and diced onions, sautéing until the onions become translucent.

4. Build the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and stir in the sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring to a simmer.

5. Season and Simmer: Add the heavy cream, garam masala, and curry powder. Mix well, allowing the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken.

6. Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter for extra richness, and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Simmer for an additional five minutes to heat through.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with naan bread or steamed rice.

How to serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is best served hot, directly from the stove. Pair it with fluffy naan bread and steaming white rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Adding a side of yogurt or raita can also balance the richness and enhance the meal.

How to store

To store leftover butter chicken, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, ensure it’s heated through, and consider adding a splash of cream to restore its creamy texture.

Tips to make

1. Use Chicken Thighs: Thighs remain moist during cooking, making them ideal for this dish.
2. Adjust Spices: Feel free to modify the spices to suit your preferences; add more cayenne for heat or omit for a milder dish.
3. Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh garlic and herbs enhances the overall flavor significantly.

Variation

For a healthier twist, you can use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream or incorporate more vegetables into the sauce, such as spinach or bell peppers. Additionally, swap chicken for paneer or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but remember that chicken breasts may dry out faster. If using breasts, consider marinating for a shorter time and ensure they aren’t overcooked.

Q2: Can I make butter chicken in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and simply reheat it when ready to serve.

Q3: What can I serve with butter chicken?
Naan bread, steamed rice, or even quinoa are perfect to soak up the creamy sauce. You can also add a simple salad or roasted vegetables on the side for a complete meal.

Butter Chicken

A quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe with a creamy, rich sauce that can be made effortlessly at home.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the chicken marinade

• 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks Thighs are preferred for moisture.
• 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt

For cooking

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons butter Divided into two for cooking and finishing.
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced

For the sauce

• 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional for added heat.
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 0.5 teaspoon curry powder
• 0.25 cup freshly chopped parsley Optional, for garnish.

To serve

• N/A Naan bread Pair for a complete meal.
• N/A Steamed rice

Instructions

 

Marinate the Chicken

• Combine chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt in a bowl. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Cook the Chicken

• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce Base

• In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and diced onions, sauté until onions become translucent.

Build the Sauce

• Pour in tomato sauce and stir in sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring to a simmer.

Season and Simmer

• Add heavy cream, garam masala, and curry powder. Mix well and simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken.

Finish with Butter

• Stir in remaining tablespoon of butter and return cooked chicken to the skillet. Simmer for an additional five minutes to heat through.

Serve and Enjoy

• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with naan bread or steamed rice.

Notes

To store leftover butter chicken, let it cool and store in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, or freeze for up to 3 months. Add a splash of cream when reheating to restore the creamy texture.

Keyword Butter Chicken, Chicken Curry, Easy Recipe, Indian Recipe, quick dinner