Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Butter chicken is more than just a comfort food; it’s a celebration of flavor that’s been lovingly crafted over decades in Indian kitchens. I’ve often found myself in awe of its rich, creamy tomato sauce and tender bites of chicken that seem to melt in your mouth. This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe transforms that restaurant experience into a simple weeknight dinner that anyone can whip up in under an hour. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating your family on a busy evening, this dish is sure to shine!
Why make this recipe
What makes this recipe special
There are countless reasons to add this Butter Chicken to your culinary repertoire. First and foremost, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, meaning you can enjoy a homestyle meal without spending your entire evening in the kitchen. The ingredients are budget-friendly and often staples in your pantry, making it an accessible choice for everyone, from busy parents to culinary adventurers.
Imagine the delight of your loved ones as they savor this creamy dish, with its perfect blend of spices that can be adjusted to suit the palates of all ages. Paired with naan or steamed rice, you’ll feel like a true home chef. Perfect for nights when you need something satisfying yet uncomplicated, this dish can quickly become a family favorite.
"This recipe is a lifesaver! I whipped it up for my kids, and they devoured it—it’s now on our weekly rotation!" — Sarah J.
How to make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
The cooking process explained
Making this butter chicken is straightforward, featuring a few essential steps. You’ll marinate chicken to enhance its flavor, sauté aromatic ingredients, and then simmer everything together until it’s perfectly cooked and rich with flavor. Here’s a brief overview:
- Marinate the chicken
- Cook the chicken
- Prepare the sauce base
- Build the sauce
- Season and simmer
- Finish with butter
- Serve and enjoy!
Ingredients
What you’ll need
To create this mouthwatering dish, gather the following 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, for serving
- Steamed rice, for serving
Substitutions: You can easily swap chicken thighs for breast if you prefer leaner meat, and feel free to adjust spice levels to suit your taste!
Directions
Step-by-step instructions
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Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes for the flavors to meld.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 8 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
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Build the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, followed by sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Season and Simmer: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir in cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and an additional ½ teaspoon of curry powder. Allow everything to simmer for about 10-15 minutes to deepen the flavors.
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Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining butter until melted, creating a silky sauce that clings to the chicken.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, serve hot with naan and steamed rice, and dive into a delightful meal!
How to serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Best ways to enjoy it
This butter chicken is a feast for the eyes and the palate! Serve it piping hot straight from the stovetop, with soft naan bread for scooping up the creamy sauce. Steamed rice is the perfect side to soak up every bit of the flavorful sauce. For an upscale touch, consider garnishing with additional parsley or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. A side salad or lightly spiced roasted vegetables can also balance the richness, creating a well-rounded dining experience.
How to store
Storage and reheating tips
Leftovers? No problem! To keep your butter chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, be sure to do so gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the cream from separating.
If you have more than you can eat, consider freezing portions. Place cooled butter chicken in freezer-safe containers; it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to make
Helpful cooking tips
To achieve the best flavor and texture, keep these tips in mind:
- Marination Time: If you have extra time, let the chicken marinate longer (up to 2 hours) for deeper flavor.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Don’t hesitate to tweak the cayenne or garam masala based on your heat preference.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use a dairy-free yogurt for a delicious alternative.
Variations
Creative twists
Feel free to explore with these variations of the classic recipe:
- Vegetable Delight: Incorporate spinach, peas, or bell peppers to add more nutrition and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy heat, add fresh chilies or a sprinkle of chili flakes when building the sauce.
- Curry Fusion: Combine this recipe with other regional spices such as turmeric or cumin for a unique twist.
FAQs
Your questions answered
1. What’s the prep time for this recipe?
Preparation takes about 15-20 minutes, including marination time, and cooking is around 30 minutes.
2. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works well, though thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
3. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace the chicken with chickpeas or cauliflower for a hearty vegetarian option that still delivers on flavor.
With this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to create an unforgettable butter chicken experience right at home. Enjoy your culinary journey!
Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 8 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce base: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Build the sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, followed by sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Season and simmer: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir in cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and an additional 0.5 teaspoon of curry powder. Allow everything to simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
- Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining butter until melted, creating a silky sauce that clings to the chicken.
- Serve and enjoy: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, serve hot with naan and steamed rice.
