Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Butter chicken is a beloved dish from Indian cuisine that combines tender chicken pieces in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s popular around the world for its delicious flavor and comforting texture. Making it at home may sound challenging, but with this quick and easy recipe, you can whip up this delightful meal in no time!
Why make this recipe
There are many reasons to try making butter chicken at home. First, it’s a great way to enjoy restaurant-quality food in your kitchen. Second, you can adjust the spices and ingredients to suit your taste. Finally, it’s an easy recipe that doesn’t require fancy cooking skills. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests!
How to prepare Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Preparing butter chicken is simple and quick. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
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
Steps:
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Cook the Chicken: In a large pan, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until the onion is soft and translucent.
Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
Season and Simmer: Add the heavy cream to the sauce and mix well. Then add the cooked chicken back to the pan, along with cayenne pepper, garam masala, and curry powder. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter for extra creaminess.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your butter chicken hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy it with naan bread or steamed rice.
How to serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is best enjoyed with naan bread or fluffy steamed rice. You can serve it with a side of salad or yogurt for a complete meal.
How to store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warm, adding a splash of water or cream if needed.
Tips to make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken perfectly
- Marinate Longer: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge.
- Adjust Spice: If you prefer a milder dish, you can skip the cayenne pepper.
- Creaminess: Use full-fat heavy cream for the richest sauce.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with paneer or mixed vegetables like peas and carrots.
- Extra Spicy: Add more cayenne pepper or fresh chilies to boost the heat.
- Coconut Cream: For a different flavor, substitute half of the heavy cream with coconut cream.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Chicken breasts may dry out if overcooked.What can I serve with butter chicken?
Naan bread, steamed rice, or even quinoa are great accompaniments.Is butter chicken gluten-free?
Yes, this butter chicken recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your naan is also gluten-free if needed.
Try this quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe tonight, and experience a comforting dish that will surely delight your taste buds!
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
A quick and easy recipe for homemade butter chicken with tender chicken pieces in a rich, creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
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
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken by mixing with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
- In a large pan, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat and add the chicken pieces, cooking until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté minced garlic and diced onion until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream and mix well. Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with cayenne pepper, garam masala, and curry powder. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter for extra creaminess.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired, with naan bread or steamed rice.
Notes
For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. If you prefer a milder dish, skip the cayenne pepper. You can substitute half of the heavy cream with coconut cream for a different flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: butter chicken, Indian food, quick recipe, easy dinner