Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Butter chicken is one of the most beloved dishes in Indian cuisine. It’s creamy, delicious, and has just the right blend of spices. The best part? You can make it at home in no time! This recipe for quick and easy butter chicken will have your taste buds dancing and your family asking for seconds.
Why make this recipe
Making butter chicken at home means you can control the flavors, ingredients, and portion sizes. Plus, it’s far more satisfying to enjoy a homemade meal. You’ll impress your friends and family with this comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special gathering.
How to prepare Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Making butter chicken is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps to create a rich and creamy dish that everyone will love.
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 the chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Then, add minced garlic and diced onions. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent.
Build the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and add sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Season and Simmer: Add heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder. Stir to combine, then add the cooked chicken back into the sauce. Let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
Finish with Butter: Add the remaining butter for extra creaminess. Stir until melted and mixed well into the sauce.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve hot with naan bread or steamed rice.
How to serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Serve your butter chicken warm with sides of naan bread or steamed rice. You can also add a side salad for a fresh, crunchy contrast.
How to store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Tips to make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken perfectly
- Use chicken thighs for a more tender and juicy result.
- Don’t skip marinating the chicken. It enhances the flavor.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
- For added depth, try using fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomato sauce.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with paneer or tofu for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Nutty Flavor: Add ground nuts like cashews to the sauce for a richer flavor and texture.
- Spicy Version: To kick up the heat, add chopped green chilies along with the onions.
FAQ
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may dry out more easily. Make sure not to overcook them.
2. Can I freeze butter chicken?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
3. What can I serve with butter chicken?
Butter chicken pairs well with naan bread, steamed rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Enjoy making this delicious butter chicken at home and indulge in its creamy goodness!
Print
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and flavorful butter chicken recipe that’s quick and easy to prepare at home, perfect for any occasion.
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
- 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
- In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Then, add minced garlic and diced onions. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and add sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder. Stir to combine, then add the cooked chicken back into the sauce. Let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
- Add the remaining butter for extra creaminess. Stir until melted and mixed well into the sauce.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve hot with naan bread or steamed rice.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for tenderness. Don’t skip marinating the chicken for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian