Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Butter chicken is a delicious and creamy dish that everyone loves. It’s flavorful, comforting, and perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together. With this quick and easy recipe, you can make butter chicken at home that tastes great without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why make this recipe

Making butter chicken at home means you control the ingredients, allowing you to make it healthier or adjust the spice levels to your taste. Plus, it’s a delightful dish that pairs perfectly with naan bread or steamed rice. It’s sure to impress family and friends, and they’ll all be asking for seconds!

How to prepare Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Preparing butter chicken is simple and fun. Follow these easy steps, and you will have a delicious meal 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, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of butter. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until they are soft and golden.
Build the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and add sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Season and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in the heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder. Stir everything together and let it simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes.
Finish with Butter: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter for extra richness. Stir until melted and well combined.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your butter chicken hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley, along with naan bread and steamed rice.

How to serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is best served immediately. Place some of the rice or naan on the plate and pour the butter chicken sauce over it. You can garnish with a sprinkle of parsley for added color and flavor.

How to store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

To store leftovers, let the butter chicken cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!

Tips to make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken perfectly

Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to lock in flavor.
You can adjust the creaminess by adding more or less heavy cream.
To add a touch of sweetness, feel free to add a bit more sugar based on your taste preference.

Variations

For a vegan version, substitute chicken with tofu and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
Add vegetables to the dish, like bell peppers or spinach, for extra nutrition.
Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper as desired.

FAQ

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just make sure not to overcook them as they can dry out.

2. Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the butter chicken ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

3. What can I serve with butter chicken?
Butter chicken pairs well with naan bread, steamed rice, or basmati rice. You can also serve it with a simple salad for a complete meal.

Enjoy your delicious homemade butter chicken!

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe