Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Butter chicken has a special place in my heart. It’s creamy, spicy, and utterly comforting — the kind of dish that makes you feel at home no matter where you are. Whenever I whip up this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken, it transports me back to bustling Indian kitchens filled with vibrant spices and delicious aromas. It’s a fantastic choice for a weeknight dinner or when I have friends over and want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen. Let’s dive into how you can enjoy this beloved dish at home!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Butter chicken is a classic Indian dish that has gained popularity across the globe, and for good reason! This version is not just authentic, but also incredibly quick to prepare. It focuses on vibrant flavors while staying simple enough for a busy weeknight dinner. It’s budget-friendly and uses ingredients that are often already in your pantry. Plus, it’s definitely kid-approved; the creamy sauce and tender chicken pieces make it easy for even the pickiest eaters to enjoy.
"This butter chicken recipe blew my mind! It’s so simple yet packed with flavor. My family loved it, and I’ll definitely make it again!" — Happy Home Cook
How This Recipe Comes Together
This recipe is broken down into easy steps, ensuring even novice cooks can make a delicious meal without stress. You’ll marinate the chicken for extra flavor, cook it to tender perfection, and then layer in the rich, creamy sauce that makes this dish irresistible. Here’s what to expect:
- Marinate the chicken.
- Cook the chicken until golden brown.
- Prepare a flavorful sauce base.
- Build the sauce with a rich, creamy consistency.
- Season and let it simmer to develop the flavors.
- Finish it with butter for an indulgent touch.
- Serve and enjoy your masterpiece!
What You’ll Need
To recreate this wonderfully flavorful dish, gather these 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)
Feel free to adjust the spice levels and swap out chicken thighs for breasts if preferred. Greek yogurt not only adds a creamy texture but also helps tenderize the chicken.
Directions to Follow
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Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for more depth of flavor).
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Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the garlic cloves and diced onion until translucent and fragrant.
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Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and heavy cream. Mix well and bring it to a gentle simmer.
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Season and Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet, sprinkle with cayenne pepper, garam masala, and the remaining curry powder. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is thickened.
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Finish with Butter: Stir in the last tablespoon of butter before serving for an extra touch of richness.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot with naan bread or steamed rice.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Butter chicken is versatile when it comes to serving! Here are a few ideas:
- Serve it alongside warm naan bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.
- Over a mound of fluffy steamed rice to soak up every last bit of the rich sauce.
- Add a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad for a crisp contrast to the creamy chicken.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your butter chicken fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if it appears too thick. If you want to keep it longer, this dish freezes beautifully—simply let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Always ensure it’s thoroughly reheated before serving.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- To maximize flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- For added complexity, try incorporating different spices like cumin or fenugreek into your marinade.
Creative Twists
Want to put your spin on butter chicken? Here are some ideas:
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with paneer or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Add Veggies: Throw in some spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, adjust the cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños.
Your Questions Answered
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How long does this dish take to prepare?
- From marinating to serving, this dish takes about 1 hour. The actual hands-on time is about 30 minutes.
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Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
- Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but thighs are recommended for their juiciness.
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What is a good substitute for heavy cream?
- You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free version or half-and-half for a lighter option. Keep in mind, it will alter the flavor slightly.
Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining friends, or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, this Quick & Easy Butter Chicken recipe is certain to please. Enjoy making it and savor every bite!
Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1.5 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt Adds creaminess and helps tenderize the chicken.
Cooking Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons butter Divided use.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional for heat.
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 0.5 teaspoon curry powder
- 0.25 cup freshly chopped parsley Optional for garnish.
Serving
- Naan bread For serving.
- Steamed rice For serving.
Instructions
Marinating the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for more depth of flavor).
Cooking the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Preparing the Sauce Base
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the garlic cloves and diced onion until translucent and fragrant.
Building the Sauce
- Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and heavy cream. Mix well and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Seasoning and Simmering
- Return the chicken to the skillet, sprinkle with cayenne pepper, garam masala, and the remaining curry powder. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is thickened.
Finishing Touch
- Stir in the last tablespoon of butter before serving for an extra touch of richness.
Serving
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot with naan bread or steamed rice.
