Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a beloved dish originating from India. This creamy and flavorful curry is a favorite among many, known for its rich tomato sauce and tender chicken. In this article, we present a quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe that you can whip up in no time, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Why Make This Recipe

This quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it is incredibly simple, requiring minimal cooking experience while delivering restaurant-quality flavors. Second, the combination of spiced chicken, creamy tomato sauce, and butter creates an irresistible taste that pairs perfectly with naan bread or steamed rice. Plus, making it at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a fresh and delightful meal.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

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

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until the onion is soft and translucent.
4. Build the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Season and Simmer: Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and additional curry powder. Stir until the sauce is creamy, then return the chicken to the skillet. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes to combine the flavors.
6. Finish with Butter: Just before serving, stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter for extra richness and flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the butter chicken hot with naan bread and steamed rice.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Serve butter chicken in a large bowl, garnished with parsley. Pair it with warm naan bread for dipping and a side of fluffy steamed rice to soak up the creamy sauce. Consider adding a fresh salad or yogurt raita for a complete meal.

How to Store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

To store butter chicken, allow it to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

• Adjust the Spice Level: You can easily control the heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
• Use Chicken Breast: If you prefer, you can substitute boneless chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner option.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add peas, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with paneer or tofu for a delicious vegetarian option.
• Coconut Butter Chicken: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that adds a tropical twist.

FAQs

1. Can I make butter chicken in advance?
Yes, you can prepare butter chicken a day ahead. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

2. What can I serve with butter chicken?
Butter chicken pairs wonderfully with naan, steamed rice, or even quinoa for a healthier alternative.

3. Can I freeze butter chicken?
Yes, it freezes well. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container, and it will remain fresh for up to 3 months.

Enjoy your homemade butter chicken, and delight in its rich flavors and satisfying aroma!

Butter Chicken

A quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe featuring tender chicken in a rich creamy tomato sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 700 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the 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

For Cooking

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced

For the Sauce

• 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)
• Naan bread For serving
• Steamed rice For serving

Instructions

 

Marinate the Chicken

• In a large bowl, combine the chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Cook the Chicken

• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce Base

• In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until the onion is soft and translucent.

Build the Sauce

• Pour in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Season and Simmer

• Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and additional curry powder. Stir until the sauce is creamy, then return the chicken to the skillet. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes to combine the flavors.

Finish with Butter

• Just before serving, stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter for extra richness and flavor.

Serve

• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the butter chicken hot with naan bread and steamed rice.

Notes

Store butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Adjust the spice level as desired, and feel free to add vegetables for added nutrition.

Keyword Butter Chicken, Curry, Easy Recipe, Homemade, Murgh Makhani