Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort, the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is just what you need! This delightful meal combines tender chicken with a creamy, spiced sauce that’s sure to become a household favorite. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a hit at family gatherings or dinner parties—your friends will be asking for seconds!
What makes this recipe truly special is how approachable it is. With a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dish that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Indian restaurant. Serve it alongside warm naan and fluffy rice, and you have yourself a comforting feast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation: This recipe only takes about 45 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for those busy evenings.
- Family-friendly flavors: The mild spices and creamy sauce make it appealing to both kids and adults alike.
- Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and simply heat it up when you’re ready to eat!
- Versatile serving options: Enjoy it with naan, rice, or even over pasta for a unique twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is half the fun! You might already have some of them in your pantry. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Butter Chicken.
For the Chicken
- 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
For the Sauce
- 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
To Serve
- Naan bread
- Steamed rice
Variations
One of the best things about this Butter Chicken recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Swap the protein: Try using chicken breast instead of thighs or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer milder flavors, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
- Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
- Switch up the creaminess: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a different flavor profile.
How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating your chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. This step is key because marinating helps enhance the flavors, making each bite deliciously savory.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook until they are browned on all sides but not fully cooked through yet—about 5-7 minutes. Browning adds depth of flavor!
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Next, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter along with minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onions are translucent—this brings out their natural sweetness and infuses your dish with fantastic aroma.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour in your canned tomato sauce along with sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and an extra pinch of curry powder. Stir everything together well and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This step allows all those beautiful flavors to meld together into creamy perfection.
Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce
Return your chicken to the skillet and stir until it’s well coated in that luscious sauce. Allow everything to cook together for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through—this ensures that all those delicious spices penetrate every bite!
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve hot over steamed rice or with warm naan bread. Enjoy this cozy meal with family or friends—you’ve just made yourself an unforgettable dinner!
Pro Tips for Making Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Making butter chicken at home can be a delightful experience! Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, onions, and herbs will enhance the flavor of your butter chicken, making it more aromatic and vibrant.
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Marinate the chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate in yogurt and spices for even just 30 minutes can significantly improve its tenderness and flavor. The yogurt acts as a tenderizer while infusing the meat with delicious spices.
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Adjust the spice level: If you’re sensitive to heat, feel free to skip the cayenne pepper or reduce it to suit your taste. This dish is versatile, so you can customize it based on your preference.
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Let it simmer: Taking the time to let your sauce simmer allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully. A good simmer will result in a richer sauce.
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Serve immediately: Butter chicken is best enjoyed fresh off the stove when it’s warm and creamy. If you need to prepare ahead, reheat gently before serving.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Serving butter chicken is all about creating a comforting and inviting experience for your family or guests. Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation!
Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro or parsley: A sprinkle of chopped herbs adds color and freshness that brightens up the rich flavors of the dish.
- Lemon wedges: Offering lemon wedges on the side provides a zesty contrast that enhances the overall taste with a touch of acidity.
Side Dishes
- Naan Bread: Soft and fluffy naan is perfect for scooping up butter chicken. Consider warming it slightly before serving for an extra treat!
- Steamed Rice: Fluffy basmati or jasmine rice complements the creamy sauce beautifully, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
- Cucumber Raita: A refreshing yogurt-based side with diced cucumbers helps balance out the richness of butter chicken with its coolness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add texture and nutrients to your meal while providing a colorful plate.
With these serving suggestions and tips, you’ll have a delightful meal that’s sure to impress everyone at your table! Enjoy cooking, and may each bite transport you straight to comfort food heaven.
Make Ahead and Storage
One of the best things about this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is its practicality for meal prep. You can whip up a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week, making your life a little easier while savoring this delicious dish.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the butter chicken to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer it to an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
- Portion the butter chicken into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Ensure there’s minimal air in the bags to prevent freezer burn.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Add a splash of cream or water if it appears too thick when reheating.
FAQs
Have questions? Here are some common ones that might help!
Can I make this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free yogurt. The flavors will still shine through!
What can I serve with my Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?
This dish pairs wonderfully with warm naan bread or fluffy basmati rice. You can also add a side of steamed vegetables for extra nutrition.
How spicy is this butter chicken recipe?
The spice level is adjustable! The cayenne pepper is optional, so you can omit it or reduce its amount for a milder flavor.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs tend to be juicier, boneless chicken breasts work just as well. Adjust cooking time accordingly as breasts may cook faster.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing with loved ones, I know you’ll love how simple yet flavorful it is. Don’t hesitate to dive into this dish—your taste buds will thank you!
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
If you’re craving a dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is your answer! This delightful meal features tender chicken simmered in a creamy, spiced sauce that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe allows you to create restaurant-quality butter chicken in just about 45 minutes. Serve it with warm naan and fluffy rice for a satisfying feast that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional)
- Naan bread
- Steamed rice
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt for enhanced flavor.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook the marinated chicken until browned (5-7 minutes).
- Remove the chicken and sauté garlic and onion in the same skillet until translucent.
- Add tomato sauce, sugar, spices, and heavy cream; stir well and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and cook until fully cooked through (5-7 minutes).
- Serve hot with naan or rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
