Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Looking for a delicious meal that warms the heart? Butter chicken is a delightful dish that is creamy, flavorful, and highly satisfying. It’s a popular choice in Indian cuisine and loved by many around the world. This recipe is simple and easy to follow, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to make this dish. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.
Why Make This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to make butter chicken at home. First, it is a comfort food that offers a burst of flavor in every bite. The combination of tender chicken marinated in spices, cooked in a creamy sauce, creates a rich and inviting meal that can please anyone’s palate.
Second, making butter chicken at home gives you control over the ingredients. You can adjust the spices and heat levels to suit your taste. This means you can make it mildly spiced for kids or add more chili if you like it hot.
Moreover, this recipe is quick and easy, needing only about an hour from start to finish. It’s a perfect choice for busy families or individuals who want a tasty meal without spending all day in the kitchen. Pair it with naan bread or steamed rice, and you have a satisfying feast that is sure to impress!
How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
To make this delicious butter chicken, you will need to follow a series of straightforward steps. Below is the list of ingredients needed and the directions to make the dish.
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 bowl, mix chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Make sure all the chicken pieces are coated well. Cover the bowl and let marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps the chicken absorb all those tasty flavors.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown on all sides. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce Base:
In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base for our sauce.
4. Build the Sauce:
Add the tomato sauce to the pan along with the sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle.
5. Season and Simmer:
Now, return the cooked chicken back to the pan. Pour in the heavy cream and if you like a bit of heat, add the cayenne pepper. Stir to combine. Let everything simmer for another 5-10 minutes. The sauce will thicken and become creamy.
6. Finish with Butter:
Stir in the garam masala and an extra ½ teaspoon of curry powder. Let it rest for a few minutes off the heat. This resting time helps the flavors develop even more.
7. Serve:
Before serving, you can garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color. Serve your homemade butter chicken hot with naan bread or steamed rice.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is best enjoyed hot. When serving, you can place the butter chicken in a large serving bowl and top it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Offer accompaniments like fluffy naan bread or steamed rice to soak up the tasty sauce. You can also add side dishes like cucumber salad or mint yogurt dip to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the butter chicken.
This meal is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or special occasions, as it can easily serve multiple people.
How to Store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
If you have leftovers, storing butter chicken is quite simple. First, allow it to cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container.
You can store the butter chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until piping hot. This dish also freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe container and it will last for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm as mentioned before.
Tips to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh garlic, onions, and chicken will enhance the flavors of your dish.
Adjust the Spices: Feel free to tweak the spices to suit your taste. If you enjoy more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of chili powder.
Cook Slowly: Allow the sauce to simmer longer if you have time. This makes the flavors deeper and more robust.
Substitutions: If you do not have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version.
Add Vegetables: For a healthier option, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach in the simmering stages.
Variation
Butter chicken is versatile, and there are many ways to customize this dish. You can try using different proteins like chicken breasts, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Another variation is to add roasted nuts such as cashews for added texture and taste. Additionally, you can incorporate more spices like cardamom or fenugreek for a unique twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make butter chicken without cream?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or a mixture of coconut milk and yogurt for a lighter version, or simply add more tomato sauce and some broth.
2. Is butter chicken spicy?
Butter chicken can be mildly spicy, but you can control the heat by adjusting the cayenne pepper and choosing milder spices.
3. Can I prepare butter chicken in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the chicken and sauce a day ahead, then simply reheat and serve it on the day you plan to eat it.
Now, it’s time for you to try this easy butter chicken recipe and enjoy a delightful meal that brings warmth and comfort to your table. Happy cooking!
Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Make sure all the chicken pieces are coated well. Cover the bowl and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the tomato sauce to the pan along with the sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken back to the pan. Pour in the heavy cream and add the cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat. Stir to combine and let everything simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
- Stir in the garam masala and an extra ½ teaspoon of curry powder. Let it rest for a few minutes off the heat.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with naan bread or steamed rice.