Butter chicken is a beloved dish that is famous for its creamy sauce and tender chicken. This delightful recipe delivers rich flavors and a comforting meal that can brighten up any dinner table. If you’re looking for a quick and easy homemade version of this classic dish, you’re in the right place. With just a few ingredients and some straightforward steps, you can create a delicious butter chicken that everyone will love. Whether served with naan bread or over a bed of steamed rice, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons why making homemade butter chicken is a great choice. Firstly, it’s incredibly satisfying to create a dish from scratch, knowing exactly what ingredients are going into your meal. Store-bought versions often contain preservatives or other additives, while homemade butter chicken can be customized to suit your taste.
In addition, this recipe is a time-saver! It can be prepared in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The marinated chicken cooks quickly, and the sauce requires minimal attention.
Moreover, butter chicken is a crowd-pleaser. Its creamy, slightly tangy sauce pleases palates of all ages. If you have picky eaters at home, this dish could become a family favorite in no time. The combination of spices is rich yet comforting, balancing well with the creaminess of the sauce.
Lastly, this homemade butter chicken is versatile. You can make it as mild or as spicy as you like by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper. Plus, you can serve it with sides that fit your taste—whether that’s buttered naan, basmati rice, or a fresh salad. With all these benefits, there’s no doubt you’ll want to make this recipe again and again.
How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Making butter chicken is easier than you might think. Just follow the simple steps below, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Ingredients
To prepare your butter chicken, gather the following 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 into portions)
- 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)
Directions
Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Marinating allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, making it even tastier.
Cook the Chicken: After marinating, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add 3 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for about 3 to 5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. This step enhances the flavor profile of your dish.
Prepare the Sauce: Next, stir in the canned tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Allow this mixture to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. This simmering process helps the flavors combine and creates a rich base for your butter chicken sauce.
Combine Everything: Add in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Then, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle in garam masala and another ½ teaspoon of curry powder. Simmer the mixture for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, allowing it to become creamy and fully incorporated.
Finish with Butter: Finally, stir in the remaining butter until it melts completely. This will add a luscious finish to your butter chicken, making the sauce even richer.
Serve: Dish out your butter chicken over steaming rice or alongside warm naan bread. If desired, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a touch of color and added flavor.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
When it comes to serving your butter chicken, presentation can make a great difference. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delicious dish:
Choose Your Base: Serve the butter chicken over a bed of steamed basmati or jasmine rice for a comforting meal. Rice soaks up the delicious sauce, giving you a wonderful flavor combination in every bite.
Pair with Naan: If you prefer, serve the butter chicken with soft, warm naan bread. The naan can be used to scoop up the chicken and sauce, adding an authentic touch to your meal.
Add Sides: You can also serve the butter chicken alongside fresh salad or sautéed vegetables, providing textural contrast and a fresh component. A simple green salad with a light dressing works well.
Garnish: Don’t forget to add those last touches! Fresh parsley not only looks appealing but also adds a burst of freshness. You can also sprinkle some additional garam masala on top for extra flavor.
How to Store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
If you have leftovers or want to prepare this dish ahead, proper storage is key.
Refrigeration: Allow the butter chicken to cool to room temperature before storing it. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be safely stored for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the butter chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring that as much air as possible is removed. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If it’s too thick after freezing, add a splash of cream or water to help restore its creamy texture.
Tips to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your butter chicken turns out perfectly every time:
Marinate Well: Don’t skip the marination process. The longer you let the chicken sit in the marinade, the more flavor it will absorb.
Use Quality Tomatoes: The tomato sauce is a key ingredient in creating depth in your dish. If possible, choose a good quality tomato sauce for the best flavor.
Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your preference. If you like it spicy, increase the amount of cayenne pepper. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce or omit it.
Creamy Sauce: For an even creamier sauce, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. This will lower the fat content while still providing a rich texture.
Experiment with Flavor: Try adding different spices or ingredients. A splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavor, or you can add a touch of coconut milk for sweetness.
Variation
While this butter chicken recipe is already delicious, there are some variations you can try:
Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian alternative. Adjust cooking times accordingly, especially for tofu, since it needs fewer minutes to cook.
Different Proteins: You can also use skinless boneless chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner cut of meat. Just remember that chicken thighs are more flavorful and tender.
Add Vegetables: For a healthier twist, consider adding spinach, bell peppers, or peas into the sauce. This not only adds color but also boosts the nutritional value of your meal.
FAQs
What is Butter Chicken?
Butter chicken is a classic Indian dish made with marinated chicken cooked in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce. It’s known for its combination of spices and flavors, making it a favorite around the world.
Can I make Butter Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken a day ahead and prepare the sauce in advance. Simply reheat the dish when you’re ready to serve. It’s a great meal for meal prep.
Is Butter Chicken spicy?
It can be! Traditional butter chicken has a mild spice level, but you can adjust the heat by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper used in the recipe. Feel free to omit it if you prefer a milder dish.
By following this easy recipe and tips, you can create a delightful homemade butter chicken that everyone will enjoy. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and start cooking this warm and hearty dish today!
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned and fully cooked.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Add 3 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet and allow it to melt.
- Once melted, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for about 3 to 5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Stir in the canned tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Allow this mixture to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
- Add in the heavy cream, stirring gently.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and sprinkle in garam masala and another ½ teaspoon of curry powder.
- Simmer the mixture for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
- Stir in the remaining butter until it melts completely.
- Dish out your butter chicken over steaming rice or alongside warm naan bread.
- If desired, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top.