Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Why Make This Recipe
Butter chicken is a beloved dish that perfectly captures the essence of Indian cuisine. Its rich and creamy sauce, combined with tender chunks of chicken, makes it a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. This quick and easy homemade version allows you to enjoy the delightful flavors of this classic dish in less than an hour, without sacrificing taste or quality. Whether you’re looking for an impressive dinner for guests or a simple weeknight meal, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser.
How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
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
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Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or longer if you have the time.
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Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sear until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
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Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
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Build the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes.
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Season and Simmer: Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce. Pour in the heavy cream, garam masala, and curry powder. Stir well and let everything simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until melted and smooth, giving the sauce a glossy finish.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve your homemade butter chicken hot with warm naan bread or steamed rice.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is best served hot straight from the stove. Accompany it with fluffy naan bread to soak up the rich sauce, or serve it over a bed of steamed rice. You might even want to add a side of cucumber raita or a simple salad to balance the flavors and add some freshness to the meal.
How to Store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
To store leftover butter chicken, let it cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the butter chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or microwave until hot.
Tips to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- Marinating Time: For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Cream Substitute: If you want a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a blend of yogurt and milk.
- Adjust the Heat: The cayenne pepper is optional, so feel free to adjust the spice level according to your taste preferences.
- Vegetarian Version: You can substitute the chicken with paneer or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Variation
For a different twist on this classic dish, try adding vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or spinach to the sauce. This not only adds more texture and color but also boosts the nutritional value of the meal. Additionally, you can experiment with different spices or sauces to create your own unique flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can become dry more easily than thighs.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add more cayenne pepper or include diced fresh chilies when cooking the sauce.
3. Is it possible to make this butter chicken in advance?
Absolutely! Butter chicken tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Enjoy this delightful dish with your family and friends for a memorable culinary experience!
Butter Chicken
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 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)
For Serving
- Naan bread
- Steamed rice
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine the chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or longer if you have the time.
Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet or pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sear until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base
- In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Build the Sauce
- Pour in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes.
Season and Simmer
- Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce. Pour in the heavy cream, garam masala, and curry powder. Stir well and let everything simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Finish with Butter
- Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until melted and smooth, giving the sauce a glossy finish.
Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve your homemade butter chicken hot with warm naan bread or steamed rice.
