Name: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Indian
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

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Why Make This Recipe

Butter chicken is a delicious and creamy dish that is popular in many homes and restaurants around the world. Making it at home is not only satisfying, but it also allows you to adjust the flavors to your liking. This recipe for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken brings together tender chicken, rich spices, and creamy sauce in a way that is both simple and rewarding.

By preparing butter chicken at home, you can enjoy a fresh and homemade meal that rivals any takeout. The ingredients are easy to find and the steps are straightforward. You can impress your family and friends with this dish, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Now, let’s dive into how to make this quick and easy butter chicken that you and your loved ones will surely enjoy.

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

Marinate the Chicken

First, you need to marinate the chicken so that it is full of flavor. In a mixing bowl, take the bite-sized chicken thighs and add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika, and ½ teaspoon of curry powder.

Next, add 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt and mix everything well. Make sure that each piece of chicken is coated with the spice mix. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. You can also marinate it for a few hours for even better flavor.

Cook the Chicken

After marinating, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces. You want to sear the chicken until it is browned on all sides. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.

Once the chicken is nicely browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside. This process locks in the chicken’s juices and ensures a tender finish.

Prepare the Sauce Base

In the same pan, add 3 tablespoons of butter and let it melt over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 6 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced medium onion. Sauté them together until the onions turn translucent and the garlic is fragrant, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.

Build the Sauce

Now it is time to build the sauce. To the sautéed onions and garlic, add a can of 15-ounce tomato sauce along with 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir well to combine everything.

Let this sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. The sugar helps balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and brings out the overall flavors.

Season and Simmer

Next, stir in 2 cups of heavy cream. The cream gives the dish its signature richness and smooth texture. Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for heat, if you like spicy food.

Also, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garam masala and an additional ½ teaspoon of curry powder. Stir everything until well combined and let it simmer on low heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. This will allow all the spices to meld together beautifully.

Finish with Butter

Finally, stir in one more tablespoon of butter for extra flavor and sheen. This step is optional but highly recommended if you want a silky finish to your sauce.

Once everything looks perfect, return the chicken to the pan. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the rich flavors of the sauce.

Serve and Enjoy

Your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is now ready to serve! Enjoy it while it’s hot with naan bread or steamed rice. Don’t forget to garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Serving butter chicken is simple and enjoyable. You can serve it in a large bowl as a main dish with a side of naan bread and steamed rice. The buttery sauce goes perfectly with both.

If desired, you can place some extra chopped parsley on top to add color to the dish. Provide a side of lime wedges; a squeeze of lime adds a nice tangy contrast to the creamy dish.

This dish can also be enjoyed over a bed of cooked quinoa or with roasted vegetables for a lighter option.

How to Store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

If you have leftovers, storing them is easy. Place the leftover butter chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. You can enjoy the deliciousness again by reheating it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.

If you want to freeze butter chicken, let it cool completely before putting it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen butter chicken can last for up to 3 months. To enjoy it, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

Tips to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Choose Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs have more flavor and stay juicier than chicken breasts, making them an excellent choice for this recipe.
Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. You can increase the cayenne pepper if you enjoy spicy food.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onion enhance the taste. Freshly chopped parsley also adds freshness to the dish.
Perfect Creaminess: Make sure not to boil the heavy cream too vigorously once added. A gentle simmer keeps the sauce creamy and delicious.
Add Vegetables: You can add small pieces of your favorite vegetables, like spinach or peas, to the sauce for added nutrition and color.

Variation

While this recipe is already a classic, you can try adding coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version. You can also switch the protein; this recipe works great with shrimp or firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to cook the alternative protein until it is fully cooked.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may dry out more easily compared to thighs. Ensure you don’t overcook them.

2. How can I make this dish milder?

To make it milder, you can skip the cayenne pepper and reduce the amount of garam masala. You can also add more cream to balance the spices.

3. What should I serve with butter chicken?

Butter chicken is best served with naan bread, steamed rice, or even quinoa. You can also serve it with a side salad for freshness.

Enjoy your journey of making this quick and easy homemade butter chicken! It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that everyone will love.

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Why Make This Recipe