Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Why Make This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that combines convenience with unparalleled flavor, look no further than this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken. This recipe brings together tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a creamy sauce that is simply irresistible. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, it delivers a restaurant-quality meal right from your kitchen. Plus, it’s simple enough for beginner cooks to master, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. The warm scent of garlic and spices fills your home as this dish simmers, making it an inviting option any day of the week.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Creating this delicious Butter Chicken is straightforward and requires only a few steps. Start by marinating the chicken, which infuses it with flavor and ensures it’s juicy. While that’s resting, you’ll prepare a rich and creamy sauce, creating a perfect balance of spice and richness. In no time, you’ll have a hearty meal that goes wonderfully with naan bread or steamed rice.

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. In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
2. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent.
3. Add the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. In another pan, cook the marinated chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
5. Add the cooked chicken to the sauce. Stir in the remaining butter and simmer for a few more minutes to meld the flavors.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (assuming 6 servings):

• Calories: 540
• Total Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Cholesterol: 130mg
• Sodium: 920mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 14g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 34g

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

This Butter Chicken shines when paired with fluffy naan bread or over a bed of steaming rice. For a full meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. It’s also lovely with a cooling cucumber raita to balance the spices.

How to Store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

You can store leftover Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. If you’d like to store it for longer, freeze it in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best quality.

Expert Tips for Perfect Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

• Chicken Choices: While chicken thighs work wonderfully for this recipe due to their juiciness, you can substitute with chicken breast for a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook, or it may become dry.
• Heat Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, you may want to skip it or use it sparingly.
• Cream Alternatives: For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
• Garnish Ideas: Fresh cilantro, mint, or a squeeze of lemon can brighten up the flavors wonderfully.

Delicious Variations

• Vegetable Version: Replace chicken with hearty vegetables like cauliflower, chickpeas, or tofu for a vegetarian take on Butter Chicken.
• Spice it Up: Try adding other spices like cumin or coriander for extra complexity in flavor.
• Thai Twist: Swap tomato sauce with coconut milk and add curry paste for a delicious Thai-style butter curry.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and substitute the yogurt with a dairy-free option, like cashew cream or a non-dairy yogurt.

2. Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
While marinating adds flavor and tenderness, you can skip this step if you’re in a hurry. Just make sure to season well to compensate.

3. Can I use other meats for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken breast, shrimp, or even paneer for a vegetarian version. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Conclusion

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe is a fantastic way to bring a taste of Indian cuisine to your home without the hassle. With its creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. Give it a try, and let the warm, enticing aromas fill your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your experience and any personal twists you add to this delicious dish!

Butter Chicken

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken combines tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a creamy sauce for a restaurant-quality meal that's simple enough for beginner cooks.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Calories: 540

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks Thighs provide juiciness but can substitute with chicken breast.
• 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt

For the Sauce

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil For sautéing.
• 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 For a lighter option, half-and-half or coconut milk can be used.
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat) Adjust to taste.
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 0.5 teaspoon curry powder
• 0.25 cup freshly chopped parsley (optional for garnish)

To Serve

• Naan bread Goes well as a side.
• Steamed rice A good pairing.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.

Cooking

1. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent.
2. Add the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
3. In another pan, cook the marinated chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
4. Add the cooked chicken to the sauce. Stir in the remaining butter and simmer for a few more minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.

Notes

You can store leftover Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in a sealed container for up to 3 months.