Butter chicken is a popular dish that comes from Indian cuisine. It is loved worldwide for its rich flavor and creamy sauce. The recipe is easy to follow and can be made using simple ingredients found in most kitchens. Whether you are new to cooking or an experienced chef, this quick and easy homemade butter chicken will surely impress your family and friends.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this butter chicken recipe for several reasons. First, it is quick to prepare. With only a few steps, you can have a delicious meal on the table in less than an hour. Second, it is made with common ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. This removes the hassle of hunting for special items. Third, the flavors are incredible. The combination of spices, cream, and chicken creates a comforting and satisfying dish. Lastly, it is versatile. You can serve it with naan bread or steamed rice, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
HOW TO MAKE Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Making butter chicken is fun and simple. By following the step-by-step instructions below, you can create this delightful dish in your own kitchen.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make butter chicken, you will need:
- A large mixing bowl
- A frying pan or skillet
- A wooden spoon or spatula
- A knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A plate for marinating chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 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
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Marinate the Chicken
- Begin by placing the chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl.
- Add 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, ½ teaspoon curry powder, and 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt to the chicken.
- Mix everything well until all the chicken pieces are coated.
- Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes. If you have more time, letting it marinate for a few hours in the fridge will enhance the flavor.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan in a single layer.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it is browned on all sides.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
Prepare the Sauce Base
- In the same frying pan, add 3 tablespoons of butter.
- Once the butter has melted, add the 6 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced onion.
- Sauté the garlic and onion until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Build the Sauce
- Add the 15-ounce can of tomato sauce to the pan. Stir well to combine.
- Sprinkle in the 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir to blend the seasonings.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Season and Simmer
- Return the browned chicken to the pan with the sauce.
- Pour in the 2 cups of heavy cream and stir well.
- If you like it hot, add in the ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon garam masala and ½ teaspoon curry powder into the sauce. Mix well.
- Let everything simmer for another 10-15 minutes so the flavors can develop. Stir occasionally.
Finish with Butter
- After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Add an extra tablespoon of butter for richness. Stir until it melts completely.
Serve and Enjoy
- Your homemade butter chicken is now ready to serve!
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve the butter chicken hot with naan bread and steamed rice.
HOW TO SERVE Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is best served hot. You can put it in a bowl or plate and accompany it with naan bread or a serving of steamed rice. The creamy sauce and tender chicken pair beautifully with the bread or rice.
Encourage everyone to scoop some butter chicken with a piece of naan bread for a complete meal. You can set the table with additional garnishes like chopped parsley or a side of chutney for extra flavor.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure it cools down completely before sealing it up. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
If you want to freeze butter chicken, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then heat it on the stove.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Butter chicken can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some ideas:
- Serve with different types of Indian bread, like roti or paratha.
- Pair it with a fresh salad to balance the richness.
- Add some yogurt or cucumber raita on the side to cool down the spices.
- You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables for a nutritious twist.
VARIATIONS
You can customize this butter chicken recipe to suit your taste. Here are some variations:
- For a healthier version, use chicken breast instead of thighs.
- Try adding vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers to the sauce.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with paneer or tofu.
- Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce with a different flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use skinless boneless chicken breasts. They will work just fine.
2. Is butter chicken spicy?
Butter chicken is generally mild, but you can adjust the spice level by adding or reducing cayenne pepper.
3. How long does it take to make butter chicken?
This recipe takes about 45 minutes from start to finish.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce a day in advance. Just cook it when you are ready to eat.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
To make your cooking process easier, you can prep some ingredients in advance:
- Marinate the chicken the night before and store it in the fridge.
- Prepare the sauce base ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to two days.
- You can also chop the onions and garlic ahead of time to save time on cooking day.
By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious butter chicken with minimal effort on busy weeknights!
Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Place chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl.
- Add salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt.
- Mix well until chicken is coated.
- Cover and let marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add marinated chicken to the pan in a single layer.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until brown on all sides.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, add butter and melt.
- Add minced garlic and diced onion.
- Sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Add the tomato sauce and stir well.
- Sprinkle sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir to blend.
- Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes until thick.
- Return chicken to the pan with the sauce.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir.
- Add cayenne pepper if desired.
- Sprinkle garam masala and curry powder. Mix well.
- Let simmer for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Add another tablespoon of butter and stir until melted.
- Serve the butter chicken hot, garnished with parsley.
- Enjoy with naan bread and steamed rice.