Butter chicken is a classic dish that many people adore. The creamy sauce and tender chicken pieces mix together to create a meal that feels like a warm hug. What if I told you that you can make this delicious dish right in your own kitchen? Yes, you can! With the right ingredients and a simple recipe, you will have a butter chicken that tastes better than takeout.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
There are many reasons to love this quick and easy homemade butter chicken. First, it is simple to make. You don’t need to be an expert cook to create this delicious meal. Second, it is packed with flavor. The spices combined with the creamy sauce will excite your taste buds. Third, it is a quick recipe. You can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in no time. Finally, you can customize it! You can adjust the spices to fit your taste, making it as mild or spicy as you like. Butter chicken is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even a cozy night in.
HOW TO MAKE Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Making butter chicken at home is fun and easy. You don’t have to be a chef to create this dish, and you’ll be surprised at how simple it is. Let’s break it down step-by-step.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make this recipe, you will need a few basic kitchen tools:
- A large mixing bowl for marinating the chicken
- A skillet or frying pan for cooking
- A spoon for stirring
- A knife for chopping
- A cutting board for preparing the ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or regular yogurt)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp butter (unsalted)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 (14 oz) can tomato puree (or crushed tomatoes)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
- Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and salt. Then, toss in the chicken pieces. Make sure the chicken is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. For the best flavor, marinate it overnight. - Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until they turn brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside. - Build the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Now, add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for a minute or two, then stir in garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook until you can smell the spices, about 1 minute. - Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the tomato puree. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and sugar. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - Finish with Cream & Chicken
After simmering, stir in the heavy cream until it mixes well. Then, return the browned chicken to the pan. Allow it to simmer gently for 10-12 minutes. This will ensure the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce becomes creamy. - Garnish & Serve
Finally, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. Serve your butter chicken hot with naan, basmati rice, or cauliflower rice for a delightful meal.
HOW TO SERVE Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Serving butter chicken is simple and fun. Scoop portions of the creamy chicken and sauce onto plates. Add some naan or rice on the side to soak up the sauce. You can also serve it with a fresh salad or vegetables. For a touch of color and freshness, add a sprinkle of cilantro on top. This meal is perfect for sharing with family and friends!
STORAGE & FREEZING: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
If you have leftovers, don’t worry! Butter chicken stores well. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When reheating, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through. If you want to freeze butter chicken, it can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
There are many ways to enjoy homemade butter chicken. Here are some serving suggestions:
- With Naan: Use warm naan to scoop the chicken and sauce.
- With Rice: Serve over fluffy basmati rice or jasmine rice for a complete meal.
- With Salad: Pair with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad for a crisp side.
- With Vegetables: Roast or sauté some vegetables to serve alongside the chicken.
VARIATIONS
You can personalize your butter chicken recipe in many ways. Here are some ideas:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder to make it milder or spicier, based on your preference.
- Protein Swap: Instead of chicken, use shrimp, tofu, or paneer for a different flavor.
- Vegetable Addition: Add spinach, peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
- Cream Alternatives: Use coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts work well. Thighs are juicier, but breasts are a great choice too. - What can I use instead of yogurt?
If you’re lactose intolerant, you can use dairy-free yogurt or even buttermilk. - How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace the chicken with paneer or chickpeas. Keep all other ingredients the same for a delicious vegetarian option. - Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken the night before and finish cooking it whenever you’re ready.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
If you love to prepare meals ahead of time, here are some tips for butter chicken:
- Marinate Ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before to let the flavors infuse deeply.
- Prep Ingredients: Chop the onions, garlic, and ginger earlier in the day. Keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
- Make the Sauce: You can prepare the sauce without the chicken in advance. Store it in the fridge and add the chicken when you’re ready to serve.
With these tips, you can enjoy homemade butter chicken in a breeze, making it a fantastic option for busy weekdays or special occasions. Happy cooking!
Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and salt. Toss in the chicken pieces ensuring they are well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, preferably overnight for best flavor.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until browned. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage. Once browned, remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add chopped onion and sauté until golden. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for a minute or two. Stir in garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder, cooking until spices are fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the tomato puree and season with salt, black pepper, and sugar. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After simmering, stir in the heavy cream until well combined. Return the browned chicken to the pan and let it simmer gently for 10-12 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is creamy.
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top and serve hot with naan, basmati rice, or cauliflower rice.