Why Make This Recipe
Butter chicken is a classic dish known for its rich flavors and creamy texture. It’s one of those meals that brings comfort and satisfaction. This quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your family. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delicious meal that everyone will love.
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:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken chunks, 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, cooking until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Season and Simmer: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Then pour in the heavy cream, garam masala, and additional curry powder. Stir well and let everything simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Finish with Butter: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter for a rich flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the butter chicken hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Pair it with naan bread or steamed rice for a complete meal.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Serve your butter chicken over a bed of steamed rice or with warm naan bread. This makes it easy to scoop up the delicious sauce. You can also offer a side of fresh vegetables or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
How to Store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
To store leftovers, let the butter chicken cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- For extra flavor, consider using bone-in chicken thighs. Just be sure to adjust cooking time as needed.
- If you like it spicier, increase the cayenne pepper or add a bit of chopped fresh chili.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk.
Variation
You can add vegetables like peas or bell peppers to the dish for added color and nutrition. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with chickpeas or paneer.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts, but they might be less juicy than thighs. Be sure to adjust the cooking time.
2. Can I freeze butter chicken?
Yes, butter chicken freezes well. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
3. Is butter chicken spicy?
Butter chicken usually has a mild spice level. You can adjust the heat by adding more cayenne pepper or enjoying it as is.
Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine chicken chunks, 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and diced onion, cooking until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Stir in tomato sauce, sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Pour in heavy cream, garam masala, and additional curry powder. Stir well and let simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in remaining tablespoon of butter for a rich flavor.
- Serve the butter chicken hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, alongside naan bread or steamed rice.