Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Butter chicken is a popular dish that many people love. This creamy and flavorful recipe comes from India. It is made by cooking chicken in a rich tomato sauce and adding spices and cream. This dish is easy to make and tastes great with rice or naan bread. It is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. You can make it in just a little bit of time, and it will impress everyone.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this butter chicken recipe for many reasons. First, it is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Second, you can adjust the spices to suit your taste, whether you want it mild or spicy. Third, the creamy sauce is irresistible and pairs well with both rice and naan. Finally, this recipe uses common ingredients that you can find at any grocery store. You will feel proud to serve a homemade dish that everyone will enjoy.

HOW TO MAKE Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Making butter chicken is simple and fun. Follow the steps below to create this delicious meal.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make this butter chicken recipe, you will need the following equipment:

• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Serving dishes

 

 

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

In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps infuse flavors into the chicken.

Cook the Chicken

Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for about 6-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, add 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Build the Sauce

Next, add the can of tomato sauce to the skillet along with sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine. Cook for about 10 minutes on low heat, allowing the sauce to thicken.

Season and Simmer

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. If you like some heat, add the cayenne pepper at this stage. Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely.

Finish with Butter

Once the sauce is thick and creamy, add the garam masala and the remaining curry powder. Finish by stirring in another tablespoon of butter for extra richness. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve your homemade butter chicken hot with steamed rice and warm naan bread on the side. Enjoy this delicious meal with your family and friends.

HOW TO SERVE Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

To serve butter chicken, ladle the creamy sauce and chicken over bowls of steamed rice. Place warm naan bread on the side for dipping into the sauce. You may also garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Enjoy it as a comforting family meal or during special occasions.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to 3 days. To freeze butter chicken, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Besides serving butter chicken with naan and rice, you can enjoy it with various sides. Consider pairing it with a simple salad or some roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with pickles or yogurt to balance the flavors.

VARIATIONS

You can customize this butter chicken recipe to suit your preferences. Here are some variations you might consider:

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with paneer or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
• Spicy Version: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add green chilies for extra heat.
• Additional Vegetables: Add bell peppers, peas, or spinach to the sauce for extra nutrition and color.
• Different Proteins: Try using shrimp, lamb, or turkey instead of chicken for a different flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use skinless boneless chicken breast if you prefer. Just be sure not to overcook it.

2. Is butter chicken spicy?

The spice level depends on the amount of cayenne pepper and curry powder you add. You can adjust it to your taste.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare butter chicken a day in advance. Just reheat it before serving.

4. What can I serve with butter chicken?

Butter chicken is best served with naan bread and steamed rice. You can also pair it with a green salad or roasted vegetables.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

To make your cooking process even easier, consider these tips for preparing your butter chicken in advance:

• Marinate the Chicken: Marinate the chicken the night before and store it in the refrigerator. This will help the flavors develop even more.
• Prepare the Sauce: You can cook the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before adding the chicken and cream.
• Cook in Bulk: Make a double batch of butter chicken and freeze half for another meal. It’s always great to have a homemade meal ready for busy days!

Butter chicken is a satisfying dish that brings joy to your table. With these simple steps, you can enjoy an authentic taste of India right at home. Happy cooking!

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