Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is one of those delightful dishes that quickly captures your heart (and your taste buds). Imagine tender, juicy chunks of chicken enveloped in a creamy, aromatic sauce that’s both comforting and irresistible. I often whip this up for a weeknight dinner when I want something uncomplicated yet impressive. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser that brings the warmth of Indian cuisine right into your home, making it a go-to recipe for both busy evenings and special gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are countless reasons to make this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken. For starters, it combines pantry staples with just a bit of effort, resulting in an authentic taste that transports you straight to the streets of India without any fuss. The rich, creamy sauce paired with tender chicken thighs is not only mouthwatering but also incredibly satisfying.
It’s ideal for those nights when you crave something flavorful but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, this dish is kid-approved, meaning you can serve it to the little ones without worrying about skeptical faces at the dinner table.
“Absolutely delicious! This Butter Chicken recipe is a game-changer. It’s so creamy and flavorful, I can’t get enough!” – Happy Home Cook
Preparing Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
So, how do you create this delicious meal? It’s broken down into simple, manageable steps that make the cooking process a breeze. You’ll start by marinating the chicken to infuse it with incredible flavor, then move on to building a luscious sauce that ties everything together. Each step is easy to follow, ensuring you have a delightful dinner on the table in no time.
What You’ll Need
To create this dish, you’ll need a handful of ingredients that meld together to create culinary magic. Here’s what to gather:
- 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 (for serving)
- Steamed rice (for serving)
A quick note: Feel free to swap in chicken breast if you prefer a leaner cut, but the thighs provide an extra layer of tenderness due to their higher fat content.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to dive into the cooking adventure? Here’s how to prepare this Quick & Easy Butter Chicken:
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Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, blend the chicken with 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—or even overnight if you want maximum flavor.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken chunks and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, drop in 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the garlic and onions until they’re translucent and aromatic.
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Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, and heavy cream. Mix well and let it come to a gentle simmer.
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Season and Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet, adding in cayenne pepper, garam masala, and the remaining curry powder. Let everything simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens beautifully.
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Finish with Butter: For that extra touch of richness, stir in the last tablespoon of butter right before serving.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot with naan bread or steamed rice.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
When it comes to serving this buttery dish, keep things simple yet delightful. Serve your Butter Chicken alongside warm naan bread to soak up that rich sauce or a generous mound of steamed rice for the perfect bite every time. You might even want to whip up a simple cucumber salad on the side to add a refreshing crunch!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? You’re in luck! Butter Chicken holds up beautifully in the fridge. Transfer any extras to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat; you might want to add a splash of cream or water to keep the sauce silky. If you want to make it last longer, this dish freezes well too. Just pack it into a freezer-safe container, and it can last for up to three months.
Helpful Cooking Tips
To take your Butter Chicken to the next level, consider these pro tips:
- Marinate Longer: If possible, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply and results in more tender meat.
- Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use fresh spices. Ground spices can lose potency over time, so try to use fresh when possible.
- Adjust the Heat: If you love spice, don’t hesitate to add more cayenne or even incorporate diced green chilies.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations to spice things up:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for paneer or a medley of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers and cauliflower.
- Coconut Cream: For a tropical twist, substitute part of the heavy cream with coconut cream for a rich, aromatic flavor.
- Curry Leaf Infusion: Adding fresh curry leaves while cooking the sauce can elevate the dish with a fragrant note.
Your Questions Answered
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How long does this take to prepare?
Expect about 30 minutes of active cooking time, plus marinating time. -
Can I use chicken breast for this recipe?
Yes, you can! However, chicken thighs bring more moisture and flavor. -
How should I store it?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months for longer storage.
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken enriches family dinners with authentic flavor and simplicity. Make it tonight and savor the satisfaction of homemade Indian cuisine!
Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, blend the chicken with 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—or even overnight.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken chunks and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, drop in 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the garlic and onions until they’re translucent and aromatic.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, and heavy cream. Mix well and let it come to a gentle simmer.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, adding in cayenne pepper, garam masala, and the remaining curry powder. Let everything simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the last tablespoon of butter right before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot with naan bread or steamed rice.
