Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Why Make This Recipe
If you love Indian food, butter chicken is a must-try dish. It is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. This quick and easy recipe allows you to enjoy a homemade version that is just as good as what you would find in a restaurant. Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you still want a delicious home-cooked meal.
Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and additional curry powder. Stir until everything is well mixed and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and mix well. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and allow it to melt into the sauce.
- Remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve the butter chicken with naan bread and steamed rice.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!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
Step By Step:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Build the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Season and Simmer: Add the heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and additional curry powder. Stir until everything is well mixed and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Finish with Butter: Return the chicken to the skillet and mix well. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and allow it to melt into the sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve the butter chicken with naan bread and steamed rice.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Serve your butter chicken hot, accompanied by naan bread and steamed rice. You can also add a side of fresh salad or cucumber raita to balance the rich flavors of the dish.
How to Store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through. You can also freeze the chicken for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- Be sure to marinate the chicken for the best flavor.
- Adjust the spices according to your taste. Add more cayenne for heat or skip it if you prefer milder flavors.
- Use full-fat heavy cream for a richer sauce, but you can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option.
Variation
You may add vegetables like peas or bell peppers to the sauce for added nutrition and color. Another way to enjoy this dish is to replace chicken with paneer or tofu for a vegetarian version.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts. They will cook faster, so watch them closely.
Can I make butter chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and just reheat before serving.
What can I serve with butter chicken?
Butter chicken pairs well with naan bread, steamed rice, or even quinoa as a healthy alternative.
