Easy Butter Chicken

Easy Butter Chicken: A Flavorful Delight

I remember the first time I tried butter chicken at a cozy Indian restaurant, and it was love at first bite. This sumptuous dish is not only a staple of Indian cuisine but also a favorite in many households for its creamy texture and aromatic spices. Easy butter chicken brings the authenticity of traditional recipes right into your kitchen without any fuss. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

What Sets This Recipe Apart

Making this easy butter chicken is a breeze, and there are so many reasons you’ll want to add it to your meal rotation. For starters, it’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, using simple ingredients that pack a punch. This dish also pleasantly surprises families with its rich flavors and creamy sauce, appealing to both kids and adults alike.

“I made this easy butter chicken for my family last week, and it was a hit! The flavors were amazing, and it didn’t take long at all. I absolutely loved how creamy and delicious it turned out!” — A satisfied home chef.

Step-by-Step Overview of Preparation

Preparing easy butter chicken involves marinating the chicken to absorb the spices, cooking the onions until fragrant, and simmering everything together in a rich sauce. This dish is designed to be straightforward and accessible, requiring minimal hands-on time while delivering maximum flavor. Here’s how we’re going to do it:

1. Marinate the chicken with spices and yogurt.
2. Sauté onions until soft, then add the spiced chicken.
3. Stir in ginger and garlic before adding tomato sauce and cream.
4. Simmer until everything is beautifully combined and serve.

Gather Your Ingredients

To create this delightful dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons garam masala, divided
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 large yellow onion, grated
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon garlic, grated
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth (or water if not available)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Feel free to swap Greek yogurt with regular yogurt if preferred, and you can use any type of chicken broth or even water.

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Cooking Steps

1. In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, chili powder, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, paprika, and 1 teaspoon of garam masala. Add the Greek yogurt and mix well to coat. Allow it to marinate for at least 10 minutes.

2. In a large pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the grated onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the remaining teaspoon of garam masala and cook until fragrant—around 1 minute.

3. Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it is browned and cooked through.

4. Incorporate the grated ginger and garlic, mixing well with the chicken.

5. Pour in the tomato sauce, reducing the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

6. Add the chicken broth (or water) and heavy cream, continuing to simmer for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

7. Finish by stirring in the last 2 tablespoons of butter, adjusting seasoning as needed.

8. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Serving Suggestions

The creamy richness of easy butter chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan bread for that authentic touch. You can also add steamed vegetables, a light salad, or even a refreshing raita to balance the spices.

If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some roasted vegetables or chickpeas for added texture and flavor.

Best Way to Store Easy Butter Chicken

To keep leftovers fresh, let your butter chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Properly stored, it can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in portioned containers for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, make sure it’s heated thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety.

Pro Chef Tips

Want to take your butter chicken to the next level? Here are a few chef secrets:

• Don’t skip the marination; even a short 10-minute soak helps infuse the chicken with flavor.
• Use fresh spices if possible, as this can significantly enhance the overall depth of flavor.
• Adjust the cream level based on how rich you’d like the dish to be—less for a lighter version and more for indulgence.
• Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving for a burst of freshness.

Creative Twists

Get creative with your butter chicken by experimenting with flavors:

• For a heat boost, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Swap the chicken for paneer for a vegetarian twist or use tofu for a vegan option.
• Try adding spinach towards the end of cooking for a nutritional boost and vibrant color.
• Incorporate nuts like cashews or almonds for extra richness and crunch.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare this recipe?

The entire process typically takes about 30 minutes, including the marination time.

Can I substitute Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can use regular yogurt or even sour cream as an alternative, but Greek yogurt gives a creamier texture.

How do I store leftovers safely?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Ensure it’s heated thoroughly when reheating.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The rich flavors often appeal to kids and can easily be adjusted for spice levels based on your family’s taste.

By following this guide, you’ll master the art of making easy butter chicken. Enjoy the process, and don’t hesitate to make the recipe your own!

Easy Butter Chicken

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A flavorful and creamy butter chicken dish that’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons garam masala, divided
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 large yellow onion, grated
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon garlic, grated
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth (or water if not available)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, chili powder, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, paprika, and 1 teaspoon of garam masala. Add the Greek yogurt and mix well to coat. Allow to marinate for at least 10 minutes.
2. In a large pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the grated onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the remaining teaspoon of garam masala and cook until fragrant—around 1 minute.
3. Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through.
4. Incorporate the grated ginger and garlic, mixing well with the chicken.
5. Pour in the tomato sauce, reducing the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
6. Add the chicken broth (or water) and heavy cream, continuing to simmer for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
7. Finish by stirring in the last 2 tablespoons of butter, adjusting seasoning as needed.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Serve with basmati rice or naan. Consider adding steamed vegetables for balance.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 33g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: butter chicken, Indian cuisine, creamy chicken dish