Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Indulging in a rich, creamy Butter Chicken is one of life’s simple pleasures, but you don’t need to visit a restaurant to relish this comforting dish. This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe allows you to bring authentic Indian flavors right into your kitchen without spending hours prepping. With tender chunks of marinated chicken simmered in a luscious tomato-based sauce, it’s the perfect meal for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Let me walk you through this delightful dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

What Makes This Recipe Special

There are countless reasons to love this Butter Chicken recipe, but let’s highlight a few that really stand out. First, it’s remarkably easy and quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. You might also appreciate that it’s budget-friendly, using simple ingredients that pack a lot of flavor. Plus, it’s versatile enough to please both adults and kids alike, creating smiles around the dinner table.

“My family couldn’t get enough of this! It tastes just like what I’ve had at my favorite Indian restaurant, but I made it myself in under an hour!” – an enthusiastic home cook.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making homemade Butter Chicken is straightforward! You’ll start by marinating your chicken for a burst of flavor, then it’s a simple matter of cooking, building your sauce, and letting it simmer until perfection. Ready to dive in? Let’s go through the ingredients you’ll need, and after that, we’ll break down the cooking process into easy steps.

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this creamy dish to life:

• 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 and steamed rice (for serving)

Feel free to swap out the chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option, or adapt the spices to suit your taste.

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.

2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

4. Build the Sauce: Add the tomato sauce to the skillet along with sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and an additional ½ teaspoon of curry powder. Stir well to combine.

5. Season and Simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

6. Finish with Butter: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Your delicious Butter Chicken is ready! Serve it hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley, alongside naan bread and steamed rice.

Best Way to Serve

For the ultimate experience, serve your Butter Chicken with hot naan bread—perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce. Steamed basmati rice is another excellent companion, helping to balance the flavors and richness of the dish. You can also try adding a side of cucumber raita for a refreshing contrast.

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if it gets too thick. If you make a larger batch or want to prepare it ahead of time, you can freeze it without the cream for up to three months. Just add the cream during reheating.

Pro Chef Tips

• Make sure to brown the chicken well for a richer flavor and nice texture.
• If you want to enhance the depth of flavors, consider adding a pinch of fenugreek leaves or a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
• Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving; everyone’s palate is different!

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations to consider:

• Substitute half of the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option and a touch of sweetness.
• Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for additional nutrients and color.
• Experiment with spices like smoked paprika or turmeric to make it uniquely yours.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare this Butter Chicken?

The entire process, from marinating the chicken to serving, takes about an hour. However, marinating overnight can intensify the flavors.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well too! Just be mindful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster than thighs.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter option, half-and-half or evaporated milk can be good substitutes, though they may slightly alter the richness of the sauce.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! Just remember to freeze it before adding the cream, as dairy doesn’t always reheat well after freezing.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! You can use firm tofu or a variety of veggies like chickpeas, mushrooms, or cauliflower in place of the chicken to create a delicious vegetarian version.

Now, get ready to enjoy your own homemade Butter Chicken that rivals your favorite restaurant dish, all while creating cherished memories around your dining table!

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

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• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A rich and creamy Butter Chicken recipe that brings authentic Indian flavors to your kitchen in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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 and steamed rice (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken by combining it with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté minced garlic and diced onion until the onion is translucent.
4. Add tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and an additional ½ teaspoon of curry powder. Stir well.
5. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it slightly thickens.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter, and simmer for another 5 minutes.
7. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley, alongside naan bread and steamed rice.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. Freeze without cream for up to three months.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Butter Chicken, Indian, Quick Dinner, Comfort Food