Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a beloved dish that has warmed hearts and delighted taste buds for generations. In my experience, this classic Indian recipe stands out not just for its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken but also for its ability to bring family and friends together around the dinner table. Whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight dinner or planning a cozy weekend feast, making this buttery, spiced dish is a great way to impress without spending all day in the kitchen.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Why should you make this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken? Here are a few compelling reasons: It’s delightfully simple, budget-friendly, and loved by kids and adults alike, making it the perfect choice for family meals. The rich and creamy sauce, combined with tender chicken, transforms humble ingredients into a luxurious dish that’s sure to become a staple in your home. Plus, it can be prepared in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

“This butter chicken recipe is an instant family favorite! It’s quick, delicious, and perfect with naan!”

Your Easy Cooking Guide

This recipe is straightforward yet exotic enough to make you feel like you’ve stepped into an Indian eatery. Here’s a brief overview of what you’ll be doing: First, you’ll marinate the chicken to infuse it with flavor. Then, you’ll cook the chicken before preparing a creamy sauce that brings all the elements together. Lastly, you’ll combine everything, season to perfection, and garnish for a stunning finish. Let’s check what you’ll need!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 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

For Cooking:

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 6 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 medium onion (diced)

For the Sauce:

• 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

For Garnishing:

• ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional)

Serving Suggestions:

• Naan bread
• Steamed rice

With these delicious ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a mouthwatering Butter Chicken!

Step-by-Step Directions

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

2. Cook the Chicken: In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent.

4. Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, and heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes.

5. Season and Simmer: Return the chicken to the pan. Add cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and additional curry powder, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.

6. Finish with Butter: Stir in the final tablespoon of butter for a glossy finish.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the dish hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Best Way to Serve

Butter Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it with warm, pillowy naan for the ultimate experience; you’ll want to use it to scoop up every last bit of that creamy sauce. Steamed basmati rice also complements the dish perfectly, allowing you to enjoy the rich flavors without overwhelming your palate. For a refreshing contrast, consider a cucumber salad or a side of sautéed greens to balance the meal.

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare but possible!), store your Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if necessary. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked Butter Chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Always practice safe food handling to ensure a delicious meal every time.

Pro Chef Tips

• Marinating: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it becomes. If you can, marinate it for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.
• Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your family’s preference. If you enjoy heat, don’t hesitate to amp up the cayenne pepper!
• Skip the Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, substitute part of the heavy cream with coconut milk or yogurt.

Creative Twists

Once you’ve mastered this basic Butter Chicken, why not try experimenting with flavors? Add a touch of coconut milk for a tropical twist or incorporate fresh spinach for added nutrition. For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Spice it up further with different types of curry powder to see which flavor profile you prefer.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to make Butter Chicken from start to finish?

Typically, this recipe can be made in about 45 minutes, including the marinating time.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may turn out a bit drier than thighs since they contain less fat.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and skip the butter, using olive oil instead.

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe epitomizes comfort food that’s simple to prepare, full of flavor, and sure to satisfy. Give it a try, and watch it become a regular on your dinner rotation!

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe features a rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, making it a family favorite that’s perfect for any occasion.

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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)

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well, cover, and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, and heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Return the chicken to the pan. Add cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and additional curry powder, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the final tablespoon of butter for a glossy finish.
7. Serve the dish hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Serve with naan bread or steamed rice for a complete meal. For a lighter version, substitute some heavy cream with coconut milk or yogurt.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: butter chicken, Indian food, easy recipe, family meal, comfort food