Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

When I first decided to whip up a batch of homemade butter chicken, I was amazed at how quickly it became a family favorite. This hearty and aromatic dish, featuring tender chunks of chicken simmered in a creamy tomato sauce, is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave comforting flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. The allure of butter chicken lies not only in its rich taste but also in the ease with which it can be prepared. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a lively family gathering, this recipe checks all the boxes for comfort and satisfaction.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

What sets this quick and easy butter chicken apart from others? For starters, it’s a straightforward dish that comes together in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for a speedy weeknight dinner. The flavor profile is wonderfully balanced: a hint of spice from the curry powder and cayenne, paired with the sweetness of the tomato sauce and the richness of heavy cream. Plus, it’s kid-approved, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters will be coming back for seconds.

As one satisfied home cook put it: “This recipe transformed our family dinners! Easy to make and so delicious — it’s now a staple in our house!”

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Creating this dish is a breeze, and I’m here to break it down for you. The recipe involves marinating the chicken to infuse flavor, creating a savory sauce base, then melding everything together for a truly delicious result. You can absolutely master this recipe with just a few easy steps!

Everything You Need for This Recipe

To get started on your homemade butter chicken adventure, gather the following 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 (again)
• ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
• Naan bread and steamed rice for serving

Feel free to swap Greek yogurt with regular yogurt or even sour cream if that’s what you have on hand!

Cooking Steps

1. Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes for a delicious flavor infusion.

2. Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken, cooking until it’s golden brown. Remove and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until the onion is translucent.

4. Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes.

5. Season and Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the heavy cream, garam masala, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir everything to combine and let simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.

6. Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and combined for that luxurious finish.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Plate your butter chicken over warm naan bread or steamed rice. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a touch of color.

What to Serve It With

Butter chicken pairs beautifully with several accompaniments. Traditional naan bread makes for a perfect scoop for that creamy sauce, while steamed rice provides a hearty base to soak up all those flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it alongside a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch or roasted vegetables for a colorful plate.

Best Way to Store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Storing leftovers of your homemade butter chicken is straightforward. Place it in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge the night before you plan to enjoy it again. When reheating, ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee it’s safe to eat.

Helpful Hints

• Marination Time: While 30 minutes is sufficient, marinating overnight enhances the flavors even further, so plan ahead if you can!
• Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
• Adding Veggies: Toss in some spinach or peas during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra nutritional boost and a pop of color.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations you can try:

• Spicy Kick: Add extra cayenne or sliced green chilies to ramp up the heat.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with cubed tofu or paneer for a delicious meat-free option.
• Coconut Twist: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a tropical vibe.

Common Questions

What is the prep time for this recipe?
Prep time is about 10 minutes, plus marinating time. Cooking takes around 30-40 minutes.

Can I substitute heavy cream?
Yes, for a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream.

How do I know if the chicken is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Is it okay to freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container, and enjoy it within three months.

Can I omit the cayenne pepper?
Definitely. It’s completely optional, cater the spice level to your taste.

With its delightful blend of spices and creamy texture, this quick and easy butter chicken recipe is sure to become a cherished addition to your dinner rotation! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Quick and Easy Butter Chicken

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A hearty and aromatic dish featuring tender chicken chunks simmered in a creamy tomato sauce, 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 (again)
• ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
• Naan bread and steamed rice for serving

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Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken, cooking until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
4. Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper, and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes.
5. Season and Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the heavy cream, garam masala, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir and let simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
6. Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and combined.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Plate your butter chicken over warm naan bread or steamed rice. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, allow to simmer longer. Marinating overnight intensifies flavors. Leftovers can be stored for 4 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 200mg

Keywords: butter chicken, easy recipe, Indian cuisine, weeknight dinner, comfort food