Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

why make this recipe

Butter chicken is a beloved dish that brings the rich and flavorful tastes of Indian cuisine right into your home. It is creamy, mildly spiced, and incredibly satisfying. This quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe lets you enjoy this classic dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s a family favorite that pairs well with naan or rice, making it a great choice for everyone.

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

Directions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or longer if you have the time.

2. 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 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

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

4. Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

5. Season and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and add garam masala and curry powder. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

6. Finish with Butter: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the sauce and stir until melted and creamy.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with naan bread or steamed rice.

how to serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Serve your butter chicken hot, accompanied by fluffy naan bread or a side of steamed rice. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a nice touch. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a side salad or some roasted vegetables.

how to store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The butter chicken will keep well for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. You can also microwave portions for convenience.

tips to make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

• If time allows, marinate the chicken longer for better flavor.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
• For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with coconut milk.
• Feel free to add vegetables like peas or spinach to the sauce for added nutrition.

variation

You can make a vegetarian version by substituting chicken with paneer, tofu, or chickpeas. The cooking method remains largely the same, but adjust the cooking times as necessary for the new ingredients.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be aware that breasts can dry out more easily, so be cautious not to overcook them.

2. Is the recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free naan or skip the naan and serve it with rice, this recipe can be gluten-free.

3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the butter chicken. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container, and it should be good for about 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.