Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Butter chicken is a beloved dish that brings the flavors of India right to your kitchen. This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With tender chicken in a creamy tomato sauce, it’s both comforting and delicious.
Why Make This Recipe
Making butter chicken at home allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the flavors to your liking. It’s a wonderful dish for gatherings or a simple family dinner. Plus, this recipe is quick and easy, meaning you can whip it up even on busy weeknights. You’ll impress your family and friends with a homemade meal that tastes like it’s straight from a restaurant!
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:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix together the chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until it’s browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Then add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Build the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let it cook for about 5 minutes.
- Season and Simmer: Add the heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and ½ teaspoon of curry powder. Stir to combine, then add the cooked chicken back into the sauce. Let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
- Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, allowing it to melt into the sauce for extra richness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Serve your butter chicken hot, paired with warm naan bread and fluffy steamed rice. The bread is perfect for scooping up the rich sauce, making every bite full of flavor.
How to Store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Tips to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- Make sure to marinate the chicken properly to enhance its flavor.
- Adjust the spices according to your taste; feel free to add more cayenne for heat!
- For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk.
Variation
For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with cubed paneer or mixed vegetables such as bell peppers and mushrooms. Follow the same cooking steps for a delicious vegetarian butter curry.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but thighs are more tender and flavorful.
2. Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted. Omit the cayenne pepper if you prefer a milder dish.
3. Can I freeze butter chicken?
Yes, you can freeze butter chicken. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Print
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the comforting flavors of India with this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken in a creamy tomato sauce.
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
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until it’s browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let it cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and ½ teaspoon of curry powder. Stir to combine, then add the cooked chicken back into the sauce. Let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, allowing it to melt into the sauce for extra richness.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.
Notes
Make sure to marinate the chicken properly for enhanced flavor. Adjust spices according to your taste and substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg