Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

This quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe stands out for its comforting flavors and simple preparation. You’ll love how easily it impresses family and friends alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 45 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and creamy sauce creates an irresistible taste, perfect for any palate.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve with naan bread or steamed rice for a complete meal that suits any occasion.
• Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients are common pantry staples, making this dish easy to whip up anytime.
• Family-Friendly: This recipe is sure to please both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make cooking this quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe even easier. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: A good quality skillet allows for even cooking of the chicken and proper simmering of the sauce.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for marinating the chicken with spices, ensuring all flavors are absorbed effectively.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware and helps in evenly distributing flavors.

Ingredients

This quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe uses fresh and accessible ingredients to create a flavorful dish.

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 the Sauce

• 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

For Serving

• ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Naan bread
• Steamed rice

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, add vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once hot, sauté minced garlic and diced onion until fragrant. Then add tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

In another pan over medium-high heat, cook the marinated chicken until browned and cooked through—approximately 8-10 minutes. Make sure it’s cooked thoroughly before moving on.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Transfer the cooked chicken into the sauce mixture in your skillet. Stir in the remaining butter until melted. Allow everything to simmer together for another few minutes so that the flavors blend beautifully.

Step 5: Serve

Garnish your delicious butter chicken with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot alongside naan bread or steamed rice for a satisfying meal.

Enjoy your quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Serving your homemade butter chicken is just as important as making it. Here are some delightful ideas to enhance your dining experience.

With Naan Bread

• Naan bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce, adding a delightful texture and flavor to your meal.

Over Steamed Rice

• Serving butter chicken over steamed rice allows the flavorful sauce to soak into the grains, creating a satisfying dish.

With Fresh Salad

• A light salad made with cucumber, tomatoes, and onions can balance the richness of the butter chicken and add freshness.

Accompanied by Raita

• Raita, a yogurt-based condiment, helps cool down the spices in butter chicken while adding a creamy element to each bite.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnishing with freshly chopped parsley not only adds color but also enhances the flavor profile of the dish.

With Pickles or Chutney

• Adding a side of pickles or chutney can introduce tangy flavors that complement the rich sauce beautifully.

How to Perfect Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

To elevate your butter chicken, consider these helpful tips that can enhance flavor and texture.

• Marinate Longer: Letting the chicken marinate for at least an hour will deepen its flavor and tenderness.
• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices provide more robust flavors compared to pre-ground ones, enhancing your dish.
• Adjust Creaminess: Feel free to adjust the amount of cream based on your preference for richness in the sauce.
• Control Spice Level: Add or reduce cayenne pepper to customize the heat level according to your taste.
• Simmer Well: Allowing the sauce to simmer longer helps meld all flavors together, resulting in a more cohesive dish.
• Taste Before Serving: Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving; this ensures perfect flavor balance.

Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your butter chicken can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Basmati Rice
   This fragrant rice complements butter chicken perfectly, absorbing delicious sauces and flavors.

2. Vegetable Samosas
   Crispy samosas filled with spiced vegetables offer a delightful crunch alongside your creamy dish.

3. Chickpea Salad
   A refreshing salad made with chickpeas, tomatoes, and cilantro provides protein and freshness to balance richness.

4. Aloo Gobi
   This spiced potato and cauliflower dish adds dimension and pairs well with butter chicken’s flavors.

5. Saag Paneer
   Creamy spinach with paneer offers an excellent vegetarian option that harmonizes well with Indian spices.

6. Cucumber Raita
   This cooling yogurt side helps offset spice levels while adding a refreshing note to your meal.

7. Garlic Naan
   Soft garlic naan is ideal for scooping up sauce and adds an aromatic element that enhances every bite.

8. Mixed Vegetable Curry
   A medley of seasonal vegetables cooked in spices provides variety and nutritional balance to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking can be tricky, especially with a dish as flavorful as butter chicken. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the marination: Failing to marinate the chicken can result in less flavor. Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes to enhance its taste.
• Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Cook the chicken until it’s just browned and cooked through for tenderness.
• Not adjusting seasoning: Every palate is different. Taste your sauce before serving and adjust seasoning as needed for a balanced flavor.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Poor quality spices or cream can impact the dish’s overall taste. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
• Ignoring simmering time: Rushing through simmering can prevent flavors from developing. Allow your sauce to simmer adequately for a richer taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

• Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, stirring frequently, until heated all the way through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this delicious dish.

What is a Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?

This recipe features tender chicken pieces cooked in a creamy tomato sauce, seasoned with spices, making it quick and hassle-free.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute turkey, beef, or lamb if you prefer a different meat variety.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add more heat, increase cayenne pepper or add fresh chilies during cooking according to your spice tolerance.

Is there a vegetarian option available?

Certainly! Replace the chicken with chickpeas or paneer, and follow the same cooking instructions.

Final Thoughts

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Feel free to customize it by adding vegetables or adjusting spices to fit your family’s preferences. Try this comforting dish today!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this dish features tender chicken marinated in aromatic spices and simmered in a luscious tomato-based sauce. With just a handful of common ingredients, you can whip up a comforting meal that will impress your family and friends alike. Paired with naan bread or steamed rice, this butter chicken is sure to become a favorite in your household.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs
• 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

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine chicken with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Prepare sauce: Heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and diced onion until fragrant. Add tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
3. Cook chicken: In another pan over medium-high heat, cook marinated chicken until browned and cooked through (8-10 minutes).
4. Combine: Transfer cooked chicken into the sauce mixture and stir in remaining butter until melted. Simmer together for a few more minutes to blend flavors.
5. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot with naan bread or steamed rice.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 870mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 22g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 180mg