Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort, let me introduce you to my Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe! This dish is like a cozy blanket on a chilly day—creamy, spiced, and utterly delightful. It’s a favorite in our house, not just because of its rich flavors but also due to how simple it is to whip up. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds!

Imagine the aroma of garlic and spices wafting through your kitchen as you prepare this masterpiece. You can pair it with warm naan and fluffy rice, making it an ideal centerpiece for any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: In just 45 minutes, you can serve a delicious homemade dinner.
• Family-Friendly: The mild spices make this dish a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the sauce ahead of time and simply heat it up when you’re ready to eat.
• Versatile Pairings: Enjoy it with naan, rice, or even steamed vegetables—there’s no wrong way to savor this dish!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this recipe. Trust me; each one plays an important role in creating that unforgettable flavor!

For the Chicken

• 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
• ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley, optional for garnish

To Serve

• Naan bread
• Steamed rice

Variations

This Butter Chicken recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to play around with flavors and ingredients based on what you have at home.

• Swap the protein: Use chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Add some veggies: Toss in spinach or peas for added nutrition and color.
• Change up the spices: Experiment with different spice blends like tikka masala for a unique flavor profile.
• Make it lighter: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter version with tropical notes.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken pieces in a bowl. Combine them with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. This step is crucial because it infuses flavor into the chicken and helps keep it tender during cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add half of the butter along with minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant. This brings out their natural sweetness and forms the flavorful base of your sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook until browned on all sides. Browning adds depth of flavor that makes your Butter Chicken irresistible.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Stir in tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and additional curry powder. Let everything simmer gently so those beautiful flavors meld together perfectly.

Step 5: Finish It Off

Once everything is cooked through and creamy, remove from heat and stir in the remaining butter until melted. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Now it’s ready to be served hot!

Now you’re all set to create this delightful Comfort Food Classic! I hope you enjoy every bite as much as I do!

Pro Tips for Making Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Making Butter Chicken at home can be a delightful experience, and with these handy tips, you’ll ensure your dish is restaurant-quality!

• Marinate the chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate in yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) intensifies flavor and tenderness, making every bite utterly delicious.

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices have a more potent flavor profile. If you can, grind your spices just before use to elevate the taste of your butter chicken.

• Adjust creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with coconut milk. This adds a unique flavor while keeping it creamy and delightful.

• Customize the heat level: Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper or skip it entirely if you’re not fond of spice. Your Butter Chicken should suit your taste!

• Let it rest: After cooking, allow your Butter Chicken to sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Presenting your Butter Chicken with flair can turn a simple meal into an inviting feast! Here are some great ideas for serving this comforting dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro or parsley: Sprinkling fresh herbs on top adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the sauce.
• Lemon wedges: A squeeze of lemon right before serving brightens up the dish and balances out its creaminess beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Naan bread: Soft and pillowy naan is perfect for scooping up the rich sauce. You can serve it plain or garlic-flavored for an extra touch.
• Steamed basmati rice: Fluffy basmati rice is a classic accompaniment that soaks up the sauce, making each bite satisfying and comforting.
• Vegetable pakoras: These crispy vegetable fritters add texture and crunch to your meal while providing a tasty contrast to the creamy chicken.
• Cucumber raita: This cooling yogurt dip made from cucumbers and spices helps balance out any heat from the spices in your Butter Chicken, creating harmony on your plate.

Enjoy your homemade Butter Chicken experience; it’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your household!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can whip it up in advance and enjoy delicious, flavorful meals throughout the week. Here’s how to store your leftovers and make the most of this comforting dish.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the butter chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Portion out the butter chicken into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label them with the date for easy identification.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious recipe!

Can I make this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with paneer or chickpeas for a delightful vegetarian version. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How spicy is this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?

The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. The cayenne pepper is optional, so feel free to omit it or add less if you prefer a milder dish.

Can I use low-fat cream in this recipe?

While heavy cream gives a rich texture, you can use low-fat cream, but it may result in a lighter sauce.

What should I serve with butter chicken?

Naan bread and steamed rice are traditional accompaniments that perfectly complement the creamy sauce and balance flavors.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with warmth and flavor that brings loved ones together. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share your creations with family and friends. Happy cooking!

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