Why Make This Recipe
Butter Chicken is a popular Indian dish loved by many for its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken. This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe makes it simple to prepare a tasty meal at home. You don’t need any complicated ingredients or techniques. Just a few simple steps, and you can enjoy restaurant-quality butter chicken in your own kitchen!
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 the chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until it is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
Build the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and stir in the sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder. Mix well.
Season and Simmer: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Finish with Butter: Stir in the cooked chicken and the remaining tablespoon of butter. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve the butter chicken with naan bread and steamed rice.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Serve your butter chicken hot, accompanied by fluffy naan bread and steamed rice. The bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce, while the rice helps to soak up all the delicious flavors.
How to Store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Store any leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate for a few hours or overnight.
- If you want a spicier dish, add more cayenne pepper or include diced green chilies.
- Use fresh herbs like cilantro instead of parsley for a different taste.
Variation
You can easily turn this butter chicken into a vegetarian dish by replacing the chicken with chickpeas or your favorite vegetables. Adjust the cooking time based on the ingredients you choose.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts. They may cook faster than thighs, so watch them closely.
2. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use coconut milk or a mixture of milk and flour for a lighter version.
3. Can I freeze butter chicken?
Yes, you can freeze butter chicken for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool it completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container.