Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve come to the right place! This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is a delightful blend of spices, creaminess, and comfort. It has become a cherished favorite in my home, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s great for family gatherings or when you want to impress your friends with your culinary skills!

Gather around the table and let this butter chicken create delicious memories. Serve it with warm naan and fluffy rice, and watch everyone dig in with smiles on their faces.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick preparation: This recipe takes just 45 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Family-friendly: With its creamy sauce and mild spices, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and just heat it up when you’re ready to eat!
• Incredible flavor: The combination of spices creates a rich, comforting taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Versatile pairing options: Enjoy it with naan, rice, or even steamed vegetables – there are endless ways to savor this dish

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how simple and wholesome these ingredients are! Everything you need is likely in your pantry already. Let’s gather our delicious components for this buttery masterpiece:

For the Chicken

• 1.5 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

To Serve

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

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is! Feel free to play around with ingredients based on what you have or your preferences:

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken breast or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option!
• Add some veggies: Toss in some spinach or bell peppers during cooking for added nutrition and color.
• Adjust the spice level: If you love heat, add more cayenne pepper or fresh chili peppers.
• Cream alternative: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating your chicken pieces. In a bowl, combine the chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. This step is crucial because marinating helps tenderize the chicken while infusing it with flavor. Let it sit while you prepare your sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, add vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until they become fragrant and translucent—this brings out their natural sweetness and sets a flavorful base for your sauce.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Next, stir in the tomato sauce along with sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and additional curry powder. Bring it all to a gentle simmer; this allows all those beautiful flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Add your marinated chicken into the simmering sauce. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. This step ensures that every bite is juicy and flavorful! Stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom.

Step 5: Finish Up

Once cooked through, turn off the heat and stir in any remaining butter until melted. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with naan bread or steamed rice—it’s time to enjoy this creamy goodness!

And there you have it! Your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is ready to be devoured! Enjoy every bite as you share this delightful meal with loved ones!

Pro Tips for Making Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Making your own butter chicken can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a few tips up your sleeve to ensure it turns out perfect every time!

• Marinate the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate in yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) enhances the flavor and tenderness of your meat, creating a more succulent dish.
• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices can really elevate your butter chicken. If possible, toast whole spices before grinding them to release their essential oils, resulting in a deeper and more aromatic flavor profile.
• Simmer Gently: Cooking on low heat allows the flavors to meld beautifully without overcooking the chicken. This is key to achieving that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone loves.
• Adjust Creaminess: Feel free to adjust the amount of cream based on your preference. For a lighter version, you can use coconut milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream while still keeping that creamy consistency.
• Heat Level Control: If you’re unsure about spice levels, start with less cayenne pepper and add more gradually. It’s easier to add heat than to take it away!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

When it comes to serving butter chicken, presentation can truly make a difference! Here are some ideas that will impress your guests and make your meal feel extra special.

Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Sliced Green Chilies: For those who love a bit of heat, thin slices of green chilies not only add spice but also a vibrant look.
• Cilantro: Chopped cilantro gives a refreshing flavor contrast and is often used in Indian cuisine, enhancing the authenticity of your meal.

Side Dishes

• Naan Bread: Soft, fluffy naan is perfect for scooping up that creamy sauce. You can serve it warm for the best experience!
• Steamed Rice: Fluffy basmati rice is an excellent base for soaking up all the delicious butter chicken gravy. It’s simple yet satisfying.
• Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted with olive oil and spices complements the richness of butter chicken perfectly while adding a healthy touch.
• Cucumber Raita: This cool yogurt-based side dish helps balance out the spices in butter chicken and adds a refreshing element that enhances every bite.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy a comforting plate of homemade butter chicken. Gather your loved ones around the table; it’s time to dig in!

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 it throughout the week, making dinner a breeze on busy nights.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover butter chicken in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Ensure it’s cooled to room temperature before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing

• To freeze, portion the butter chicken into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
• Label with the date and contents.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
• You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe with chicken breasts?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs add richness, boneless chicken breasts work well too. Just be mindful not to overcook them as they can dry out more easily.

What can I serve with Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?

Naan bread and steamed rice are traditional pairings that complement the creamy sauce beautifully. You could also serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for added freshness!

Can I adjust the spice level in this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?

Yes! Feel free to add more or less cayenne pepper according to your taste preferences. For milder flavor, you can omit it entirely or use a dash of paprika instead.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe as I am to share it with you! It’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table, perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Enjoy every creamy bite and make it your own; don’t hesitate to share your variations! Happy cooking!