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Ah, Butter Chicken—the fragrant embrace of spices, buttery bliss, and a dish that instantly transports me back to the cozy nook of my grandma’s kitchen. Growing up, I would dash in there, lured by the irresistible aroma of sautéing garlic and spices swirling through the warm air. The comforting warmth enveloped me like a hug as she effortlessly crafted this soul-satisfying dish. Every bite—sweet, spicy, and oh-so-smooth—was a delicious reminder of love served on a plate. Today, I invite you to enjoy this delightful recipe that marries simplicity and heartwarming flavor in a delightful medley. Trust me, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken will charm its way into your weekly rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Perfect for weeknight dinners; it comes together in under an hour!
- Flavor-Packed: Rich and creamy with layers of savory spices that dance on your palate.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A dish that pleases all ages—everyone loves a classic!
- Versatile: Great for meal prep, it tastes just as fantastic the next day.
- Healthier Option: Using Greek yogurt and loads of spices gives you that indulgent feel without the guilt!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks: Tender, juicy pieces that soak up all the delicious flavors!
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall taste—don’t skip this!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a nice depth of flavor without the chopping.
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika: Infuses a warm sweetness and vibrant color.
- ½ teaspoon curry powder: A hint of complexity to captivate your taste buds.
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt: Creaminess and tang, plus it helps marinate the chicken!
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: A neutral base for cooking that lets the spices shine.
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided): For that iconic richness and flavor—who can resist butter?
- 6 garlic cloves (minced): Fragrant and aromatic, providing that irresistible garlic kick.
- 1 medium onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth to our sauce.
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce: The luscious, tangy base for our dish.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): Always taste and adjust—I like mine a little salty!
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: A little pinch for a subtle kick.
- 2 cups heavy cream: The heart of our buttery sauce, making everything luscious!
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat): A fun spice boost if you love it a bit spicy.
- 1 teaspoon garam masala: Adds warmth and complexity—mandatory for authenticity!
- ½ teaspoon curry powder: Layers the flavor beautifully.
- ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): A fresh pop of color to elevate your dish!
- Naan bread: So perfect for scooping up all that saucy goodness.
- Steamed rice: A comforting base that balances out the sauce.
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing the chicken pieces in a bowl with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Give it a gentle mix and let those spices work their magic for at least 15 minutes. If time allows, aim for 30 minutes to infuse even more flavor. While you wait, take a moment to sit back and breathe in the inviting aromas—pure bliss!
Cook the Chicken
Heat your vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces, allowing them to sear until they’re golden brown and cooked through—about 6-8 minutes. Shake and stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. The sizzling sounds and fragrant wafts of spice will make you feel like a culinary superstar!
Prepare the Sauce Base
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter, diced onion, and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until the onions are translucent, their sweet aroma filling the air—so cozy!
Build the Sauce
Next, pour in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine, and allow the sauce to simmer gently on low heat for about 10 minutes. This is where the magic happens! The colors deepen, and the flavors meld together beautifully.
Season and Simmer
Now, return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to mix everything, and let it simmer on low for another 5-10 minutes. Don’t forget to sprinkle in the cayenne pepper and garam masala! Stirring it all together creates an incredibly rich and creamy sauce that you won’t be able to resist!
Finish with Butter
Just before serving, give a final stir and let a tablespoon of butter melt into the sauce for that extra touch of indulgence (because why not?). The lusciousness will take it to a whole new level.
Serve and Enjoy
Scoop out generous portions onto plates or shallow bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley if you like—but let’s be honest, this dish is stunning on its own. Serve with warm naan bread and fluffy steamed rice for the complete experience. Gather your loved ones, and dig in!
Pro Tips for Success
- Marinate Longer: If you can, let the chicken marinate longer for more intense flavor.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Always taste your sauce before serving. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your preference.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro can be a fantastic alternative to parsley as a garnish!
- Thicken If Needed: If the sauce seems too runny, let it simmer a few extra minutes to thicken it up.
Flavor Variations
- Vegetarian Twist: Substitute chicken with paneer or chickpeas for a delightful vegetarian option.
- Seasonal Swaps: In fall, toss in some sweet potatoes. In summer, roasted cherry tomatoes can add a fresh burst of flavor!
- Extra Heat: Kick it up with some diced green chilies or additional cayenne—your tastebuds will thank you!
Serving Suggestions
Butter chicken shines bright next to fluffy basmati rice or on a plate with warm naan for dipping. Pair it with a refreshing cucumber salad or mango chutney for a perfect balance. And let’s not forget, a glass of your favorite sweet lassi (yogurt drink) is the cherry on top!
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can marinate the chicken the night before to save time. Cooked butter chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to let it cool before sealing!
Leftovers
Leftover butter chicken can be transformed into a delicious wrap—heat it up and serve it in a tortilla with some crunchy greens. Or mix it into a comforting pasta for a fusion twist!
Freezing
Yes! Butter chicken freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers, and it can last up to 3 months. Just be sure to label them with the date!
Reheating
For the best results, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. If you’re in a rush, the microwave is perfectly fine too—just cover it and zap for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Just ensure you don’t overcook them, as they can dry out quicker than thighs.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You could use coconut milk for a dairy-free version or half-and-half for a lighter option, but the texture will be a bit different.
Is this dish spicy?
It’s mildly spiced, but you can easily adjust the heat level by adding more cayenne or even chili powder.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes! It tastes even better when the flavors have a chance to meld together overnight.
Final Thoughts
Cooking Butter Chicken at home is a delicious journey that fills not just your belly but your heart too. As you stir those vibrant spices and allow the rich creaminess to envelop the chicken, you’ll see how easy it is to transport a slice of my childhood back to your kitchen. This dish is perfect for sharing, whether with friends or family, and I genuinely hope it brings you as much warmth and joy as it brings me. So roll up your sleeves, turn on your favorite tunes, and let’s make some memories in the kitchen together. Happy cooking!
Happy Cooking from Chef Emily at vibingRecipes.com!
Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Start by tossing the chicken pieces in a bowl with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Give it a gentle mix and let those spices work their magic for at least 15 minutes. If time allows, aim for 30 minutes.
- Heat your vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and allow them to sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Shake and stir occasionally.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter, diced onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the onions are translucent.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer gently on low heat for about 10 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well, add cayenne and garam masala and let it simmer on low for another 5-10 minutes.
- Give a final stir and let a tablespoon of butter melt into the sauce just before serving.
- Scoop out portions onto plates or shallow bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with warm naan bread and steamed rice.