Why Make This Recipe
Butter chicken is a popular Indian dish loved by many around the world. It brings together tender chicken in a creamy, flavorful sauce that is easy to make at home. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, and it will impress your family and friends. Plus, it goes well with naan bread or steamed rice for a complete meal.
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, combine chicken pieces, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and yogurt. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
Build the Sauce: Pour the tomato sauce into the skillet. Add sugar, salt, black pepper, and bring to a simmer.
Season and Simmer: Stir in heavy cream and optional cayenne pepper. Mix well, then return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining butter, garam masala, and curry powder. Mix until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with naan bread or steamed rice.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Serve this delicious butter chicken alongside warm naan bread or fluffy steamed rice. It’s perfect for scooping up the rich, creamy sauce. You can also offer extra chopped parsley as a garnish for added freshness.
How to Store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
If you have leftovers, let the butter chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through.
Tips to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- You can adjust the level of heat by adding or omitting cayenne pepper.
- For a quicker version, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Just add it to the sauce after preparing the base.
Variation
You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast for a leaner option. Additionally, you can add vegetables like peas or spinach to the sauce for extra nutrition.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, lamb, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
2. Is there a way to make it dairy-free?
You can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the butter or use a dairy-free alternative.
3. How can I make it spicier?
Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add chopped green chilies while cooking for extra heat.
Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine chicken pieces, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and yogurt. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Pour the tomato sauce into the skillet. Add sugar, salt, black pepper, and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream and optional cayenne pepper. Mix well, then return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in the remaining butter, garam masala, and curry powder. Mix until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with naan bread or steamed rice.