Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that warms the heart and fills the belly, you’ve come to the right place! This Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is a family favorite in my house. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, this recipe brings a taste of restaurant-quality butter chicken right into your home.

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of tender chicken simmered in a luscious sauce means every bite is an experience worth savoring. So roll up your sleeves and let’s get started on this delightful culinary adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy, mildly spiced flavors that make it a hit at the dinner table.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can marinate the chicken ahead of time or even prepare the sauce in advance for quick assembly later.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with warm naan or fluffy basmati rice for a meal that feels special any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items that create a comforting dish everyone will enjoy. Here’s what you’ll need for this scrumptious butter chicken:

For the Marinade

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp salt

For the Sauce

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ¼ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• ¼ cup raw cashews
• ½ to 1 cup water or chicken broth
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tsp fenugreek leaves (Kasuri Methi), crushed
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for serving, optional)
• Naan bread or basmati rice (for serving, optional)

Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Its flexibility allows you to personalize it according to your preferences:

• Swap the protein: Try using boneless chicken breast or firm tofu for a different twist while keeping it hearty.
• Add some veggies: Toss in some spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
• Make it spicy: If you like heat, add some red chili powder or fresh green chilies to kick up the flavor.
• Go dairy-free: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream for a lighter version that still tastes amazing.

How to Make Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine cubed chicken with Greek yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, garlic powder, sweet paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to coat. Marinating is key here; letting it rest for at least 30 minutes infuses those gorgeous flavors into every piece of chicken.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Bloom Spices

In a large pot over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add vegetable oil. Sauté diced onion until soft (about 5-7 minutes). Then add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Lowering your heat before adding spices helps them bloom without burning—this step enhances their aroma and flavor.

Step 3: Simmer Sauce Base

Stir in tomato sauce along with raw cashews. Add about half a cup of water or broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes until tomatoes break down and cashews soften. This slow cooking melds all those beautiful flavors together.

Step 4: Blend the Sauce

Once cooked down nicely, remove from heat. Using an immersion blender (or carefully transferring batches to a regular blender), blend until completely smooth and velvety. A smooth sauce creates that luxurious texture we all love in butter chicken!

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

In another skillet over medium-high heat, cook marinated chicken in batches until lightly browned and cooked through (about 3-4 minutes per side). Setting aside cooked chicken allows it to stay juicy until combined with your sauce later.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Add your cooked chicken back into the smooth sauce over medium-low heat. Allow it to simmer gently for about 5-10 minutes while you stir in heavy cream along with the remaining cubed butter until melted. Crushing fenugreek leaves between your palms before adding them boosts their flavor beautifully! Don’t forget to adjust seasoning with sugar, black pepper, and salt as needed.

Step 7: Serve

Let your butter chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving; this helps flavors settle beautifully. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired! Serve hot alongside basmati rice or warm naan bread—you’re in for such a treat!

Pro Tips for Making Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Creating the perfect butter chicken can be a rewarding experience, especially when you know a few handy tricks to elevate your dish!

• Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for 2-4 hours (or even overnight) enhances its flavor and tenderness, resulting in a more succulent bite.

• Balance Your Spices: Adjust the spices according to your preference. If you love heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili powder to give your sauce an extra kick.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and spices can make a world of difference. They add depth and brightness to your dish that dried or bottled versions can’t replicate.

• Blend for Creaminess: Blending the sauce not only ensures a velvety texture but also helps incorporate all flavors evenly, creating that signature smoothness that butter chicken is known for.

• Adjust Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, gradually add more water or broth until you reach your desired consistency while keeping it rich and creamy.

How to Serve Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Presenting your homemade butter chicken beautifully can enhance the dining experience. Here are some delightful ways to serve this dish:

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness that complements the richness of the sauce.
• Lemon wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens up the flavors and balances the creaminess.
• Sliced green chilies: For those who enjoy heat, thinly sliced green chilies can be sprinkled on top for an added kick and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Basmati Rice: Fluffy basmati rice is a classic pairing with butter chicken. Its light texture absorbs the sauce beautifully and rounds out the meal.

• Naan Bread: Soft naan bread is perfect for scooping up the rich sauce. Consider serving garlic naan for an extra flavor boost!

• Cucumber Raita: This cool yogurt-based side dish provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced chicken, making each bite enjoyable.

• Sauteed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach with garlic adds a nutritious element to your meal while complementing the flavors of butter chicken nicely.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress family and friends with your homemade butter chicken! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can enjoy it fresh or save some for later, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

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

• Let the dish cool fully before freezing.
• Portion the butter chicken into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Remember to label with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain creaminess.
• Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish at medium power until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make a Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe without heavy cream?

Absolutely! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lighter version while still achieving that creamy texture.

How long does it take to prepare this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?

The total time is about 1 hour and 50 minutes, including marinating and cooking. It’s well worth the wait for such rich flavors!

What can I serve with butter chicken?

Butter chicken pairs beautifully with basmati rice, naan bread, or even roti. Feel free to add a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes! While chicken thighs provide more flavor and remain juicy, you can certainly use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be mindful not to overcook them.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe as much as I do! It’s not just about the delicious flavors but also about creating something special in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite and feel free to make it your own by adding your favorite spices or sides. Happy cooking!

---

Dinner