Butter Chicken Homemade: The Ultimate Recipe Guide

If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful dish to impress your family or friends, you’ve come to the right place! Butter Chicken Homemade: The Ultimate Recipe Guide is not just another recipe; it’s a cherished favorite that brings smiles and satisfied bellies to the dinner table. This dish features tender marinated chicken simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings.

The best part? You can whip this up without needing to head to a restaurant! With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll create a meal that feels special without too much fuss. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy preparation: With minimal chopping and straightforward steps, this recipe fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
• Family-friendly: The rich flavors and creamy sauce make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: Marinate the chicken ahead of time and simmer when you’re ready. It’s great for meal prep or entertaining guests!
• Versatile serving options: Pair it with naan, rice, or even roti for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! You’ll find everything you need for this delightful Butter Chicken right here. These are all simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully.

For the Marinade

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup plain yogurt, full-fat preferred
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste (equal parts ginger and garlic, finely minced or blended)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup cashew nuts, soaked in warm water for at least 30 minutes, then drained
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar (or honey, to balance acidity)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves, crushed
• Salt to taste

For Garnishing

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• A pinch of saffron strands*, soaked in 2 tablespoons of warm milk (for added flavor and color)
• 1-2 green chilies, slit (for extra heat)
• Fresh ginger juliennes*, for garnish

Variations

This Butter Chicken recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste.

• Swap the protein: Use boneless chicken breast or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or peas for an extra dose of greens.
• Adjust the heat: If you like it milder, reduce the amount of red chili powder or skip the green chilies altogether.
• Make it dairy-free: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream for a delicious dairy-free alternative.

How to Make Butter Chicken Homemade: The Ultimate Recipe Guide

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mixing these ingredients well ensures each piece of chicken gets coated with flavor. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—overnight is even better! This step allows the spices to penetrate deeply into the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

Soak those cashew nuts in warm water while you work on the sauce. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until golden brown—about 5-7 minutes. This caramelization adds sweetness and depth to your sauce. Stir in ginger-garlic paste next and sauté for another minute before adding crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Let that simmer together for about 10-15 minutes; this melds all those lovely flavors together.

Step 3: Create Cashew Paste

Drain your soaked cashews and blend them with ¼ cup of water until smooth. Pour this creamy cashew paste into your simmering tomato mixture—this will enrich your sauce’s texture and make it wonderfully creamy! Now add garam masala, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, sugar (or honey), and salt as needed before letting it simmer again for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Blend It All Together

Remove from heat and use an immersion blender (or carefully transfer to a regular blender) to blend your sauce until smooth. This step is crucial because it gives your butter chicken that luxurious texture we all love! Return it to low heat, stir in heavy cream gently while cooking for another five minutes—just enough time for everything to marry beautifully without boiling. Finally, crush dried fenugreek leaves over the top before adding slit green chilies if you want an extra kick!

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers or simply place them directly on the grill. Grill each side for about 8-10 minutes until cooked through with lovely char marks—this adds fantastic flavor!

Step 6: Bake Option

If you prefer baking over grilling: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper then arrange chicken pieces in one layer before baking them for around 15-20 minutes until thoroughly cooked.

Step 7: Sautéing in Skillet

For those who enjoy stovetop cooking: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken in one layer; cook them by turning occasionally until they turn slightly browned—about 8-10 minutes should do!

Step 8: Combine Chicken & Sauce

Add your cooked chicken back into that luscious butter chicken sauce you prepared earlier; give it all a good stir ensuring everything is well coated! Let this simmer together on low heat again for about five more minutes so flavors meld together perfectly! Lastly garnish with fresh cilantro and julienned fresh ginger if desired before serving hot alongside naan bread or rice—or perhaps roti if that’s more up your alley!

Now you’re ready to enjoy an incredible homemade butter chicken experience that everyone will be raving about! Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Butter Chicken Homemade: The Ultimate Recipe Guide

Making butter chicken can be simple and enjoyable with a few helpful tips to enhance your dish. Here are some pro tips to elevate your cooking experience:

• Marinate Longer: Allow the chicken to marinate overnight for deeper flavor penetration. This not only enhances the taste but also makes the chicken incredibly tender.

• Use Fresh Spices: Opt for whole spices and grind them yourself if possible. Freshly ground spices provide a more vibrant flavor that can really elevate your dish.

• Blend the Sauce Smoothly: When blending the sauce, ensure it is completely smooth for a velvety texture. A smooth sauce coats the chicken better and creates an inviting presentation.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Don’t hesitate to modify the spice levels according to your preference. Cooking should be about what you enjoy, so feel free to experiment until you find your perfect balance.

• Serve Immediately: Butter chicken tastes best when served fresh and hot. Reheating can change the texture, so try to serve it right after cooking for maximum enjoyment.

How to Serve Butter Chicken Homemade: The Ultimate Recipe Guide

Butter chicken is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a fantastic centerpiece for any meal. Here are some ideas on how to present this delightful dish:

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the rich sauce.
• Julienned ginger: Adding fresh ginger juliennes on top provides a zesty contrast and an aromatic touch.
• Saffron strands: For an elegant touch, sprinkle some saffron strands that have been soaked in warm milk over the dish just before serving.

Side Dishes

• Naan: Soft, fluffy naan is perfect for scooping up butter chicken. You can choose plain or garlic naan for added flavor.
• Basmati Rice: The fragrant aroma of basmati rice pairs beautifully with butter chicken, soaking up all the delicious sauce.
• Raita: A cool cucumber raita made with yogurt helps balance the spice of the butter chicken while adding creaminess.
• Vegetable Samosas: Crispy vegetable samosas make excellent appetizers or snacks that complement your main course perfectly.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create an unforgettable dining experience! Enjoy every bite of your homemade butter chicken!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Butter Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep! It stores well and can be enjoyed throughout the week, making it a convenient option for busy nights.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing the container.

Freezing

• Allow the butter chicken to cool thoroughly before freezing.
• Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to label the container with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Alternatively, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Butter Chicken Homemade.

Can I make Butter Chicken Homemade without using cream?

Yes! If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or blended silken tofu for creaminess while keeping it dairy-free.

What makes this Butter Chicken Homemade: The Ultimate Recipe Guide special?

This recipe combines marinated chicken with a rich tomato sauce and aromatic spices, resulting in an authentic flavor that’s both comforting and indulgent. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing!

How long does it take to prepare Butter Chicken Homemade?

The total time is approximately 75 minutes, including marinating time. However, you can prepare certain elements ahead of time to make it quicker on cooking day!

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Butter Chicken recipe as delightful as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with rich flavors and comforting warmth. Whether you’re preparing it for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy making your own Butter Chicken at home, and don’t hesitate to share your results—happy cooking!