Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that brings warmth and comfort to your dinner table, look no further than this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. This classic Indian dish is wonderfully rich and creamy, with tender chicken simmered in a tomato-based sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? You can whip it up in under an hour!

This recipe has a special place in my heart because it combines simple ingredients with bold flavors, making it a go-to favorite for many occasions. Whether you’re introducing someone to Indian cuisine or just treating yourself to something delicious, this Butter Chicken will surely delight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: With just an hour from start to finish, this recipe fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves a good Butter Chicken! This dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare the chicken ahead of time, or even make a big batch for meal prep during the week.
• Deliciously flavorful: The combination of spices creates a rich taste that feels restaurant-quality right at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create our delicious Butter Chicken. Each element plays a crucial role in building that rich and creamy sauce we all love.

For the Marinade

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1 teaspoon salt (for chicken)
• 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 (for sauce, adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups heavy cream

Variations

One of the things I adore about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

• Swap the protein: If you’re not a fan of chicken thighs, try using boneless chicken breasts or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
• Add vegetables: Toss in some spinach or bell peppers during the cooking process for added nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: If you like things spicy, add some chili powder or fresh chili peppers while cooking for an extra kick.
• Change the creaminess: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter version with a hint of tropical flavor.

How to Make Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine your chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. This step is essential because marinating helps infuse the chicken with flavor and keeps it moist during cooking. Mix well to coat every piece of chicken evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—if you have more time, refrigerate it for up to four hours!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your marinated chicken pieces in a single layer; don’t overcrowd them! Sear each side for 3-4 minutes until they are nicely browned. Remember, they don’t need to be cooked through at this stage since they will continue cooking later. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In that same pan (don’t wash it yet!), melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and diced onion; sauté these together for about 5-7 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step is vital as it releases flavors that will enhance your sauce immensely.

Step 4: Build Sauce Base

Now stir in your tomato sauce along with sugar, salt (to taste), and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer before reducing the heat to low. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes while stirring occasionally. This allows those tomatoes to break down beautifully and meld all those flavors together.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Add those seared chicken pieces back into the simmering sauce. Stir gently so they get coated well. Cover again and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes—this is where all those wonderful spices infuse into every bite of chicken!

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove your pot from heat! Stir in heavy cream along with the remaining two tablespoons of butter until fully incorporated—this is what gives you that dreamy creamy texture we crave! Taste your sauce now; feel free to adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro if you’d like (it adds such freshness!) before serving hot alongside basmati rice or warm naan bread.

Enjoy every comforting bite of this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe!

Pro Tips for Making Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Making Butter Chicken at home can be a delightful experience, and these tips will help ensure your dish is nothing short of amazing!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, onions, and spices will elevate the flavors in your dish. Fresh ingredients have a vibrant taste that dried or pre-packaged options often lack.

• Don’t Rush the Marinating Process: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer if possible) helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. This step is crucial for achieving that authentic taste.

• Sear Properly: When searing the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This allows each piece to get that beautiful golden-brown color, which adds depth to the flavor of your Butter Chicken.

• Adjust Creaminess to Your Preference: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream used. Conversely, if you want it extra creamy, feel free to add more! It’s all about personal taste.

• Experiment with Spices: While this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to experiment with additional spices like cumin or garam masala. This can give your Butter Chicken a unique twist and make it your own!

How to Serve Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Presenting your homemade Butter Chicken beautifully can enhance the dining experience. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dish:

Garnishes

• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro sprinkled on top adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens up the rich flavors of the dish.
• Lemon Wedges: Serving lemon wedges on the side allows guests to squeeze some juice over their portion for an extra zing that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Basmati Rice: This fluffy, fragrant rice is a classic pairing with Butter Chicken. It soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly.
• Naan Bread: Soft naan is ideal for scooping up the rich sauce and chicken. You can serve it warm for an authentic touch.
• Cucumber Raita: A cool cucumber raita made from yogurt provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and spicy flavors of Butter Chicken.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans make for a healthy side that balances out the meal without overwhelming it.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to create an unforgettable dining experience with your Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep! It stores well, making it a great option for those busy weeknights or when you want to enjoy a delicious homemade meal without the fuss.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• Allow the butter chicken to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, leaving some room for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen butter chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe:

Can I make this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with paneer or chickpeas. You may need to adjust cooking times accordingly.

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

This dish pairs wonderfully with basmati rice or naan bread. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Can I use coconut cream instead of heavy cream?

Yes! Coconut cream is a great alternative if you prefer a dairy-free version while still keeping that creamy texture.

How can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?

Feel free to add more curry powder or chili powder if you like it spicier. Conversely, reduce the spices if you prefer a milder flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe as much as I do! It’s not just simple and quick; it’s packed full of flavor that will delight your family and friends. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own! Happy cooking!