Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Craft a rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying Butter Chicken at home with this surprisingly straightforward recipe. Tender chicken pieces simmered in a luscious tomato and butter-based sauce, subtly spiced and utterly irresistible. This simplified process delivers authentic, restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss, perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal.

If you’re looking for a dish that warms your heart and pleases the palate, this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is just what you need. It’s one of those recipes that brings everyone together around the table, making it ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Plus, it’s so simple to whip up that even on the busiest days, you can treat your loved ones to something special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick preparation: This recipe comes together in under two hours, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-friendly: With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can marinate the chicken ahead of time or even prepare the sauce in advance to save time.
• Customizable: Adjust the spices to your taste or serve it with your favorite sides like naan or rice.
• Comfort food classic: This dish is like a warm hug on a plate—perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create this delicious Butter Chicken. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, ensuring every bite is as delightful as the last.

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 (for marinade)
• 1 tsp ground coriander (for marinade)
• ½ tsp turmeric powder (for marinade)
• ½ tsp garam masala (for marinade)
• 1 tsp salt (for marinade)

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 (for sauce)
• 1 tsp ground coriander (for sauce)
• ¼ tsp turmeric powder (for sauce)
• 1 tsp garam masala (for sauce)
• (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

This Butter Chicken recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Swap the protein: Use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or bell peppers during cooking for extra nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: Increase the heat by adding chopped green chilies or cayenne pepper if you like your food spicy!

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. Marinate for at least 30 minutes—or even better—refrigerate for 2-4 hours for enhanced flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Bloom Spices

In a large pot over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter along with vegetable oil. Add diced onion and sauté until soft (about 5-7 minutes). Then add minced garlic and let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Reducing heat to low now allows us to add curry powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, and garam masala. Stir these spices for about 30-60 seconds; this step helps release their essential oils and intensifies their flavors.

Step 3: Simmer Sauce Base

Now stir in the tomato sauce along with raw cashews. Pour in about half a cup of water or broth—this will give our sauce its desired consistency. Bring everything to a gentle simmer then cover and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes until tomatoes break down and cashews soften. Remember to stir occasionally!

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 the sauce until completely smooth and velvety. This step is crucial because it creates that luxurious texture we all love!

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

In a separate skillet over medium-high heat, cook marinated chicken in batches until lightly browned and fully cooked through (about 3-4 minutes per side). Once done, set aside while we finish our sauce.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Add your cooked chicken back into the smooth sauce in the pot over medium-low heat. Let it simmer together for about 5-10 minutes so those flavors meld beautifully! Stir in heavy cream along with remaining cubed butter until melted. Crush fenugreek leaves between your palms before stirring them into the mix; they give such an authentic taste! Finally add sugar, black pepper and adjust salt as needed.

Step 7: Serve

Let your delicious butter chicken rest for about five minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if you like! Serve hot alongside basmati rice or warm naan bread—enjoy every delightful bite!

Pro Tips for Making Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Creating a delicious Butter Chicken at home is easier than you might think, and with these handy tips, you’ll elevate your dish to perfection!

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) allows the spices to penetrate deeply, making each bite flavorful and tender.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and herbs like cilantro bring a vibrant taste that dried or pre-packaged ingredients can’t match. They enhance the overall aroma and flavor profile of your dish.

• Adjust Consistency: Depending on your preference, you can control the sauce’s thickness by adding more or less water or chicken broth. This flexibility helps you achieve the perfect consistency to coat your chicken beautifully.

• Blend It Smooth: For a velvety texture, blending the sauce after cooking is crucial. A smooth sauce not only looks appealing but also allows all flavors to meld together seamlessly.

• Balance Flavors: After simmering, always taste and adjust your seasonings. A pinch more salt or a dash of lemon juice can brighten the dish and make it truly irresistible.

How to Serve Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Serving Butter Chicken is an art in itself! Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, presenting this dish beautifully will surely impress everyone at the table.

Garnishes

• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the butter chicken.
• Lemon Wedges: Serving with lemon wedges allows guests to squeeze fresh juice over their portion, enhancing brightness and flavor.
• Chili Flakes: For those who enjoy a little extra heat, a sprinkle of chili flakes on top offers both spice and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Basmati Rice: The fluffy grains of basmati rice are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce while providing a fragrant base that complements the spices.
• Naan Bread: Soft and pillowy naan is ideal for scooping up butter chicken, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
• Cucumber Raita: This cooling yogurt-based side made with diced cucumber and spices balances the richness of butter chicken while offering a refreshing contrast.
• Vegetable Samosas: These crispy pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas can serve as an appetizer or side dish, adding an extra layer of flavor to your meal experience.

Enjoy your cooking adventure with this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe! It’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, store it, and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week. Here are some handy tips on how to store, freeze, and reheat your butter chicken.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the butter chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• For best flavor, consume within this timeframe.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Label with the date and type of dish.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal taste and quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen butter chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe!

Can I make this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe without cashews?

Absolutely! If you’re allergic or prefer not to use nuts, you can skip them entirely or substitute them with a creamy alternative like coconut cream for smoothness.

How can I adjust the spice level in this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?

To adjust the spice level, simply reduce the amount of curry powder and garam masala used. You can also omit any additional spices that may add heat. For a milder version, serve with yogurt on the side!

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer! Just keep an eye on cooking time as they may cook faster than thighs.

What sides pair well with this butter chicken?

Serve this flavorful butter chicken with basmati rice or naan bread. You could also enjoy it with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

While this recipe features chicken, you can easily substitute it with paneer or tofu for a delightful vegetarian version. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on your chosen protein!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe! It’s not just about satisfying your taste buds; it’s about creating lovely moments around the dinner table. Whether it’s a cozy family meal or gathering with friends, this dish is bound to impress. Enjoy every creamy bite and feel free to explore your creativity in the kitchen!

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