Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is a delightful and comforting dish that features tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress your guests at a special gathering. With its combination of spices and flavors, this butter chicken will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 45 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The creamy tomato sauce infused with spices creates an unforgettable taste experience.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with naan or steamed rice for a complete meal that suits any occasion.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this comforting dish, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy.
• Easily Customizable: Adjust the spice levels to make it milder or hotter according to your preference.

Tools and Preparation

To make this quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment. Having the right kitchen gadgets can streamline the cooking process and enhance your overall experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A large skillet allows for even cooking of the chicken and helps blend the flavors in the sauce beautifully.
• Mixing bowl: This is essential for marinating the chicken, ensuring all spices are evenly coated before cooking.
• Knife and Cutting Board: These are necessary for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients quickly.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• 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

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 (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

For Garnish

• ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Serving Suggestions

• Naan bread
• Steamed rice

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well until all pieces are coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, add vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once hot, sauté minced garlic and diced onion until fragrant and translucent. Then add tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

In another pan over medium-high heat, cook the marinated chicken pieces until browned on all sides and fully cooked through. This usually takes around 6-8 minutes depending on size.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Add the cooked chicken into the sauce mixture in your skillet. Stir in the remaining butter until melted. Allow everything to simmer together for an additional 5 minutes to let those flavors blend perfectly.

Step 5: Serve

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot alongside naan bread or steamed rice for a complete meal everyone will enjoy!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

This quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe is a delightful dish that pairs wonderfully with various sides. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

With Naan Bread

• Naan bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce. You can serve it warm, brushed with garlic butter for extra flavor.

With Steamed Rice

• Steamed rice acts as a great base for the butter chicken. The fluffy rice absorbs the rich sauce, making each bite satisfying.

Garnished with Fresh Parsley

• A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to your plate. This simple garnish can enhance the overall presentation.

Accompanied by Cucumber Raita

• Cucumber raita offers a cooling contrast to the spices in the butter chicken. It’s easy to make by mixing yogurt with diced cucumbers and spices.

With Pickled Onions

• Pickled onions add tanginess that balances the richness of the dish. They can be prepared quickly by soaking sliced onions in vinegar and sugar.

How to Perfect Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

To ensure your butter chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Marinate the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes enhances its flavor and tenderness.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, onions, and spices will provide a richer taste compared to dried options.
• Control Spice Levels: Adjust cayenne pepper according to your heat preference. Start small if you’re unsure.
• Simmer for Flavor: Letting the sauce simmer allows all ingredients to meld beautifully, enhancing flavor depth.
• Add Cream Gradually: Incorporate heavy cream slowly while stirring to achieve a smooth texture without curdling.

Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Complement your quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe with these delightful side dishes that enhance your meal’s flavor profile.

1. Basmati Rice: Fluffy basmati rice is fragrant and pairs perfectly with butter chicken, providing a great base for the creamy sauce.
2. Vegetable Samosas: Crispy vegetable samosas offer a crunchy contrast and are filled with spiced potatoes and peas, perfect as an appetizer.
3. Roasted Cauliflower: Seasoned roasted cauliflower adds a healthy touch. Toss with spices before baking for extra flavor.
4. Lentil Dal: A side of lentil dal brings additional protein and fiber to your meal while complementing the flavors of Indian cuisine.
5. Chickpea Salad: A refreshing chickpea salad made with tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon dressing adds brightness and crunch.
6. Indian Spiced Potatoes: These flavorful potatoes seasoned with cumin and turmeric can be served alongside or mixed into your dish for added texture.
7. Cabbage Slaw: A light cabbage slaw provides crunch and acidity, balancing out the richness of butter chicken.
8. Mango Chutney: Sweet mango chutney serves as a delightful condiment that enhances every bite of butter chicken with its fruity tanginess.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making this quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.

• Skipping the Marinade: Failing to marinate the chicken can lead to less flavorful meat. Allow at least 15 minutes for the spices and yogurt to penetrate the chicken.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Poor-quality tomatoes or cream can ruin your sauce. Always opt for fresh ingredients for a richer taste.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Cook just until the chicken is browned and no longer pink inside.
• Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments: Not tasting your sauce before serving may result in blandness. Adjust salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference.
• Rushing the Simmering Process: Skipping the simmering step can prevent flavors from developing. Let your sauce simmer for a few minutes to meld all the ingredients together.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

• Portion out servings into freezer-safe containers.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place butter chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until hot. Add a splash of cream if needed to maintain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe special?

This recipe combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce made from simple ingredients, making it both comforting and accessible for weeknight meals or special occasions.

Can I customize this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! You can adjust spices to suit your taste or substitute with different proteins like shrimp or paneer for variety.

How do I make this dish spicier?

To increase the heat, add more cayenne pepper during cooking or serve with spicy chutney on the side.

What should I serve with my Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?

This dish pairs perfectly with naan bread and steamed rice. You could also serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Final Thoughts

This quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a delicious meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare. Its creamy sauce and tender chicken create a delightful dish that can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spice levels or side dishes!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4

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Description

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. This recipe features tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices. In just 45 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that your family and friends will love. Serve it alongside warm naan bread or fluffy steamed rice for a complete and satisfying dinner that will quickly become a household favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs
• 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 can (15 ounces) 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)

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Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt; refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, heat oil and 1 tablespoon of butter; sauté garlic and onion until translucent.
3. Add tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if desired), garam masala, and curry powder; simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Cook the marinated chicken in another pan until browned and cooked through (6-8 minutes).
5. Combine the cooked chicken with the sauce in the skillet; stir in remaining butter and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 504
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 724mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 124mg