Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Ah, butter chicken—the dish that manages to warm hearts and fill bellies all over the world! Picture this: tender chunks of chicken bathing in a velvety, flavorful sauce that seems to hug you with every bite. This recipe is dear to me; it harkens back to my first cooking adventure, where I took on the culinary challenge of impressing friends. It’s one of those dishes that’s simple yet delivers a punch of flavor, making it a staple in my kitchen. I remember the first time I brought it to a potluck, and as I served it alongside naan, the compliments just kept pouring in. Who doesn’t love a little praise while cooking? Let’s dive into this wonderful recipe together!

What makes this recipe special

Why choose butter chicken for dinner tonight? Oh, let me count the ways! First and foremost, the creamy tomato sauce is like a warm, comforting hug—rich, mildly spiced, and just downright delicious. The combination of spices, including garam masala and cayenne pepper, provides a depth of flavor that dances on your palate, tantalizing your taste buds with every forkful.

This recipe is not just about taste; it’s also about ease. You can whip this up in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual get-together. Plus, it’s versatile—you can adjust the spice levels to suit your mood or dietary preferences. Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a refreshing garnish or even a dash more cayenne if you’re feeling feisty! The best part? It pairs beautifully with steamed rice and naan, turning any meal into an experience. You’ll want to savor every last bite!

Key ingredients overview

Alright, let’s gather our trusty ingredients for this fragrant adventure:

• 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs: These are your stars. Thighs are juicier compared to breasts, and they hold flavors so well. If you’re feeling fancy, you can swap them out for chicken breast, but be cautious not to overcook.
• 1 teaspoon salt: This humble ingredient is crucial for bringing everything to life. Adjust as needed, especially if you’re using a salted butter.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a nice, subtle garlicky depth. Feel free to use fresh garlic if you’re feeling extra gourmet—just sauté it briefly to avoid bitterness.
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika: This adds color and mild sweetness. You could replace it with smoked paprika for an exciting twist!
• ½ teaspoon curry powder: A staple in Indian cuisine that infuses warmth in the sauce; it complements the spices beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt: This ingredient is the secret on how to keep the chicken tender and juicy while adding a creamy element to the marinade.
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: For sautéing; it has a high smoke point, allowing you to achieve that golden-brown perfection on the chicken.
• 3 tablespoons butter: The ultimate flavor booster. We’ll be using it to create that rich, creamy sauce. Don’t skip out on butter; it’s where the magic happens!
• 6 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for that aromatic kick!
• 1 medium onion, diced: This will form the base of the tomato sauce, adding sweetness and depth.
• 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce: The heart of our dish that makes it tangy and delicious. Use a quality brand for the best results!
• 1 teaspoon sugar: Just a pinch will help balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
• 2 cups heavy cream: You want that luscious, velvety texture, and heavy cream is the way to achieve it. If you’re looking for a lighter option, a mix of half-and-half and Greek yogurt will work in a pinch.
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like to turn up the heat, a little sprinkle will do the trick!
• 1 teaspoon garam masala: This Indian spice blend is the cherry on the cake—flavorful, aromatic, and it will transport you straight to the streets of Delhi.
• ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional): A burst of color and freshness at the end. It’s not just decoration; it complements the rich flavors beautifully.
• Naan bread and steamed rice: Your perfect accompaniments for soaking up that luscious sauce!

How this recipe comes together

Time to roll up those sleeves and get cooking! Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:

1. In a large bowl, toss together the chicken with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes so those flavors can mingle.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat along with 1 tablespoon of butter. Once hot, add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for about 3–5 minutes until fragrant and the onions are translucent.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and the additional curry powder. Bring that delicious mixture to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes.
4. In a separate pan, cook the marinated chicken over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Don’t rush this step; we want those lovely bits of flavor to form!
5. Add the chicken to your luscious sauce. Stir in the remaining butter—this is where things turn creamy and magical. Let it simmer for a few more minutes to meld all the flavors together.
6. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for that pop of color, and you’ll be ready to serve!

Best way to enjoy it

Now that your kitchen smells like a five-star restaurant, how do you serve this masterpiece? Plating is key! Serve your butter chicken piping hot alongside fluffy steamed rice—perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. And you can’t forget the naan! It’s the ideal tool for scooping, plus it just adds an extra layer of warmth to the meal. Feel free to sprinkle on some more fresh parsley for that restaurant-style finish. It’s so good, you might just find yourself going back for seconds (or thirds!).

Keeping leftovers fresh

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing them is straightforward! Transfer the butter chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it over gentle heat on the stove or microwave it until heated through. Don’t hesitate to add a splash of cream or water if it thickens too much while reheating—a little love goes a long way!

Pro chef tips

• Marinating the chicken isn’t just a hack for flavor; it also helps keep the meat tender. Aim for at least 15 minutes, or even longer if you can!
• Don’t skip the fresh herbs; they brighten up the dish. Plus, they’re visually inviting!
• Looking for a shortcut? Use store-bought curry paste for added convenience without compromising too much on flavor.

Recipe variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some creative twists to put your own spin on this dish:

• Vegetarian Delight: Swap out the chicken for your favorite veggies or paneer for a delicious vegetarian version!
• Protein Swap: Try using shrimp or even tofu for a different protein experience.
• Heat Seekers: Increase the cayenne or add fresh chilies for an extra kick to satisfy your spice cravings!

Ingredients

• 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
• 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
• 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)
• Naan bread, for serving
• Steamed rice, for serving

Directions to follow

1. In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
2. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
3. Add tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and curry powder. Simmer for a few minutes.
4. In another pan, cook the marinated chicken until browned and cooked through.
5. Add the cooked chicken to the sauce. Stir in the remaining butter. Simmer for a few more minutes.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.

Your questions answered

• How do I make it less spicy? If you prefer milder flavors, simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use only a hint of curry powder.
• Can I use chicken breast instead? Certainly! Just be cautious not to overcook; chicken breasts can dry out quickly.
• Is it suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! Butter chicken reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for your weekly meal prep!
• What can I serve it with? Naan and fluffy rice are traditional, but any bread or grains you enjoy will work!
• Can I freeze butter chicken? Yes, it freezes well! Just be sure to store it in an airtight container after it’s cooled.

Cooking is not just about feeding our bodies; it’s a celebration, a way to share love with those around us. This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe is a testament to that, combining simple ingredients to create a joyous experience. So don’t just take my word for it—give it a go in your kitchen! Feel free to tweak it to your tastes and let your creativity shine. I’d love to hear your stories and any twists you’ve added, so share your thoughts in the comments below. Together, let’s keep this cooking journey vibrant and flavorful!

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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Cooking Method: Sauteing, Simmering Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food Dairy High Protein Non Vegetarian Quick Meals

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 50 mins

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 600

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This Butter Chicken recipe features tender pieces of chicken in a creamy tomato sauce, perfect for serving with naan and rice.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 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
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 6 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Naan bread (for serving)
• Steamed rice (for serving)

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken

   In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
   Mark as complete

2. Cook Aromatics

   In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
   Mark as complete

3. Prepare Sauce

   Add tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and curry powder. Simmer for a few minutes.
   Mark as complete

4. Cook Chicken

   In another pan, cook the marinated chicken until browned and cooked through.
   Mark as complete

5. Combine Chicken with Sauce

   Add the cooked chicken to the sauce. Stir in the remaining butter. Simmer for a few more minutes.
   Mark as complete

6. Garnish and Serve

   Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 600kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 45g70%

Saturated Fat 25g125%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 220mg74%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 800mg23%

Total Carbohydrate 20g7%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 6g

Protein 30g60%

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Vitamin A 1200 IU

Vitamin C 15 mg

Calcium 100 mg

Iron 3 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1.5 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0.1 mg

Riboflavin 0.5 mg

Niacin 15 mg

Vitamin B6 0.7 mg

Folate 25 mcg

Vitamin B12 2 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 250 mg

Magnesium 40 mg

Zinc 3 mg

Selenium 20 mcg

Copper 0.5 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Serve with naan and steamed rice for the best experience.

Keywords: butter chicken, curry, Indian food, easy dinner