Say hello to your new favorite comfort food—Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe! This creamy, spiced dish is a rich, velvety masterpiece that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re cozying up for a family dinner or impressing friends, it’s the perfect recipe to serve with warm naan and fluffy rice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: In just 45 minutes, you can create a flavorful meal that feels gourmet.
- Rich Flavor: The blend of spices and creamy sauce delivers a delicious taste that everyone loves.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with naan, rice, or veggies for a balanced meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests; it’s sure to impress.
- Healthy Ingredients: Made with fresh ingredients, this butter chicken can be part of a wholesome diet.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Frying pan
- Large spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Frying pan: A good frying pan ensures even cooking and allows for the perfect sear on the chicken.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping ingredients quicker and safer.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a clean surface for prepping your ingredients.
Ingredients
For this quick & easy homemade butter chicken recipe, gather the following ingredients:
Chicken and Seasonings
- 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
Creamy Sauce Components
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
Tomato Base and Spices
- 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
Garnishes and Sides
- ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Naan bread
- Steamed rice
How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, and curry powder. Toss until evenly coated.
Step 2: Heat the Oil and Butter
- In a frying pan over medium heat, add vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted and hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook until browned on all sides.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
- Stir in minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until onions become soft and translucent.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
- Pour in the tomato sauce along with sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and additional curry powder. Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Simmer
- Reduce heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes until thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Finish Up
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and stir in remaining butter until melted.
Step 7: Serve
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with naan bread or steamed rice for an irresistible meal!
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Butter chicken is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various accompaniments. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions to elevate your meal and impress your guests.
With Naan Bread
- Enjoy warm, fluffy naan bread to scoop up the creamy butter chicken sauce. It’s perfect for a hands-on dining experience.
Over Steamed Rice
- Serve the butter chicken over a bed of steaming white or brown rice. The rice soaks up the flavors, making every bite delicious.
With Salad
- A fresh salad adds a refreshing crunch. Consider a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon juice and herbs.
Accompanied by Raita
- Raita is a yogurt-based side that cools down the heat of the spices. Mix plain yogurt with diced cucumber and mint for a tasty contrast.
With Pickles
- Indian pickles add an extra zing to your meal. Try mango or lime pickle for a burst of flavor alongside your butter chicken.
Garnished with Fresh Parsley
- Use freshly chopped parsley as a garnish for added color and freshness. It enhances the presentation and adds a burst of flavor.
How to Perfect Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Making the perfect butter chicken is all about technique and ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out just right.
Use high-quality spices: Fresh spices can dramatically improve flavor. Opt for whole spices when possible and grind them just before use.
Marinate the chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate in yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes enhances tenderness and flavor.
Cook on medium heat: Cooking on medium heat helps develop rich flavors without burning the spices or sauce.
Adjust cream for richness: If you prefer a lighter version, reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute half-and-half.
Balance flavors: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, sugar, and spice levels according to your preference for a balanced dish.
Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Pairing your butter chicken with complementary side dishes can create an unforgettable meal experience. Here are some great options:
Basmati Rice: This fragrant rice complements the rich sauce beautifully, making it an ideal choice.
Aloo Gobi: A spiced potato and cauliflower dish that adds texture and flavor to your plate.
Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed salad with chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
Saag Paneer: Creamy spinach with cubes of paneer offers a lovely contrast in flavors alongside butter chicken.
Vegetable Samosas: Crispy samosas filled with spiced potatoes make for an excellent appetizer before diving into the main course.
Cucumber Mint Salad: A light salad that refreshes the palate between bites of rich butter chicken.
Lentil Soup: A warm lentil soup can be served as an appetizer or light side dish that complements the main course well.
Mango Chutney: Sweet mango chutney adds a delightful sweetness that balances out spicy flavors perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Butter Chicken at home can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls. Here’s how to steer clear of them.
- Skipping the marinade: Not marinating the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Take a few extra minutes to let the spices and yogurt soak in.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it tough. Aim for tender pieces by monitoring cooking time closely.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Ignoring your taste preferences may result in a dish that’s too bland or salty. Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Using low-fat cream: Low-fat cream will not provide the rich texture that Butter Chicken is known for. Stick with heavy cream for the best results.
- Rushing the cooking process: Hastening through steps can compromise flavor development. Allow ingredients to cook thoroughly, ensuring a deeper taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Butter Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- It can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until hot, usually around 2-3 minutes.
- Stovetop: Gently heat over low-medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making this delicious dish.
Can I make this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute coconut milk or cashew cream for heavy cream and use dairy-free yogurt for marinating the chicken.
What can I serve with butter chicken?
Naan bread and steamed rice are perfect accompaniments for soaking up the creamy sauce.
How do I make butter chicken spicier?
Add more cayenne pepper or include chopped green chilies when cooking for an extra kick!
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Certainly! This recipe works well with shrimp or paneer if you’re looking for alternatives.
Final Thoughts
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adjusting spices or swapping proteins based on your preference. Give it a try; you’ll love creating this delightful dish at home!
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Experience the cozy delight of our Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe! This creamy, spiced dish is a culinary masterpiece that comes together in just 45 minutes. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this recipe pairs beautifully with warm naan and fluffy rice. With its rich flavors, healthy ingredients, and simple preparation steps, you can enjoy restaurant-quality butter chicken right in your own kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 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
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, and curry powder.
- Heat oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add chicken; brown on all sides.
- Stir in minced garlic and diced onion; sauté until onions soften.
- Pour in tomato sauce and spices; mix well and simmer on low for about 15 minutes.
- Stir in remaining butter until melted; adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot with naan bread or steamed rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 44g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
