Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

why make this recipe

Butter chicken is a classic dish that brings warmth and comfort. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. This easy homemade version is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a mouthwatering meal that everyone will love.

how to make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

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
• 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)
• Naan bread
• Steamed rice

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken, salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
4. Build the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and stir in the sugar, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
5. Season and Simmer: Add the heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder. Stir to combine and let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
6. Finish with Butter: Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce and stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter. Cook for another 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.

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how to serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is best served warm. Pair it with fluffy naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce, or serve it over steamed rice for a comforting meal. You can also add a side of salad or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner.

how to store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing. Pour the butter chicken into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

• Don’t skip the marinating step. It helps to infuse flavor into the chicken.
• Adjust the spices according to your spice tolerance. More cayenne will increase the heat.
• For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. For a thinner sauce, add a splash of water or more cream.

variation

You can use chicken breast instead of thighs if you prefer a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, try substituting the chicken with paneer or tofu.

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FAQs

1. Can I use canned chicken instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned chicken, but it may alter the texture and flavor slightly. Fresh chicken is recommended for the best results.

2. What if I don’t have garam masala?

If you don’t have garam masala, you can create a substitute using equal parts of ground cumin, ground coriander, and ground cinnamon.

3. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the butter chicken ahead of time. Just reheat it on the stove over low heat until warmed through.