Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Butter chicken, a beloved classic of Indian cuisine, is a dish that has a special place in many hearts—and bellies! My journey with this recipe began as a way to recreate the rich, creamy flavors I adored from my favorite restaurant. Little did I know that experimenting in my own kitchen would lead to a quick and easy version of this dish that rivals those restaurant offerings. Using tender chicken thighs and a mix of aromatic spices, this recipe brings authentic flavors home without requiring hours of preparation. Whether it’s a bustling weeknight or just a cozy dinner with family, butter chicken is sure to please everyone around the table.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
If you’re on the fence about whipping up this dish, let me give you a few reasons to jump in. First, this quick and easy butter chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to serve a homemade, hearty meal in under an hour. The blend of spices makes it incredibly flavorful, while the creamy sauce pairs beautifully with naan or steamed rice. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it’s also a hit with kids and adults alike — making family meals a breeze.
“I made this butter chicken last night, and it was a hit! The flavors were spot-on, and I was done in under 40 minutes. Definitely my new go-to for a quick weeknight dinner!”
The Cooking Process Explained
Let’s break down how to create this quick and easy homemade butter chicken. The process is straightforward and manageable even for novice cooks. The essence of this dish lies in marinating the chicken for flavor, caramelizing onions, and building a rich sauce. Follow these steps to bring this delicious meal to life:
- Marinate the Chicken
- Cook the Chicken
- Prepare the Sauce Base
- Build the Sauce
- Season and Simmer
- Finish with Butter
- Serve and Enjoy
What You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is essential for achieving an authentic taste. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
- 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 and steamed rice for serving
If you’d like to accommodate dietary restrictions, you can swap the Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option or substitute chicken with paneer for a vegetarian twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. Follow these clear, actionable steps:
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken, cooking until it’s browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté minced garlic and diced onion until golden and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes to blend.
Season and Simmer: Return the chicken to the pan. Add heavy cream, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and additional curry powder. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining butter for richness, then garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your butter chicken hot with warm naan bread and steamed rice.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Butter chicken is not just a dish; it’s an experience. Here are some delightful ways to elevate your meal:
- Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of freshness.
- Pair with warm naan to scoop up that luscious sauce.
- Serve over fluffy steamed rice or even try it with brown rice for a whole grain alternative.
- For an authentic touch, add a side of cucumber raita, a cool yogurt-based condiment to balance out the heat.
How to Store & Freeze
Leftovers can be just as enjoyable as the first meal! Here are the best ways to store your butter chicken:
- Refrigeration: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm on the stove or microwave until heated through.
Remember to handle food safely; avoid leaving it out at room temperature for extended periods during serving.
Helpful Cooking Tips
Here are some insider tips to ensure your butter chicken turns out perfect every time:
- Marinate longer: If time allows, marinate your chicken for 2-4 hours or even overnight for richer flavor.
- Adjust the heat: Feel free to omit the cayenne if you prefer a milder dish or add more for an extra kick.
- Balance the sauce: Taste and adjust salt and sweetness based on personal preference as tomatoes can vary in acidity.
Creative Twists
Looking to diversify your butter chicken experience? Here are some creative variations:
- Replace chicken thighs with paneer for a vegetarian option.
- Add spinach or peas for added nutrition and color.
- Try adding coconut milk instead of cream for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Experiment with different spice blends to switch up the traditional Indian spices.
Your Questions Answered
What is the prep time for this recipe?
The prep time is roughly 30 minutes, mainly for marinating the chicken. Cooking will take about 20 minutes, so you can have this dish ready in less than an hour!
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast can be used, but keep in mind it may not be as tender. Ensure you don’t overcook them to maintain moisture.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The creamy sauce and mild spices make it approachable for kids. Adjust the heat levels to suit your family’s preference.
Now you’re all set to create this delightful and comforting butter chicken. Dive into cooking, and embrace the wonderful flavors waiting for you in your kitchen!
Print
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick and easy version of the classic butter chicken, featuring tender chicken thighs and a rich, creamy sauce that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
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)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional)
- Naan bread and steamed rice for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken, cooking until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté minced garlic and diced onion until golden and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Season and Simmer: Return the chicken to the pan. Add heavy cream, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and additional curry powder. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining butter, then garnish with parsley if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.
Notes
For a dairy-free option, swap Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt. For a vegetarian twist, replace chicken with paneer.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg