Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Butter chicken is a beloved dish that brings the rich and creamy flavors of Indian cuisine right to your kitchen. This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe allows you to recreate this restaurant favorite at home with minimal effort. With tender chicken thighs smothered in a luscious tomato and cream sauce, you’ll make a meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Why Make This Recipe

This dish is perfect for anyone looking to indulge in comforting and flavorful cuisine without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of spices and the creamy sauce make butter chicken a standout dish that appeals to people of all ages. Plus, the ingredients are usually readily available in most grocery stores, making it an accessible choice for any weeknight dinner!

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

To prepare your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken, you will need the following 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 (for serving)
• Steamed rice (for serving)

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon of salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.

2. Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil over medium heat in a large pan. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until the onion is translucent.

4. Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper for heat. Cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.

5. Season and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir in the heavy cream, garam masala, and curry powder. Simmer for another 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

6. Finish with Butter: Just before serving, stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter to add richness.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your butter chicken with naan bread and steamed rice, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

To enjoy your butter chicken, serve it hot alongside warm naan bread and a generous scoop of steamed rice. You could also serve a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the meal.

How to Store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

If you have leftovers, let the butter chicken cool to room temperature and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

• Marinate for Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight.
• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, omit the cayenne pepper or reduce the amount.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and onions for the best flavor.

Variations

• Substitute Chicken: You can use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with paneer or vegetables like cauliflower and chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
• Spicy Alteration: Add more cayenne or a diced chili pepper if you like it spicy!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure it is completely thawed before marinating and cooking.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Certainly! You can prepare the dish a day in advance and then reheat it when ready to serve.

3. What can I serve alongside butter chicken?
Butter chicken pairs well with naan bread, steamed rice, or even a side of vegetables to create a balanced meal.

Try out this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe for a delightful dinner that delivers a taste of India without the need for extensive cooking skills or time. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Homemade Butter Chicken

A quick and easy recipe to recreate the rich, creamy flavors of butter chicken at home with tender chicken thighs in a luscious tomato and cream sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 650 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the chicken marinade

• 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks You can substitute with chicken breast for a leaner option.
• 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt

For the sauce

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons butter Divided into portions for cooking.
• 6 cloves garlic, minced Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
• 1 medium onion, diced Use fresh onion for best flavor.
• 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional for heat.
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 0.5 teaspoon curry powder
• 0.25 cup freshly chopped parsley Optional for garnish.

For serving

• as needed Naan bread For serving.
• as needed Steamed rice For serving.

Instructions

 

Marinate the Chicken

• In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.

Cook the Chicken

• Heat vegetable oil over medium heat in a large pan. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce Base

• In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until the onion is translucent.

Build the Sauce

• Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper for heat. Cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.

Season and Simmer

• Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir in the heavy cream, garam masala, and curry powder. Simmer for another 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Finish with Butter

• Just before serving, stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter to add richness.

Serve and Enjoy

• Serve your butter chicken with naan bread and steamed rice, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

If you have leftovers, let the butter chicken cool to room temperature and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. Marinate for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor. Adjust the heat according to your preference by omitting or reducing the cayenne pepper. Use fresh garlic and onions for enhanced flavor.

Keyword Butter Chicken, comfort food, Easy Recipe, Indian Cuisine, Quick Dinner