Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a beloved dish that has charmed many taste buds across the globe. Originating from India, this creamy and rich dish combines tender chicken pieces with a flavorful tomato sauce. This recipe offers an easy and quick method of making homemade butter chicken that you can enjoy without needing to order takeout. Perfect for family dinners or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why Make This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to add this butter chicken recipe to your cooking repertoire. First, it’s incredibly easy. You don’t need fancy cooking skills or hard-to-find ingredients. With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious dish that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant.
Second, using chicken thighs makes this recipe juicy and tender, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish. Plus, the aromatic spices blended with creamy sauce will fill your kitchen with a delightful smell that will get everyone excited for dinner.
Lastly, this homemade butter chicken is customizable. You can adjust the spices to suit your taste or add more heat with cayenne pepper. Pair it with naan bread or steamed rice, and you have a meal that is satisfying and impressive. It’s comfort food at its best!
How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Ingredients
To get started, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 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 can (15 ounces) 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
- Steamed rice
Directions
Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix together the salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Place the chicken thighs in the bowl and coat them well with the marinade. Let the chicken sit while you prepare the sauce. This process helps the chicken absorb all the flavors.
Cook the onions and garlic: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these ingredients until the onion is soft and translucent. This step enhances the overall flavor of your sauce.
Prepare the tomato sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, and heavy cream into the skillet. If you like a bit of heat, this is the time to add cayenne pepper. Mix in the garam masala and extra curry powder. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook the chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the sauce. Cook on medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally, ensuring that the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors from the sauce. You should cook until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
Finish the dish: To complete the butter chicken, add the remaining butter to the skillet. This will give the sauce a rich and creamy texture. Stir until everything is well combined. Your homemade butter chicken is now ready! Serve it hot with naan bread or over steamed rice for a delicious meal.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Serving butter chicken can enhance your dining experience. Here are a few suggestions:
With Naan Bread: Soft and warm naan bread is perfect for scooping up the rich sauce. It adds a delightful texture and taste that complements the meal.
Over Steamed Rice: Butter chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice. The rice soaks up the sauce and creates a fulfilling plate.
Garnish: For an extra touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over your butter chicken before serving. This adds color and freshness to your dish.
Accompaniments: Consider serving a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. This way, you balance the richness of the butter chicken with lighter sides.
How to Store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
If you have leftovers (which is often the case because it’s so delicious!), here’s how to store them properly:
In the Refrigerator: Transfer the cooled butter chicken into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator where it can last for about 3 to 4 days.
In the Freezer: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the butter chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to 2 to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating: To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, and then warm it in a skillet over low heat. Alternatively, you can use the microwave. Just be sure to check that it’s heated through completely before serving.
Tips to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Chicken Options: While chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, you can also use boneless skinless chicken breast. Just be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.
Make It Vegetarian: To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with paneer, tofu, or even chickpeas. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for these ingredients.
Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your preference. If you can handle the heat, feel free to add more!
Creaminess: For an even creamier sauce, you can add more heavy cream or a splash of coconut milk.
Variation (if any)
Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach to the sauce for added nutrition. Add them just before you add the chicken, allowing them to cook through and absorb the flavors.
Herbed Butter Chicken: Infuse the sauce with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint, either mixed into the sauce or as a garnish on top.
Different Proteins: This recipe can also be adapted for lamb or shrimp with minor adjustments in cooking time.
FAQs
Can I make butter chicken spicy?
Yes! You can easily make it spicy by increasing the amount of cayenne pepper or adding finely chopped green chilies when you sauté the onion and garlic.
What can I use if I don’t have garam masala?
If you don’t have garam masala, you can make a substitute by mixing equal parts of cumin, coriander, and cardamom. Using these spices will help mimic the flavors in the dish.
Can I prepare butter chicken in advance?
Absolutely! Butter chicken is actually great for making in advance. Allow it to cool after cooking, store it in the refrigerator, and then reheat when you’re ready to serve. The flavors will even deepen and improve overnight.
With this straightforward recipe, you can enjoy the rich flavors of butter chicken at home any day of the week. The process is simple, and the results are sure to make your dinner table exciting and delicious!
Print
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and creamy butter chicken dish that’s easy to make at home, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 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 can (15 ounces) 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
- Steamed rice
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Coat the chicken thighs well with the marinade and let sit while you prepare the sauce.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, and heavy cream. If desired, add cayenne pepper. Mix in the garam masala and extra curry powder. Let simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add the marinated chicken to the sauce and cook on medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Add the remaining butter to the skillet, stirring until well combined. Serve hot with naan bread or over steamed rice.
Notes
Customize the spiciness by adjusting the cayenne pepper. For a vegetarian version, use paneer or chickpeas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: butter chicken, murgh makhani, easy chicken recipes, Indian cuisine, comfort food
