Why Make This Recipe
Butter Chicken is a favorite dish for many, adored for its rich flavors and creamy texture. This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken allows you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen without spending hours cooking. It uses simple ingredients and is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
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:
- In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
- Add the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and curry powder. Simmer for a few minutes.
- In another pan, cook the marinated chicken until browned and cooked through.
- Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and stir in the remaining butter. Simmer for a few more minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Serve your Butter Chicken hot with soft naan bread and a side of steamed rice. This combination soaks up the delicious sauce and makes for a satisfying meal. Optionally, add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
How to Store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze the Butter Chicken for up to 3 months; just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container.
Tips to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 2 hours) can enhance the flavor.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your heat preference.
- If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer to reduce.
Variation
For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with paneer or mixed vegetables. Follow the same cooking method, and enjoy a delicious vegetarian Butter Chicken!
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs tend to be juicier, making the dish richer in flavor.
2. Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use coconut milk or half-and-half as a lighter alternative, but this may alter the taste slightly.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, Butter Chicken can be prepared in advance and reheated before serving, making it a great meal-prep option.
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy rich flavors and creamy texture with this quick and easy Butter Chicken recipe—perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
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
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
- Add the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and curry powder. Simmer for a few minutes.
- In another pan, cook the marinated chicken until browned and cooked through.
- Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and stir in the remaining butter. Simmer for a few more minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.
Notes
Marinating the chicken for longer enhances the flavor. Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your heat preference. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer to reduce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: butter chicken, Indian cuisine, easy recipes, quick dinner
