Say hello to your new favorite comfort food—Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe! This creamy, spiced dish is a rich, velvety masterpiece that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re cozying up for a family dinner or impressing friends, it’s the perfect recipe to serve with warm naan and fluffy rice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time.
- Flavor Packed: The blend of spices and creamy sauce creates an irresistible taste experience.
- Versatile Serving: Enjoy it with naan, rice, or even as a filling for wraps; the options are endless!
- Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting dish, making it a hit at any table.
- Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors and garnishing options make this dish look as good as it tastes.
Tools and Preparation
To create your own butter chicken masterpiece, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet or large pan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet or large pan: Ideal for cooking the chicken evenly and allowing the sauce to simmer perfectly.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise cutting of chicken and veggies, making prep quick and safe.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients without any mess.
- Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the right balance of flavors in your butter chicken.
Ingredients
For this delightful recipe, 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
- Steamed rice
How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, and curry powder. Mix well so that all pieces are evenly coated.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a skillet over medium heat, add vegetable oil. Once hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken into the skillet. Cook until browned on all sides (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, melt half of the butter. Add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until fragrant and onions are translucent (about 3–4 minutes).
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Add tomato sauce to the skillet along with sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder. Stir well to combine all ingredients into a smooth sauce.
Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir gently to coat all pieces in the sauce. Let simmer for about 10–15 minutes on low heat until heated through.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once done, remove from heat and stir in remaining butter for extra creaminess. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm with naan bread or steamed rice for an unforgettable meal!
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Serving your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe can elevate the dining experience. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this creamy dish that will surely impress everyone at your table.
With Warm Naan
- Naan is perfect for scooping up the rich butter chicken sauce. Opt for garlic naan for added flavor.
Over Fluffy Rice
- Serving butter chicken over steamed basmati rice allows the sauce to soak in, enhancing each bite with flavor.
Garnished with Fresh Parsley
- A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds color and a hint of freshness to balance the richness of the dish.
Accompanied by Raita
- Cool and refreshing raita made from yogurt and cucumber complements the spices in butter chicken beautifully.
With a Side Salad
- A simple salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon vinaigrette can provide a fresh contrast to the creamy dish.
Paired with Spiced Lentils
- Adding spiced lentils as a side dish brings protein and additional flavors that harmonize well with butter chicken.
How to Perfect Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
To ensure your butter chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
Marinate the Chicken: Marinating with Greek yogurt and spices tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor.
Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices like garam masala enhance the aroma and taste compared to pre-ground versions.
Control Heat Carefully: Adjust cayenne pepper according to your spice preference for a milder or hotter dish.
Simmer Slowly: Allowing the sauce to simmer helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Add Cream Gradually: Stir in heavy cream gradually for a smooth texture without curdling it.
Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Complementing your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe with the right sides can enhance your meal. Here are some perfect pairings:
Basmati Rice: This fragrant rice absorbs the butter chicken sauce perfectly, making each bite delightful.
Garlic Naan: Soft and chewy, garlic naan is ideal for dipping into rich sauces and adds an extra layer of flavor.
Saag Paneer: A creamy spinach dish that pairs well with butter chicken while providing additional nutrients.
Aloo Gobi: This spiced potato and cauliflower dish brings a hearty element that balances the meal nicely.
Chickpea Salad: A light chickpea salad offers crunch and freshness, complementing the creamy butter chicken.
Vegetable Samosas: Crispy samosas make a great appetizer or side, filled with spiced potatoes or peas for added texture.
Mango Chutney: Sweet mango chutney provides a contrasting flavor that enhances the overall meal experience.
Pickled Onions: Tangy pickled onions add brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness of butter chicken effectively.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe can be a breeze if you steer clear of some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the marination: Not marinating the chicken can lead to less flavorful meat. Always allow it to soak in spices and yogurt for at least 30 minutes.
- Using low-quality tomatoes: Opting for generic tomato sauce can result in a bland dish. Use high-quality canned tomatoes or homemade sauce for richer flavor.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can dry it out. Monitor the cooking time carefully to keep it tender and juicy.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Forgetting to taste and adjust seasonings can leave your dish flat. Always check and modify salt and spices as needed.
- Rushing the cooking process: Trying to speed through steps might lead to uneven cooking. Take your time, especially when sautéing onions and garlic for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Place cooled butter chicken in a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months; label with date for reference.
Reheating Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pan, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe:
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts. However, thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and omit the butter or use a plant-based alternative.
What should I serve with butter chicken?
Serve your butter chicken with warm naan bread and steamed rice for a complete meal.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes cayenne pepper as an option. You can adjust or omit it based on your spice preference.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate vegetables like peas or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adjusting spices or adding your favorite veggies. It’s perfect for family dinners or impressing guests. Give it a try and savor the delicious flavors!
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Say hello to your new favorite comfort food: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken! This creamy, spiced delight is a culinary masterpiece that’s simple enough to whip up at home. Perfect for family dinners or impressing friends, this dish pairs beautifully with warm naan and fluffy rice.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 6 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, and curry powder until evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt half the butter. Add minced garlic and diced onion; sauté for about 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
- Create the Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, sugar, remaining salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if desired), garam masala, and curry powder until smooth.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return chicken to the skillet and simmer on low heat for about 10–15 minutes.
- Finish & Serve: Stir in remaining butter for creaminess and garnish with parsley if desired. Serve warm with naan or rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
