Say hello to your new favorite comfort food—Butter Chicken! 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 have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
- Creamy & Flavorful: The combination of heavy cream and spices creates a rich sauce that elevates the chicken to new heights.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with naan or steamed rice for a complete meal that suits any palate.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting dish, making it great for family dinners.
- Impressive Presentation: Garnish with parsley for a beautiful finish that impresses guests at any gathering.
Tools and Preparation
To get started on your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking simpler and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Serving plates
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: A wide surface area ensures even cooking and prevents overcrowding.
- Cutting board: Protects your countertops while providing a safe space for chopping ingredients.
- Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements ensure consistent flavor in every batch of butter chicken.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 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
For the Sauce
- 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
For Serving
- ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley, optional, for garnish
- Naan bread
- Steamed rice
How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt.
- Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate while you prepare other ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the marinated chicken in batches. Sear until golden brown on all sides (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until onions are translucent (about 3–4 minutes).
- Stir in tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder. Mix well.
Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat thoroughly in the sauce.
- Simmer for about 10–15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Final Touches
- Remove from heat and stir in remaining butter for added richness.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Now you’ve made your own Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken! Serve it warm alongside naan bread or steamed rice for an unforgettable meal. Enjoy!
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.
With Naan Bread
- Naan bread is perfect for scooping up the buttery sauce, adding a delightful texture to each bite.
Over Steamed Rice
- Fluffy steamed rice absorbs the rich flavors of the butter chicken, making it a satisfying base for the dish.
With a Side Salad
- A light cucumber and tomato salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the butter chicken.
With Raita
- This yogurt-based side helps cool down any spice in the dish, enhancing your overall meal experience.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Topping your butter chicken with freshly chopped parsley brightens up the dish visually and adds a burst of flavor.
How to Perfect Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
To make your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe even better, follow these simple tips.
- Use Fresh Spices: Fresh spices can enhance the flavor profile significantly compared to older ones.
- Marinate the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate in yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes can deepen its flavor.
- Adjust Creaminess: Feel free to add more or less heavy cream based on your preference for richness.
- Control Heat Levels: Adjust cayenne pepper according to your spice tolerance; you can always add more later!
- Add Veggies: Tossing in some spinach or peas can make this dish more nutritious without altering its core flavor.
- Serve Hot: For best taste, serve immediately while it’s warm and fragrant.
Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe enhances flavors and textures. Here are some great options:
- Basmati Rice: Fragrant and long-grained, basmati rice is an ideal companion that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Jeera Rice: This spiced cumin rice adds an aromatic touch that pairs well with butter chicken’s rich flavors.
- Cucumber Raita: This cooling yogurt dip made with cucumbers balances out the spices in your main dish perfectly.
- Paneer Tikka: Grilled paneer offers a satisfying texture alongside vegetarian options for those who prefer no meat.
- Samosas: These crispy snacks filled with potatoes or peas are excellent starters before diving into the main course.
- Mint Chutney: A fresh mint chutney brings a spicy and tangy contrast that elevates each bite of butter chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The path to the perfect Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe can have some bumps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:
Using the wrong cut of chicken: Always choose skinless, boneless chicken thighs for the best texture and flavor. Breast meat can dry out during cooking.
Skipping the marination: Marinating the chicken with yogurt and spices enhances flavor. Don’t rush this step; let it sit for at least 30 minutes if possible.
Overcooking the sauce: Cooking too long can lead to a thick, unappetizing sauce. Keep an eye on it and remove from heat when it’s creamy and smooth.
Ignoring spice adjustments: Everyone’s palate is different. Taste your sauce before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
Not using fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and spices make a huge difference in flavor. Avoid pre-packaged items when possible.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The dish stays good for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
Freezing Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.
Reheating Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat until warmed through (about 20-25 minutes).
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot, stirring in between.
Stovetop: Heat gently over medium-low heat in a pan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe:
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast, but thighs provide more moisture and flavor. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
What can I serve with this butter chicken?
Serve it with naan bread or steamed rice for a complete meal. Both pair wonderfully with the rich sauce.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe includes cayenne pepper as an optional ingredient. Adjust it based on your taste preferences for heat.
How do I store leftovers of Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?
Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe brings together comfort and flavor effortlessly. It’s versatile enough to customize with different proteins or vegetables based on what you have on hand. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish will surely satisfy your cravings. Give it a try!
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe! This creamy, spiced dish is a delightful blend of tender chicken marinated in aromatic spices and enveloped in a rich tomato and cream sauce. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this recipe pairs beautifully with warm naan or fluffy rice. In just 5 minutes of prep time, you’ll be on your way to serving a dish that bursts with flavor and warmth, making it an irresistible choice for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 6 garlic cloves
- 1 medium onion
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
Instructions
- Marinate chicken: Combine chicken with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it sit while preparing other ingredients.
- Cook chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear marinated chicken until golden brown (about 5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Make sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter; add minced garlic and onion. Sauté until translucent. Stir in tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (optional), garam masala, and curry powder.
- Combine: Add cooked chicken back to the skillet; stir to coat. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until cooked through.
- Final touches: Stir in remaining butter and garnish with parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
