Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that warms your heart and fills your belly, you’ve just stumbled upon it! This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. The creamy sauce, combined with tender chicken, creates a dish that’s perfect for cozy family dinners or lively gatherings with friends. Plus, it’s easy enough to whip up on busy weeknights when you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

What makes this butter chicken so special is its comforting flavor and simplicity. You’ll find that even those who claim they can’t cook can make this dish with confidence. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep time, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time!
• Family-friendly: This creamy dish appeals to all ages, making it a sure hit for everyone at the table.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can easily prepare this dish ahead of time and reheat it for a stress-free meal.
• Flavorful and satisfying: The rich spices and creamy sauce create a delightful explosion of flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
• Perfect pairing: Serve it with warm naan and fluffy rice to soak up that luscious sauce—yum!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! You’ll find these items are easy to locate at your local grocery store. They come together beautifully to create that comforting butter chicken we all love.

For the Chicken

• 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

Variations

One of the best things about this butter chicken recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use boneless chicken breasts or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
• Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or peas for added nutrition and color.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add some chili flakes.
• Creamy alternatives: Substitute coconut milk for a dairy-free version while keeping it rich and delicious.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. This step is essential because marinating infuses the chicken with flavor and keeps it juicy during cooking. Let it sit while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of butter along with vegetable oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken. Sauté until browned and cooked through—about 6-8 minutes. This not only gives your chicken great texture but also locks in those amazing flavors from the marinade.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, melt remaining butter and sauté minced garlic and diced onion until they are fragrant and translucent—about 3-4 minutes. This step builds the base of your sauce by bringing out sweet flavors from the onions.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Pour in tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and additional curry powder. Stir well until everything is combined. Simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This allows all those wonderful spices to mingle beautifully together!

Step 5: Finish Up!

Return your cooked chicken to the pan and let it simmer for another 5 minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The final touch? A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds color and freshness—perfect before serving!

Now you’re ready to serve this delightful Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe with warm naan bread and fluffy rice! Enjoy every creamy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Making butter chicken at home can be a breeze, especially with these helpful tips!

• Marinate the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate in yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) enhances the flavors and tenderizes the meat, making it more succulent.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onions elevate the dish’s taste. Freshly minced garlic and diced onions add a depth of flavor that dried alternatives simply can’t match.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Don’t hesitate to tweak the cayenne pepper according to your spice preference. This allows you to customize the heat level for your family or guests.

• Simmer for Flavor: Let the sauce simmer gently after adding the cream. This melding of flavors creates a rich, creamy texture that is simply irresistible.

• Garnish Creatively: Adding fresh herbs or nuts as a garnish not only makes your dish visually appealing but also adds layers of flavor that enhance every bite.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Serving butter chicken is all about creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that brings everyone together. Here are some ideas to present this delightful dish:

Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich sauce beautifully.
• Sliced Green Chilies: For those who enjoy an extra kick, thinly sliced green chilies provide a burst of heat and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Naan Bread: Soft, pillowy naan is perfect for scooping up creamy butter chicken. You can even try garlic naan for an aromatic twist!
• Steamed Rice: Fluffy basmati or jasmine rice serves as an ideal base for soaking up the luscious sauce.
• Cucumber Raita: This cooling yogurt dip balances out the spices in butter chicken and adds a refreshing crunch with diced cucumbers.
• Saag Paneer: For a hearty vegetarian option, saag paneer made with spinach and cheese is a flavorful side that complements butter chicken perfectly.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll have everyone raving about your quick & easy homemade butter chicken recipe! Enjoy this culinary adventure as you savor each bite with loved ones.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week or freeze some for later. Here’s how to store your delicious creation:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the butter chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• When storing, you can separate the chicken from the sauce if you prefer.

Freezing

• Let the butter chicken cool before placing it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Label the containers with the date to ensure freshness.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe dish covered with a lid, heating in intervals until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delightful dish.

Can I make this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe without heavy cream?

Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lighter option. Adjust seasonings as necessary.

What can I serve with Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?

This dish pairs wonderfully with naan bread, steamed rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works well too; just be mindful not to overcook them as they tend to dry out faster than thighs.

How spicy is this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?

The spice level can be adjusted easily by omitting cayenne pepper or adding more according to your taste preference.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—your new go-to comfort food that’s both simple and satisfying! This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe brings so much warmth and flavor to any table, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I do; it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking!