Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

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 only 5 minutes of prep time, this recipe fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and cream creates a deeply satisfying dish that will delight your taste buds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with naan, rice, or even vegetables—this butter chicken adapts to your preferences!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for both family gatherings and special occasions, everyone loves a good butter chicken.
• Easy Cooking Process: Simple steps make this dish accessible even for novice cooks.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your experience and ensure success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking and allows you to brown the chicken properly for maximum flavor.
• Mixing bowl: Useful for marinating chicken and combining spices effectively.
• Knife: A sharp knife helps in cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces with ease.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe, you’ll 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: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by marinating the chicken. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Ensure all pieces are well-coated. Let it sit while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, add vegetable oil and two tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until onions are translucent.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 4: Add Tomato Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce along with sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and additional curry powder. Stir everything together to combine.

Step 5: Simmer

Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Final Touches

Finish off by adding the remaining tablespoon of butter for richness. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 7: Serve

Serve your butter chicken hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Pair it with naan bread or steamed rice for a complete meal!

With these easy steps, you’ll have a delightful Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe ready in no time!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Butter chicken is not only delicious but also versatile in how you can serve it. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Warm Naan

• Naan bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce. You can warm it on a skillet or in the oven for a few minutes.

Over Steamed Rice

• Serve your butter chicken over fluffy steamed rice. The rice absorbs the sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful.

With a Fresh Salad

• A light salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and a tangy dressing complements the richness of butter chicken well.

In a Wrap

• For a fun twist, wrap butter chicken in naan or tortillas with crunchy veggies for an easy-to-eat meal.

Paired with Raita

• Raita, a yogurt-based side dish, balances the spices of butter chicken perfectly. It’s refreshing and adds creaminess.

SAVE THIS!

How to Perfect Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

To achieve the best results with this butter chicken recipe, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and spices enhance flavor significantly, giving your dish more depth.

• Marinate the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate in yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes can improve tenderness and taste.

• Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to modify spice levels based on your preference. More cayenne will add heat, while less will keep it mild.

• Stir Constantly: When adding cream, stir continuously to prevent it from curdling and to achieve a smooth texture.

Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your butter chicken can enhance the meal dramatically. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Naan: Soft bread infused with garlic flavors, perfect for dipping into buttery sauce.

2. Jeera Rice: Fragrant cumin-infused rice that pairs nicely with rich curries like butter chicken.

3. Cucumber Raita: A cooling yogurt side that balances spicy flavors beautifully.

4. Mango Chutney: Sweet and tangy chutney adds a burst of flavor that complements the dish well.

5. Vegetable Pakoras: Crispy fried snacks made from assorted vegetables are great as starters or sides.

6. Dal Makhani: Creamy black lentils provide a hearty option that works wonderfully alongside butter chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the marination: Not marinating the chicken can lead to less flavorful meat. Always allow the chicken to marinate in yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Aim for just until cooked through, around 7-10 minutes on medium heat.
• Using low-fat cream: Opting for low-fat cream won’t achieve that rich taste. Stick with heavy cream for a creamy, satisfying sauce.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Under-seasoning can leave your butter chicken bland. Taste as you go and adjust salt, sugar, and spices accordingly.
• Rushing the cooking process: Cooking on high heat might burn the spices. Use medium heat and take your time to develop flavors.

SAVE THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

• To freeze, place cooled butter chicken in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

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: Heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat over medium-low heat while stirring to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about this delicious dish, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries regarding the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute skinless, boneless chicken breasts if preferred. Just be mindful that they may cook faster than thighs.

What can I serve with butter chicken?

This dish pairs well with naan bread, steamed rice, or even a fresh salad. It’s versatile enough to suit various sides!

How spicy is this butter chicken recipe?

The spice level can be adjusted by varying the amount of cayenne pepper used. Omit it entirely for a milder flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken with paneer or mixed vegetables like cauliflower and peas for a delicious vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Its creamy sauce and aromatic spices create comfort food that delights everyone. Feel free to customize it by adding more veggies or adjusting spiciness levels according to your taste!