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 just 5 minutes of prep time, you can dive right into creating this delicious meal.
- Flavor-packed: The blend of spices and cream creates an irresistible sauce that elevates basic chicken to something extraordinary.
- Versatile serving options: Pair this butter chicken with naan, rice, or even steamed vegetables for a complete meal that suits any occasion.
- Family-friendly: This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table!
- Easily customizable: Adjust the spice levels or add extra veggies to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delightful dish, ensure you have the right tools on hand. Having the proper equipment will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet or frying pan: A wide surface ensures even cooking and allows for better sauce reduction.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware while maximizing flavor mixing.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy in ingredient measurement guarantees consistent results every time.
Ingredients
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
For Creaminess
- 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: Prepare the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt.
- Mix well until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Set aside for about 15 minutes to marinate.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the marinated chicken to the skillet in a single layer.
- Cook for about 5–7 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and diced onion; sauté until translucent (about 3–4 minutes).
- Stir in tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and additional curry powder. Mix well.
Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce.
- Simmer on low heat for about 10–15 minutes until heated through and flavors meld together.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.
Enjoy your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe, an easy dish that’s packed with flavor!
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its rich flavors. Here are some serving suggestions that will make your meal even more enjoyable.
With Naan Bread
- Naan bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy butter chicken sauce. Warm it up for a soft and fluffy texture.
Over Steamed Rice
- Serve the butter chicken over a bed of steamed rice. The rice will absorb the flavorful sauce, making every bite delicious.
Paired with Raita
- A cooling cucumber raita balances the spices in the butter chicken. It adds a refreshing touch to your meal.
Garnished with Fresh Parsley
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. This also adds a nice touch of freshness.
Accompanied by Pickled Onions
- Sweet and tangy pickled onions can add an extra layer of flavor. They provide a crunchy texture that complements the creamy chicken.
How to Perfect Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
To achieve the best results with your butter chicken, consider these helpful tips.
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Marinate the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate in yogurt and spices will enhance its flavor and tenderness.
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Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices can elevate the taste of your dish. Always check for freshness before using.
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Control the Heat: Adjust cayenne pepper according to your taste preference. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice.
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Simmer Gently: Letting the dish simmer allows all flavors to meld together beautifully. Don’t rush this step!
Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Pairing side dishes with butter chicken can create a more fulfilling meal experience. Here are some great options:
-
Basmati Rice
Fluffy basmati rice is aromatic and perfectly complements the rich sauce of butter chicken. -
Vegetable Samosas
Crispy vegetable samosas make for a delightful appetizer, adding crunch before your main course. -
Chickpea Salad
A refreshing chickpea salad adds protein and balances out the richness of butter chicken. -
Garlic Naan
This buttery, garlicky flatbread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce. -
Cucumber Raita
A cooling raita made with yogurt and cucumber provides contrast to the spiciness of butter chicken. -
Saag Paneer
Creamy saag paneer adds another layer of richness while also incorporating greens into your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.
- Skipping marination: Not marinating the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance the taste.
- Using low-quality spices: Spices lose potency over time. Use fresh spices for the best flavor and aroma in your dish.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can result in dryness. Aim for tender, juicy pieces by monitoring cooking time carefully.
- Neglecting cream temperature: Adding cold cream directly can alter the sauce’s texture. Warm the cream slightly before mixing it in for a smoother consistency.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Tasting during cooking is crucial. Adjust salt or spice levels based on your preference for a balanced flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your leftover butter chicken in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Place cooled butter chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated (usually around 2-3 minutes).
- Stovetop: Reheat on low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making this butter chicken recipe.
What is the secret to perfect butter chicken?
The key is to use fresh spices and allow adequate marination time for the chicken. This enhances the dish’s overall flavor and richness.
Can I make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat as directed before serving.
What should I serve with butter chicken?
Serve your butter chicken with warm naan bread or fluffy steamed rice for a complete meal that balances flavors perfectly.
How can I adjust spice levels?
To control the heat, adjust cayenne pepper according to your taste. You can also increase or decrease garam masala based on preference.
Final Thoughts
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it by adding vegetables or adjusting spice levels to suit your taste. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple and delicious it is!
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of our Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe! This creamy, spiced delight is a perfect blend of tender chicken and rich sauce that you can whip up in no time. Ideal for family dinners or impressing guests, this dish pairs beautifully with warm naan and fluffy rice. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have your new favorite meal ready to savor.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 medium onion
- 6 garlic cloves
- Tomato sauce, spices, and Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Marinate chicken with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt for 15 minutes.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken until browned (5-7 minutes). Set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and diced onion until translucent. Stir in tomato sauce and seasonings.
- Add heavy cream and return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot with naan bread or steamed rice.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
