Are you searching for a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and simplicity? Look no further than this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. This classic Indian dish is not only comforting but also perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. With tender chicken simmered in a luscious tomato and cream sauce, it’s a meal that promises to please everyone at the table.
Moreover, making butter chicken from scratch can be a rewarding experience that enhances your cooking skills without overwhelming you with complicated techniques. In just a few easy steps, you can whip up a creamy, mildly spiced masterpiece that pairs beautifully with rice or naan. Dive into this recipe and discover how effortless it can be to bring the flavors of India right into your kitchen!
Ingredients for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe:
To prepare this delectable Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken, gather the following 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 Butter Chicken 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
– ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
To Serve
– Naan bread
– Steamed rice
For a delightful addition to your meal plan, try out these bacon egg cheese muffins as an easy breakfast option. Get ready to indulge in this flavorful butter chicken recipe that will surely impress your family and friends!
How to Prepare Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe:
Creating a delicious Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is simple and rewarding! Begin by marinating 1½ pounds of bite-sized chicken thighs. Combine them with 1 teaspoon of salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, and curry powder. Don’t forget to add 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt. Let this mixture sit while you prepare the sauce.
In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sauté 6 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced onion until golden. Next, pour in a 15-ounce can of tomato sauce, adding 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper for heat. Stir in 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of garam masala, and another ½ teaspoon of curry powder.
Introduce the marinated chicken and let everything simmer until cooked through. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve alongside naan bread and steamed rice for a complete meal!
If you’re looking for more hearty chicken recipes, check out this Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe for another delightful option.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken:
Creating the perfect Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is all about balancing flavors and textures. Start with marinating your chicken in yogurt and spices for at least an hour. This tenderizes the meat and infuses it with rich flavors. Cook the chicken in ghee or oil over medium-high heat to achieve a beautiful golden brown crust, as this enhances the overall taste.
Once the chicken is cooked, prepare a creamy tomato sauce using butter, cream, and aromatic spices for a vibrant sauce. For a complimentary dish, try pairing it with Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup. This keeps your meal wholesome and satisfying. For a detailed guide on making the creamy sauce, visit this link. Finally, serve your delicious butter chicken with warm naan or rice to soak up the rich sauce. Enjoy a wonderful meal!
Serving Suggestions for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe:
When it comes to serving your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe, versatility is key! This dish pairs wonderfully with fragrant basmati rice or fluffy naan bread, helping to soak up the delicious sauce. For a fresh touch, consider adding a side of green beans or a vibrant salad, which will enhance your meal visually and nutritionally.
You might also want to try serving it alongside Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup. This combination not only complements the rich flavors of the butter chicken, but it also rounds out your dinner with wholesome ingredients.
Garnish your plates with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for an extra layer of flavor. Each bite will transport you to another world of taste. Experiment with these suggestions to create an unforgettable dining experience that showcases the delightful simplicity of your butter chicken!
Storage Tips for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe:
To maximize the freshness and flavor of your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe, proper storage is essential. After cooking, allow the dish to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. This can help preserve the taste and prevent any contamination. You can refrigerate homemade butter chicken for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When freezing, portion the butter chicken into smaller containers for easy reheating later on. It’s best consumed within 2-3 months when stored in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy your butter chicken again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Don’t forget, this dish pairs wonderfully with homemade naan or rice. For something equally delightful, try making juicy baked chicken breasts as a side!
Variations of Butter Chicken to Try:
Explore diverse takes on this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe to tantalize your taste buds! Consider adding a tangy twist with a touch of lime or experimenting with different spices for unique flavor profiles. Alternatively, try a creamy version by incorporating coconut milk. For a side dish, pair it with green bean casserole for a delightful meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What ingredients do I need for a Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?
To prepare a straightforward yet delicious butter chicken, you will need chicken, butter, cream, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices including garam masala. These ingredients combine to create the rich, creamy sauce that makes this dish so beloved.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Certainly! While thighs are often preferred for their juicy texture, boneless chicken breasts are a great alternative for your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. Just be careful not to overcook the breasts, as they can become dry.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can easily transform this recipe into a vegetarian delight by substituting chicken with paneer or chickpeas. Additionally, ensure you use vegetable broth and skip the cream, opting for coconut milk for a rich flavor.
Is butter chicken spicy?
The heat level of butter chicken can vary based on the spices you choose to use. For a milder version, reduce the amount of chili powder and use less garam masala. This allows you to enjoy the flavors without overwhelming heat.
What goes well with butter chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with basmati rice or naan. For a complete meal, consider serving a green bean casserole on the side to add a crunchy texture that complements the creamy butter chicken.
Can I store leftovers of the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of cream to retain its creamy consistency. This makes for a delicious lunch the next day!
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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe – A Flavorful Delight!
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is a delightful and creamy dish that brings the flavors of India to your kitchen with minimal effort.
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
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until softened.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and curry powder. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer until heated through, about 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.
Notes
This recipe can be made spicier by adding more cayenne pepper. Adjust the cream to your desired richness.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (with sauce, no rice/naan)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 185 mg
Keywords: Butter Chicken, Indian Cuisine, Quick Dinner, Easy Recipe, Homemade, Chicken