Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with an aromatic, creamy sauce. This Indian-inspired dish brings a taste of the exotic to your dining table, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or entertaining guests. With its vibrant flavors and satisfying texture, Butter Chicken is sure to become a favorite in your home, showcasing the beauty of homemade cooking with minimal fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Butter chicken is not just about incredible taste; it’s also known for its simplicity and time-saving preparation. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a casual get-together. Here’s why you’ll love making this dish:
- Quick Preparation: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time.
- Family-Friendly: The rich, creamy sauce appeals to both kids and adults, making it a hit for any age group.
- Versatile: Pair it with fluffy naan or steamed rice, and you have a complete meal that can easily adapt to your taste preferences.
- Customizable Heat Levels: Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your family’s spice tolerance, allowing everyone to enjoy the dish comfortably.
Ingredients
To make this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken, you will need the following ingredients that are sure to tantalize your taste buds:
- 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
Each ingredient plays a vital role in developing the dish’s balance of flavors—from the marinated chicken to the creamy sauce that envelops it all.
Step-by-Step Directions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated in the spices and yogurt. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if time allows, let it marinate longer (up to overnight) for a more intense flavor.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Sear until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Build the Sauce
- Pour in the tomato sauce, followed by sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine the flavors and let it simmer for 5-6 minutes.
Season and Simmer
- Reduce the heat to low, then add the heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and an additional ½ teaspoon curry powder. Mix well and return the chicken to the skillet. Let everything simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes. The sauce should be thickened, and the chicken will be tender when done.
Finish with Butter
- For the final touch, stir in a tablespoon of butter just before serving for added richness and a glossy finish to your sauce.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve your homemade butter chicken hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley alongside warm naan bread or fluffy steamed rice. Enjoy the flavors dancing on your palate as you dig into this Indian classic!
Tips & Tricks
- Extra Flavors: For added depth, consider adding coconut milk along with the heavy cream.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with paneer for a delicious vegetarian alternative that still packs a punch.
- Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for an extra pop of freshness.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
For the most delightful experience, serve your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken with fluffy naan or steamed basmati rice. You can also add a side of cucumber salad or raita to cool off the flavors, making for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information
A typical serving of Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken contains approximately:
- Calories: 600
- Protein: 35g
- Total Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
(This information is approximate and may vary based on individual ingredients used and portion sizes.)
Storing Tips & Variations
- Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
- Freezing: You can freeze the butter chicken for up to 2 months. Just ensure it’s cooled down before placing it in freezer-safe containers.
- Variations: Experiment with adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms into the sauce for added nutrition!
Conclusion
I hope you give this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken a try! With its vibrant flavors and creamy sauce, it is sure to become a staple in your household. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this recipe is not only a hearty meal but also a delightful culinary journey that is easy to undertake. Don’t miss out on the chance to bring this classic dish into your kitchen!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but thighs tend to remain juicier and more flavorful in this dish.
Is Butter Chicken spicy?
It can be adjusted according to your taste; simply omit the cayenne pepper for a milder version.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and the butter with a dairy-free alternative to make this recipe dairy-free.
How can I thicken the sauce further?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it longer to reduce, or add a slurry made from cornstarch mixed with water.
What should I serve with this Butter Chicken?
Naan bread and steamed rice are traditional accompaniments, but feel free to serve it with any bread or side of your choice!
Butter Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
For Cooking
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional for heat
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 0.5 teaspoon curry powder
- 0.25 cup freshly chopped parsley, optional for garnish
- to taste Naan bread For serving
- to taste Steamed rice For serving
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated in the spices and yogurt. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for more flavor.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in batches and sear until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Build the Sauce
- Pour in the tomato sauce, followed by sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 5-6 minutes.
Season and Simmer
- Reduce the heat to low, add heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and an additional ½ teaspoon of curry powder. Mix well and return the chicken to the skillet. Let everything simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is tender.
Finish with Butter
- Stir in a tablespoon of butter just before serving for added richness and a glossy finish.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve your homemade butter chicken hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley alongside warm naan bread or steamed rice.