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 have this dish ready in no time.
- Rich Flavor – The blend of spices and creamy sauce creates an irresistible taste that will wow your taste buds.
- Versatile Serving Options – Enjoy it with naan, rice, or even over vegetables for a delightful meal.
- Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike will love this comforting dish, making it a great choice for family dinners.
- Impressive Presentation – Serve it garnished with parsley for a restaurant-quality look that impresses guests.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes preparing your butter chicken even easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet or pan
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet or pan – Ideal for cooking the chicken evenly and allowing the sauce to simmer perfectly.
- Cutting board – Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients while keeping your kitchen organized.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious butter chicken:
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
For the Sauce
- 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
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 bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, and curry powder. Mix well until fully coated.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
- Push the chicken to one side of the skillet. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the empty side along with minced garlic and diced onion.
- Sauté until onions are translucent and fragrant.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
- Stir in tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder.
- Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes until thickened.
Step 5: Finish Up
- Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until melted and incorporated.
- Adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.
Enjoy your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe—a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Serving your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is an essential part of enjoying this delightful dish. It pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes that can enhance the overall dining experience.
With Naan Bread
- Naan is perfect for scooping up the rich sauce of butter chicken. Consider toasting it lightly for added flavor.
Over Steamed Rice
- Fluffy rice serves as a great base, absorbing the creamy sauce. You can use basmati or jasmine rice for a fragrant touch.
Topped with Fresh Parsley
- A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to your dish. It also enhances the flavor profile.
With a Side Salad
- A simple cucumber and tomato salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of butter chicken. Drizzle with lemon juice for extra zing.
Accompanied by Raita
- Raita, made from yogurt, cucumber, and spices, cools down any heat from the dish and complements its flavors perfectly.
With Pickled Onions
- Tangy pickled onions offer a crunchy texture and bright acidity that balances the creamy butter chicken.
How to Perfect Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
To achieve the best results with your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe, consider these helpful tips:
- Marinate the chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate in yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes enhances its flavor and tenderness.
- Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices provide a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-ground options. This can elevate your dish significantly.
- Adjust creaminess: If you prefer a lighter version, reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with coconut milk.
- Control spice levels: Add cayenne pepper gradually if you’re unsure about heat tolerance. Taste as you go!
- Cook on low heat: Cooking on lower heat allows flavors to meld beautifully without burning ingredients.
- Let it rest: After cooking, allowing your butter chicken to sit for a few minutes before serving helps deepen its flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Enhance your meal by serving side dishes that complement your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe beautifully. Here are some recommendations:
- Garlic Naan – Soft, fluffy naan infused with garlic is ideal for soaking up sauce.
- Cucumber Raita – This cooling yogurt dish balances out the spices in butter chicken perfectly.
- Basmati Rice – Fragrant basmati rice pairs well with curry dishes and soaks up flavors nicely.
- Mixed Vegetable Curry – A medley of seasonal vegetables cooked in mild spices offers a colorful addition to your plate.
- Mango Chutney – Sweet and tangy chutney provides a delightful contrast to the savory butter chicken.
- Samosas – Crispy samosas filled with spiced potatoes make for an excellent appetizer alongside your main course.
- Aloo Gobi – This potato and cauliflower dish is seasoned with turmeric and cumin, adding warmth to your meal.
- Pickled Vegetables – A tangy mix of pickled carrots or onions gives a refreshing crunch against creamy dishes like butter chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many home cooks make simple mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for while making your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe.
- seasoning mistakes: Not adjusting spices can lead to blandness. Taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
- overcooking chicken: Cooking chicken too long makes it tough. Aim for tender pieces by cooking just until done.
- using low-quality ingredients: Poor quality ingredients diminish flavor. Use fresh spices and good-quality chicken for the best results.
- skipping marination: Marinating enhances flavor. Even a short time in yogurt and spices makes a difference.
- neglecting cream consistency: Adding cream too quickly can cause separation. Slowly mix in the cream for a smooth sauce.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Use within 3–4 days for best freshness.
Freezing Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Warm gently over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe, along with their answers.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
You can substitute chicken breast if preferred, but thighs offer more flavor and moisture.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level is mild, but you can add cayenne pepper for extra heat according to your taste.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute chicken with paneer or chickpeas for a delightful vegetarian version.
What should I serve with butter chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with naan bread or steamed rice, which soak up the delicious sauce.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in airtight containers in the fridge and consumed within 3–4 days.
Final Thoughts
The Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a family favorite. Don’t hesitate to customize it by adding vegetables or adjusting spices to suit your preferences!
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Indulge in the comforting flavors of our Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe! This creamy dish features tender chicken simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce, making it a perfect weeknight meal or an impressive dinner for guests. With just 5 minutes of prep time and simple ingredients, you can create a velvety masterpiece that pairs beautifully with warm naan or fluffy rice. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe guarantees mouthwatering results that will delight your taste buds.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 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, season chicken thighs with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, and curry powder.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook seasoned chicken until browned (5-7 minutes).
- Sauté garlic and diced onions in the same skillet until translucent.
- Stir in tomato sauce and spices; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and remaining butter; mix well until smooth and heated through.
- Serve garnished with parsley alongside naan or rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
