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 a prep time of just 5 minutes, you can have this delicious meal ready in no time.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of spices creates a depth of flavor that will delight your taste buds.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfectly pairs with naan or steamed rice, making it great for any occasion.
- Comfort Food: This dish is the ultimate in comfort food, providing warmth and satisfaction.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this creamy chicken dish.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, ensure you have the right tools on hand. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect creamy sauce.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping chicken and vegetables quick and safe.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe:
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 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
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: Marinate the Chicken
- In a mixing bowl, combine chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt.
- Mix well until all chicken pieces are coated. Let sit for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add marinated chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from skillet.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until onions are translucent.
- Stir in tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Mix thoroughly to coat with sauce.
- Simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes until chicken is tender.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with naan bread or steamed rice.
Enjoy your homemade butter chicken! This comforting dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Butter chicken is a versatile dish that delights the senses and pairs beautifully with various accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
With Naan Bread
- Warm naan: Soft, pillowy naan is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce of the butter chicken.
Over Steamed Rice
- Fluffy basmati rice: The mild flavor of basmati rice complements the rich spices in butter chicken, making for a satisfying meal.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped parsley or cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a burst of color and freshness to your plate.
With a Side Salad
- Cucumber raita: This cooling yogurt-based salad balances the spices and enhances your dining experience.
Accompanied by Pickles
- Indian pickles (achar): These tangy pickles provide a delightful contrast to the rich creaminess of the dish.
How to Perfect Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
To ensure your butter chicken turns out absolutely delicious every time, keep these tips in mind:
Choose quality chicken: Using skinless, boneless thighs ensures tenderness and flavor in your dish.
Marinate for flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate with spices and yogurt enhances its taste and juiciness.
Control spice levels: Adjust cayenne pepper based on your heat preference—omit it for a milder dish or add more for extra kick.
Simmer gently: Cooking on low heat helps meld the flavors together beautifully without overcooking the chicken.
Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
When enjoying your homemade butter chicken, pairing it with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Flavored with fresh cilantro and lime juice, this rice adds brightness to your plate.
- Aloo Gobi: A spiced cauliflower and potato dish that brings additional texture and flavor to the meal.
- Saag Paneer: Creamy spinach with Indian cheese provides a rich vegetarian option that balances well with butter chicken.
- Vegetable Samosas: Crispy pastry filled with spiced potatoes and peas make for a delicious appetizer or side.
- Pulao Rice: Aromatic rice cooked with spices and vegetables offers a fragrant addition to your dinner table.
- Chickpea Salad: A refreshing mix of chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs adds protein and freshness.
- Onion Bhaji: Crispy onion fritters give a crunchy contrast to the creamy butter chicken.
- Mango Chutney: Sweet and tangy mango chutney enhances every bite with its delightful flavor profile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Butter Chicken at home can be simple, but avoiding mistakes is key to achieving the best results. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.
- Skipping seasoning: Failing to season your chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always season your chicken with salt and spices before cooking.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F without overcooking.
- Ignoring the sauce consistency: A thick or watery sauce can ruin the dish. Adjust the cream and tomato sauce ratios to achieve your desired thickness.
- Using low-quality tomatoes: Poor-quality tomato sauce can affect flavor. Choose a good brand or use fresh tomatoes for better taste.
- Not letting it simmer: Rushing through cooking by skipping the simmering step may lead to underdeveloped flavors. Allow the dish to simmer for at least 20 minutes.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the butter chicken to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Freeze in a suitable container for up to 3 months.
- Make sure to leave some space in the container, as liquids expand when frozen.
Reheating Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake covered for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making this delicious meal, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries about the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs; however, they may be less tender and juicy compared to thighs.
What can I serve with butter chicken?
Butter chicken pairs perfectly with naan bread and steamed rice, but you can also serve it with basmati rice or quinoa.
How spicy is this quick & easy homemade butter chicken recipe?
The spice level is adjustable. If you prefer more heat, add extra cayenne pepper or chili powder according to your taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with paneer or tofu for a delicious vegetarian version of this dish.
Final Thoughts
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is not just comforting; it’s also versatile and customizable. Feel free to adjust spices or add vegetables based on your preferences. We encourage you to give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Introducing your new go-to comfort dish: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken! This creamy, spiced delight is the perfect meal for family gatherings or cozy nights in. With its rich flavors and velvety sauce, it’s destined to become a favorite. Serve it alongside warm naan bread and fluffy rice for a satisfying experience that will impress everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Curry powder
- Garam masala
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Marinate chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt for about 10 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook marinated chicken until browned on all sides (5-7 minutes), then remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic and diced onion until translucent.
- Stir in tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if desired), garam masala, and curry powder.
- Return chicken to the skillet; mix well and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes until tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
