Why Make This Recipe
Butter chicken is a beloved dish that brings together tender chicken pieces and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. This recipe is quick and easy, making it an excellent choice for everyone, even if you’re new to cooking. You can enjoy this comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, you can customize it to your taste!
How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
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
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pan, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, sauté the diced onion until it’s translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Build the Sauce: Add the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder to the pan. Stir to combine.
- Season and Simmer: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then add the cooked chicken back into the pan. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
- Finish with Butter: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the sauce and stir until melted and fully combined.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your butter chicken over steamed rice or with warm naan bread. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Serve butter chicken with warm naan bread or fluffy steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also pair it with a side of steamed veggies or a simple salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
To store leftovers, let the butter chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store it for a longer time, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
- Use chicken breast instead of thighs if you prefer a leaner option.
- To make it even creamier, you can add more heavy cream or a splash of coconut milk.
Variation
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or peas while simmering the sauce for a nutritious boost. You can also experiment with different proteins like shrimp or tofu to make it your own!
FAQs
1. Can I make butter chicken without cream?
Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or whole milk for a lighter option.
2. How can I make butter chicken spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or use a spicy curry powder.
3. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before marinating and cooking.
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 the Sauce
- 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)
For Serving
- Naan bread
- Steamed rice
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Cook the Chicken
- In a large pan, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base
- In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, sauté the diced onion until it’s translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Build the Sauce
- Add the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder to the pan. Stir to combine.
Season and Simmer
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then add the cooked chicken back into the pan. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
Finish with Butter
- Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the sauce and stir until melted and fully combined.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve your butter chicken over steamed rice or with warm naan bread. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.