Are you ready to dive into a cozy, mouthwatering treat that’s easier than you’d think? This *Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe* is a heartwarming winner that’s just perfect for any occasion! Picture this: rich, creamy sauce enveloping tender chunks of chicken, all delightfully spiced and as comforting as a warm hug on a cold day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy Satisfaction: With just 45 minutes from start to finish, this dish is a miracle for weeknight meals.
- Flavors Galore: Packed with spices and creamy goodness, every bite is an explosion of flavor.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste buds, making it perfect for all heat non-lovers and enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to our *Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe*, each ingredient plays a key role in creating that iconic flavor profile. These simple staples, together, create a dish fit for any restaurant menu but accessible for your home kitchen.
- Chicken Thighs: These remain tender and juicy, even after cooking, making the chicken succulent.
- Greek Yogurt: This secret ingredient helps tenderize the chicken while adding a subtle tang.
- Garam Masala: A mix of ground spices which elevates the dish’s aromatic flair.
- Heavy Cream: This lends a decadent creaminess to balance the spices perfectly.
Variations
One of the beauties of this *Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe* is its adaptability. Feel free to mix things up depending on what’s in your pantry or your dietary preferences.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like cauliflower or paneer for a delicious meatless version.
- Lighter Cream Alternative: Instead of heavy cream, you can use coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free option without compromising on creaminess.
How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Ensure all pieces of chicken are coated nicely and allow it to marinate for a minimum of 15 minutes. This step enhances the flavor and makes the chicken incredibly tender.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Be sure to set aside the cooked chicken, leaving those flavorful juices in the pan for the sauce.
Pro Tips for Making Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Perfect Marinade: Letting the chicken sit in the marinade for a longer period deepens its flavor and ensures it stays juicy.
- Optimal Frying: Cook your chicken on medium-high heat to get that perfect golden brown color without overcooking.
- Balanced Spice: Adjust the cayenne and garam masala to your desired heat level, tasting as you go.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
For an authentic touch, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or cilantro just before serving. It adds a pop of freshness and an appealing color contrast against the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
Butter chicken naturally loves to be paired with fluffy basmati rice or warm, garlic naan bread. Both options are perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce and completing the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner party, serve the butter chicken in a large dish, family-style, with rice or naan on the side. Alternatively, ramekins can be used for individual servings for a chic touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This recipe is perfect the next day as the flavors get even better!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze it, let the butter chicken cool completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and store for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of cream or water if the sauce thickens too much during reheating.
FAQs
-
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can swap chicken thighs with breasts, but be mindful that breasts may cook faster and could become dry if overcooked.
-
What can I use if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
If Greek yogurt is unavailable, regular yogurt or a buttermilk substitute works beautifully as a tenderizing agent.
-
How do I reduce the spice level?
To reduce the spice, simply omit the cayenne pepper and use a bit less of garam masala and curry powder.
-
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or peas. It’s a great way to add nutrition and color to your dish!
Final Thoughts
This *Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe* is truly a labor of love that rewards with every creamy, spiced bite. I hope you give it a try and find it as delightful and comforting as my own family does. Ready, set, cook, and bon appétit!
Print
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Description
This quick and easy homemade Butter Chicken recipe combines tender, marinated chicken thighs with a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce, flavored with spices and finished with butter and fresh parsley. Perfect for a flavorful meal in under 45 minutes, it pairs beautifully with naan and rice for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 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
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, leaving the oil in the pan.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Deglaze the pan by scraping any browned bits, adding a splash of water if needed. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, along with a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes before adding the chicken back into the skillet. Mix well, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir until the sauce turns a beautiful orange hue.
- Season and Simmer: Add cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Add in the rest of the spices & salt to taste!
- Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter and let it melt into the sauce for a silky finish. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice. Enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness!
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper according to preferred spice levels.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated; stir well before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
