Why Make This Recipe
Homemade butter chicken is a favorite for many because it’s rich in flavor and very satisfying. It’s also quick and easy to make, so you can enjoy a delicious Indian meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. 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:
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Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken chunks, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
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Cook the Chicken: In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
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Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion turns translucent.
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Build the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and add sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
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Season and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in the heavy cream, garam masala, and an extra ½ teaspoon of curry powder. Mix well and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Finish with Butter: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Serve your butter chicken hot with warm naan bread and a side of steamed rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. You can also add a simple salad or some sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
How to Store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
To store leftovers, let the butter chicken cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- For extra flavor, use a mix of chicken thighs and breasts.
- Adjust the heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
- If you don’t have garam masala, you can substitute it with a mix of cumin, coriander, and nutmeg.
Variation
You can add vegetables like peas or spinach to your butter chicken for more nutrition. Another variation is to use shrimp or paneer instead of chicken for a different protein option.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast, but keep in mind that it may dry out faster. Cooking time may also be slightly shorter.
2. Is this dish spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted by controlling the amount of cayenne pepper. You can omit it for a milder dish or add more for extra heat.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare butter chicken a day in advance. It often tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld together. Just reheat when you are ready to serve.