Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce. Suitable for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its wonderful flavors and comforting textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep time, this recipe allows you to whip up an impressive meal in no time.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and creamy sauce creates a deliciously aromatic experience that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with naan bread or steamed rice for a complete meal that suits any palate.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the mild yet flavorful taste of this butter chicken.
• Ideal for Leftovers: This dish stores well, making it perfect for meal prep or easy lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: A spacious skillet allows you to sauté ingredients evenly, ensuring optimal flavor development.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for marinating the chicken, it keeps the flavors well combined as they infuse into the meat.

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Ingredients

This quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken in a creamy, aromatic sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will surely impress your family and friends.

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
• ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

To Serve

• Naan bread
• Steamed rice

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Ensure all pieces are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, add vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once hot, sauté minced garlic and diced onion until fragrant. Then stir in tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

In another pan over medium-high heat, cook the marinated chicken until browned and fully cooked through (about 8-10 minutes).

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Transfer the cooked chicken into the sauce mixture in the skillet. Stir in the remaining butter until melted. Simmer together for another few minutes so that all ingredients are heated through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once ready, garnish your butter chicken with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot alongside naan bread and steamed rice for a complete meal that everyone will love!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Serving your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe can elevate the dining experience. Here are some delightful ways to present this dish that will impress your family and friends.

With Naan Bread

• Freshly baked naan is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce and adds a wonderful texture contrast.

Over Steamed Rice

• Serve the butter chicken over fluffy steamed rice. The rice absorbs the flavors, making every bite delicious.

With a Side Salad

• A light salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the butter chicken.

As a Wrap

• Use naan or flatbread to create wraps with butter chicken, adding fresh veggies for crunch and flavor.

Paired with Raita

• Raita, a yogurt-based condiment, provides a cooling effect that balances the spices in the butter chicken.

How to Perfect Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

To make your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe even better, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your dish.

• Marinate Longer: Letting the chicken marinate for at least an hour enhances its flavor and tenderness.
• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices provide more robust flavors compared to pre-ground ones.
• Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream while maintaining a rich taste.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper according to your heat preference. Start with less if unsure!
• Simmer Gently: Allowing the sauce to simmer lets the flavors meld beautifully without burning.
• Garnish Creatively: Top with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for added freshness and color.

Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Complementing your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe with delightful sides can enhance your meal. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Basmati Rice

2. Fluffy basmati rice is aromatic and pairs perfectly with the rich butter chicken sauce.

3. Garlic Naan

4. Soft, buttery garlic naan adds flavor and is great for dipping into the sauce.

5. Vegetable Samosas

6. Crispy vegetable samosas offer a savory crunch that contrasts well with the creamy chicken.

7. Cucumber Raita

8. This refreshing yogurt dip cools down spicy flavors while adding creaminess to your meal.

9. Roasted Cauliflower

10. Lightly seasoned roasted cauliflower provides a healthy side that complements the main dish well.

11. Chickpea Salad

12. A protein-packed chickpea salad adds texture and balances the richness of butter chicken.

13. Masoor Dal (Red Lentil Curry)

14. This hearty dish brings additional flavors and nutrition, enhancing your Indian-inspired meal.

15. Steamed Broccoli

16. Lightly steamed broccoli adds vibrant color and nutrients while balancing out heavier elements on your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes can make your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe even better. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them:

• Not Marinating the Chicken: Skipping the marination process can lead to less flavorful chicken. Always allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance its taste.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Using subpar ingredients will affect the overall flavor of your dish. Invest in fresh spices and quality butter for the best results.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Cook just until browned and fully cooked through for tender bites.
• Skipping the Simmering Step: Not allowing the sauce to simmer can result in a bland dish. Take time to let the flavors meld together by simmering the sauce properly.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Failing to adjust seasonings can lead to an unbalanced flavor profile. Taste as you go and tweak salt, spice, or sweetness levels based on your preference.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the butter chicken to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Portion into smaller containers for easy defrosting.

Reheating Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat over low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until evenly heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?

This recipe features tender chicken simmered in a creamy, aromatic sauce made with spices and tomato sauce, perfect for quick dinners.

Can I customize my Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! You can adjust spices, use different proteins like turkey or lamb, or add vegetables like peas or bell peppers for added nutrition.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and omit butter or use plant-based alternatives.

What dishes pair well with butter chicken?

Naan bread and steamed rice are traditional accompaniments that complement this rich dish beautifully.

Final Thoughts

The Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or proteins. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!