Why Make This Recipe
Homemade Butter Chicken is a favorite for many. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Making it from scratch is easier than you might think! Whether it’s for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will impress everyone at the table. Plus, you can control the ingredients and adjust the spices to suit 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 pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Leave it to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove it from the pan and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
Build the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine. Let it cook for about 5 minutes.
Season and Simmer: Add heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and additional curry powder. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and then add the cooked chicken back into the sauce. Cook for another 5 minutes until everything is hot and well-coated with the sauce.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your butter chicken hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Pair it with naan bread and steamed rice for a complete meal.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Serve your butter chicken hot with a side of naan bread and steamed rice. You can also add a simple salad or some steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Don’t forget to provide extra napkins for this flavorful dish!
How to Store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until hot. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight in the fridge.
- Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference.
- Use fresh herbs for garnish to brighten the dish.
- If you want it spicier, add more cayenne pepper or some chopped green chilies.
Variation
You can make a vegetarian version by swapping the chicken for paneer or chickpeas. Also, you can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast, but it may turn out drier. Marinate it well to keep it juicy.
2. Is butter chicken healthy?
While it’s rich and creamy, you can reduce the cream and butter to make it lighter.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Just reheat before serving.
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy butter chicken that is easy to make from scratch, perfect for any occasion.
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
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Leave it to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove it from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine. Let it cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and additional curry powder. Stir everything together and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and then add the cooked chicken back into the sauce. Cook for another 5 minutes until everything is hot and well-coated with the sauce.
- Serve the butter chicken hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, alongside naan bread and steamed rice.
Notes
For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight. Adjust spices to preference and serve with a simple salad for balance.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian