Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Ever caught a whiff of buttery goodness that makes your mouth water? 🍛
Prepare to dive into a Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe that transforms your kitchen into an aromatic haven! Picture creamy sauce enveloping tender chicken, all whipped up in just one pan. Yes, you read that right—one pan! This recipe is so cozy and manageable, it’s no surprise it’s gone viral among busy home cooks.
Why make this recipe
You’re about to fall in love with this dish for a few tasty reasons:
Speedy Cleanup: Who wants to deal with a mountain of dishes after cooking? Not you! With just one pan, you can sip your drink and relax after dinner.
Budget-Friendly: Feeding your family doesn’t have to break the bank. With simple ingredients, you’ll create a restaurant-worthy meal without the price tag.
Family Favorite: Butter chicken has a magical way of pleasing picky eaters. Kids usually think it’s just like dipping chicken nuggets in gravy (and who can blame them?). 🍗
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 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
Ready to get cookin’? Follow these simple steps:
Marinate the Chicken: Mix 1 teaspoon of salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, and curry powder with the chicken. Stir in Greek yogurt, cover, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. You can skip this, but it’s totally worth it!
Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté minced garlic and diced onion until fragrant and translucent.
Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if you’re feeling brave). Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Season and Simmer: Add the heavy cream, garam masala, and curry powder. Stir until well combined. Toss the chicken back in and allow it to simmer for another 10 minutes.
Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining butter for that deliciously creamy finish.
Serve and Enjoy: Pair your butter chicken with naan bread and steamed rice. Dig in!
How to make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe (Overview)
Cooking this dish is like a cozy hug: warm, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying. Start by letting your chicken marinate; it’s like prepping for a spa day for your meal! Then, cook that golden chicken while your house fills with savory aromas. The sauce makes everything come together, creamy and rich. Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic – it makes all the difference!
How to serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Serve your butter chicken with warm, fluffy naan bread for dipping and a side of steamed rice to soak up that luscious sauce. Picture this: bright orange sauce, flecks of green parsley, and the dainty crunch of naan against the creamy backdrop. The aroma will fill your kitchen and have everyone grabbing for seconds!
How to store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. If you want to freeze it, it can hang out in the freezer for about 3 months. When it’s time to eat again, reheat it slowly on the stovetop—add a splash of cream or water if it thickens too much.
Tips to make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Timing is Key: Marinate your chicken overnight for extra flavor. Just sayin’ – it’s worth the wait!
Ingredient Swaps: Don’t have heavy cream? Use half-and-half for a lighter option. It still works like a charm!
Texture Tips: If you want the sauce thicker, simmer longer to reduce it, but if it thickens too much, a little water does the trick!
Variation
Want something different? Try adding spicy paneer for a vegetarian twist, or swap the chicken for chickpeas for a healthy protein option. You can even flavor it with different spices like cumin or coriander for a unique spin!
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep your chicken and sauce the night before for a quick dinner the next day.
2. What can I use instead of chicken thighs?
Chicken breasts can work too, but stay careful not to overcook them—they dry out faster!
3. How do I make it spicier?
Add more cayenne pepper or some green chilies while cooking for that extra kick! 🌶️
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, and curry powder with the chicken. Stir in the Greek yogurt, cover, and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté minced garlic and diced onion until fragrant and translucent.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream, garam masala, and additional curry powder. Stir until well combined. Return the chicken to the pan and simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Stir in the remaining butter for a creamy finish.
- Serve your butter chicken with naan bread and steamed rice. Enjoy!
