Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that wraps you in a warm hug, then you’ve come to the right place! This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is just what you need. It’s creamy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. I remember the first time I made this—it was a chilly evening, and with every bite, I felt like I was being comforted by my favorite blanket. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, it’s an easy way to bring everyone together around the dinner table.

Butter chicken is beloved for its rich flavor profile, and with this recipe, you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to make it happen. The best part? You can whip it up in just 45 minutes! So grab your ingredients and let’s dive into making this delicious dish that will surely become a staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can have this amazing dish on your table in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and mildly spiced flavors.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and simply reheat when ready to serve.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices creates a warm, inviting taste that is truly irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that these ingredients are simple and wholesome. They come together beautifully to create a dish that feels both comforting and special. Here’s what you need:

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

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these fun variations:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option.
• Add some veggies: Toss in peas or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
• Make it spicy: Increase the cayenne pepper or add some chopped green chilies if you love heat.
• Creamy alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating your chicken pieces. In a bowl, mix together salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt until combined. Then toss in the chicken chunks until they are well-coated. This step helps infuse flavor right into the meat!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, add vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, sauté minced garlic and diced onion until they are fragrant and translucent—this brings out their sweetness and forms the base for your sauce.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Next, pour in your tomato sauce along with sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder. Give everything a good stir! Allow it to simmer gently so all those incredible flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Add your marinated chicken pieces to the sauce. Stir well to coat them evenly. Let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender. This step ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor!

Step 5: Finish It Off

Just before serving, stir in the remaining butter until melted. This adds an extra layer of richness to your dish. If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color!

Now you’re ready to serve this delightful Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken alongside warm naan bread or fluffy rice! Enjoy every creamy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Making butter chicken at home doesn’t have to be intimidating! With a few handy tips, you’ll create a restaurant-quality dish that your family will love.

• Marinate for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate in yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps tenderize the chicken and infuses it with rich flavors.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh garlic and onions. They bring a depth of flavor that dried or pre-packaged ingredients just can’t match.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the amount of cayenne pepper based on your spice preference. Balancing heat is key to making this dish enjoyable for everyone at the table.

• Simmer for Perfection: After adding the cream, let the sauce simmer gently. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating that signature velvety texture.

• Garnish Before Serving: Just before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish. It adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the rich flavors of butter chicken.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Serving butter chicken is an opportunity to showcase its creamy goodness and make it a delightful meal. Here are some ideas to present this comforting dish beautifully!

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sauce.
• Sliced green chilies: If you enjoy some heat, thinly sliced green chilies can provide an extra kick and a vibrant touch.
• Lemon wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can brighten up the flavors immensely.

Side Dishes

• Naan bread: Soft, warm naan is perfect for scooping up that luscious sauce. You can also try garlic naan for an extra burst of flavor!

• Steamed basmati rice: Fluffy basmati rice pairs wonderfully with butter chicken, soaking up all those delicious juices.

• Cucumber raita: This cooling yogurt-based side made with diced cucumbers and spices helps balance the richness of the butter chicken with its refreshing taste.

• Roasted vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables adds color and nutrition to your plate. Choose veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for a delightful crunch.

Enjoy your homemade butter chicken experience—it’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your household!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store and handle leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow it to cool completely before sealing the container to prevent condensation.

Freezing

• To freeze, transfer cooled butter chicken into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best results, portion out individual servings before freezing.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen butter chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe.

Can I make this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe without heavy cream?

Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative. This will give you a similar creamy texture while keeping it lighter.

What sides go well with Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?

This dish pairs beautifully with warm naan bread, steamed rice, or even quinoa! Add a side of vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How spicy is the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?

The spice level can be adjusted according to your taste. If you prefer less heat, simply omit the cayenne pepper or reduce the amount based on your preference.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken breasts can be used; however, they may dry out more easily than thighs. Cook them just until they are done to maintain juiciness.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe as much as I do! It’s one of those comforting dishes that brings warmth and joy to any meal. Don’t hesitate to get creative with spices and sides, and share this lovely dish with family and friends. Happy cooking!