Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Homemade Butter Chicken is packed with rich, buttery flavor and has just the right balance of spices that create an aromatic, velvety sauce. Despite its complexity of flavors, the recipe is straightforward, with minimal ingredients and prep time. The chicken is marinated to absorb the spices, which enhances the taste even further. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for impressing your guests or treating yourself to a comforting meal.

Ingredients

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 Butter Chicken 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)

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.

2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, leaving the oil in the pan.

3. Prepare the Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Deglaze the pan by scraping any browned bits, adding a splash of water if needed. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, along with a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

4. Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes before adding the chicken back into the skillet. Mix well, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir until the sauce turns a beautiful orange hue.

5. Season and Simmer: Add cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with more spices or salt if desired.

6. Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter and let it melt into the sauce for a silky finish. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice. Enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 people

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Marinate Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Butter Chicken: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few chopped fresh chilies to the sauce for extra heat.

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.

• Cashew Butter Chicken: Blend a handful of cashews into the sauce for added richness and texture.

• Low-Carb Version: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular steamed rice for a lower-carb option.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or cream to maintain the sauce’s smooth texture. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful for this dish.

2. Can I make butter chicken in advance?

Yes, this dish can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld even more as it sits.

3. Can I freeze butter chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

4. Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe includes cayenne pepper, which adds a mild heat. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.

5. Can I make this without garam masala?

While garam masala adds a unique flavor to the dish, you can omit it and still enjoy a delicious butter chicken.

6. What can I serve with butter chicken besides naan and rice?

You can serve butter chicken with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even quinoa for a lighter option.

7. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half as a lighter substitute, though the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy.

8. How do I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, simmer it for a bit longer or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water.

9. Can I use non-dairy alternatives for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and the butter with a non-dairy alternative to make the recipe dairy-free.

10. What is the best way to marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes, but for even more depth, marinate it for a few hours or overnight.

Conclusion

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is a perfect blend of rich flavors, tender chicken, and creamy goodness. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests, this recipe delivers every time. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish ready in just 45 minutes. Serve it up with naan and rice for a truly satisfying meal everyone will love.

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