Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Say hello to your new favorite comfort food—Butter Chicken! If you’re looking for a dish that wraps you in warmth and flavor, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is just what you need. This creamy, spiced delight is not just rich and velvety; it’s also surprisingly simple to whip up at home. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this recipe is sure to impress everyone around your table. Who wouldn’t love a homemade meal that tastes like a restaurant classic?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super simple: You can have this delicious dish on your table in about 45 minutes. Perfect for those nights when time is short.
• Family-friendly: The creamy flavors and tender chicken make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead magic: Prepare the sauce in advance and just add the chicken when you’re ready. It’s great for meal prep!
• Endless flavors: With spices like garam masala and paprika, every bite is bursting with warmth and richness.
• Perfect pairings: Serve it with naan or rice for a complete meal that feels indulgent yet comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this dish is easy! You likely already have many of these simple, wholesome items in your pantry. Let’s dive into what you’ll need:

For the Chicken

• 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

For Serving

• ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Naan bread
• Steamed rice

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adjust it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

• Swap the protein: Try using skinless boneless chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian twist!
• Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or peas for added nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add some diced green chili peppers.
• Creamy alternatives: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version with a tropical flair.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating your chicken pieces in a mix of salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. This step isn’t just about flavor; it also helps tenderize the meat. Letting it sit while you prepare other ingredients makes all the difference!

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In a large pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with vegetable oil. Add your diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté them until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This brings out their natural sweetness and builds the base flavor of your sauce.

Step 3: Build Your Sauce

Once the onions are ready, stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder. Bring this delightful mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally. Allowing it to simmer helps all those beautiful flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Add your marinated chicken to the sauce. Stir well so that each piece gets coated in that luscious sauce. Let everything cook together on medium heat until the chicken is cooked through—about 15-20 minutes should do the trick! The goal here is tender chicken swimming in that creamy goodness.

Step 5: Serve It Up!

Once everything is cooked through, finish off with the remaining tablespoon of butter for extra richness! Serve your butter chicken hot over steamed rice or alongside warm naan bread. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for that lovely finishing touch!

Enjoy every bite of this hearty meal—it’s sure to become one of your go-to comfort foods!

Pro Tips for Making Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Creating the perfect Butter Chicken is all about the details! Here are some handy tips to ensure your dish turns out rich, flavorful, and utterly delicious.

• Marinate the chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate in Greek yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) will make it more tender and flavorful. This step is key to achieving that restaurant-quality taste at home!
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and onion bring a vibrant flavor to your sauce. Opting for these fresh ingredients instead of pre-packaged alternatives can significantly enhance the overall taste of your Butter Chicken.
• Adjust spice levels: Feel free to modify the amount of cayenne pepper based on your heat preference. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish to suit your family’s taste, ensuring everyone enjoys it.
• Let it simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer for a few extra minutes helps develop deeper flavors. The longer it cooks, the more deliciously rich it becomes!
• Finish with garam masala: Adding garam masala towards the end of cooking gives a final touch of warmth and complexity. It’s this last-minute addition that elevates your Butter Chicken from good to unforgettable!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Presenting your Butter Chicken beautifully can make mealtime feel extra special! Here are some ideas for serving this delightful dish to family and friends.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of color and freshness, making your dish visually appealing.
• Lemon wedges: Serving lemon wedges on the side allows guests to squeeze a bit of citrus over their servings, enhancing flavors with a zesty kick.
• Cream drizzle: A light drizzle of heavy cream or coconut cream right before serving adds an elegant touch and emphasizes the creamy texture.

Side Dishes

• Naan bread: Soft, warm naan is perfect for scooping up Butter Chicken. You can easily find store-bought options or make your own for an authentic experience.
• Steamed rice: Fluffy basmati rice complements the rich sauce beautifully. The mild flavor provides a perfect balance, soaking up all that wonderful gravy.
• Cucumber raita: This refreshing yogurt dip made with cucumbers and herbs provides a cooling contrast to the spiced Butter Chicken, enhancing your meal’s overall enjoyment.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots or bell peppers add color, flavor, and nutrients, making for a balanced plate that pairs well with this comforting dish.

Now that you have all these serving suggestions and pro tips, it’s time to get cooking! Your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is sure to become a beloved favorite in no time. Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can whip up a batch in advance and enjoy it throughout the week, making dinnertime a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the butter chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers into an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Portion the cooled butter chicken into freezer-safe containers.
• Label each container with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen butter chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Heat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• For microwave reheating, place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful dish.

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

Yes! If you prefer not to use yogurt, you can substitute it with an equal amount of coconut cream or simply omit it altogether. The recipe will still yield a delicious result.

What can I serve with my Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?

This dish pairs beautifully with warm naan bread and fluffy steamed rice. You might also consider serving it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal!

How do I adjust the spice level in this recipe?

To adjust the spice level, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper if you prefer it milder. Alternatively, feel free to add more spices gradually if you enjoy extra heat!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find as much joy in making this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe as I do! It’s not just about satisfying your taste buds; it’s about creating memories around the dinner table with loved ones. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and dive into this comforting dish. Enjoy every flavorful bite!