Welcome to the ultimate guide to making your own Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken! If you've ever dreamt of recreating that rich, creamy, and subtly spicy flavor of your favorite Indian restaurant dish right in your own kitchen, today's your lucky day. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, using accessible ingredients, without compromising on that authentic, soul-satisfying taste.
Why This Butter Chicken Recipe Will Become Your Favorite
This isn't just another butter chicken recipe; it's the butter chicken recipe you've been searching for. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something special but don't have hours to spend cooking. The chicken is marinated to perfection, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful, while the sauce is a harmonious blend of sweet tomatoes, aromatic spices, and luscious cream. Get ready to impress your taste buds and loved ones with minimal effort!
Key Ingredients for Flavorful Butter Chicken
The secret to a truly great butter chicken lies in its layers of flavor, starting with the marinade. Using Greek yogurt and a blend of spices like garlic powder, sweet paprika, and curry powder helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with a foundational taste. For the sauce, the combination of diced onion, minced garlic, tomato sauce, and a generous amount of heavy cream creates that signature velvety texture and rich profile.
A quality chef's knife makes prep work like dicing onions and mincing garlic a breeze, saving you precious time in the kitchen and ensuring uniform cuts for even cooking.
The Spice Blend: Garam Masala & Curry Powder
Garam masala is a staple in Indian cooking, offering a warm and aromatic base, while an additional touch of curry powder deepens the complexity. Don't be shy about adjusting the salt and a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance the overall sweetness. A touch of cayenne pepper is optional, allowing you to customize the heat to your liking.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Butter Chicken
This recipe breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps, ensuring success even for novice cooks. You'll start by marinating the chicken, then searing it to lock in juices. Next, you'll build the incredible sauce by sautéing aromatics, adding the tomato base and spices, and finally, simmering everything with heavy cream until it’s perfectly rich and thick.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Once your butter chicken is ready, serve it hot with a side of fluffy basmati rice and warm naan bread to soak up every drop of that irresistible sauce. For an extra touch of richness, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a swirl of extra cream before serving can elevate the dish. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even add some blanched cashews or a splash of lemon juice at the end for an added dimension of flavor.
Recipe Card
Ready to dive in? Here’s the full recipe to make your own quick and easy homemade butter chicken tonight!
FAQs
What is butter chicken?
Butter chicken (Murgh Makhani) is a popular Indian dish made with chicken marinated in spices and yogurt, then simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, often finished with butter and cream. It's known for its mild, sweet, and tangy flavor profile.
Can I make this butter chicken recipe spicier?
Yes, you can easily adjust the spice level to your preference. To make it spicier, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a fresh green chili (or two) to the sauce while it simmers for an extra kick.
What do I serve with homemade butter chicken?
Butter chicken pairs wonderfully with classic Indian accompaniments such as fluffy basmati rice, warm naan bread, roti, or paratha. A simple side salad or a cooling raita (yogurt dip) also complements the rich flavors beautifully.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness and ability to stay tender, you can certainly substitute them with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be mindful not to overcook the breast meat to prevent it from becoming dry.
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe brings authentic Indian flavors to your table with tender marinated chicken in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, perfect for a weeknight meal.
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
Instructions
Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine chicken chunks with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, ½ teaspoon curry powder, and 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt. Mix well to ensure chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this stage. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent, stirring frequently.
Step 4: Stir in the 15-ounce can of tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste), ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using for heat), and 1 teaspoon garam masala, and an additional ½ teaspoon curry powder. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, immersing it in the sauce. Pour in the 2 cups of heavy cream. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together.
Step 6: Taste the butter chicken and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or sugar as desired. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and enjoy with rice or naan.
Notes
For an even richer sauce, you can blend the sautéed onions and tomatoes after cooking them, before adding the cream. If you prefer a milder curry, simply omit the cayenne pepper. This dish is best served immediately with warm naan bread and fluffy basmati rice, but leftovers are also delicious!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
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