Butter chicken is a favorite dish for many people, known for its rich and creamy sauce. Making it at home is easier than you might think! This recipe is simple and quick, making it perfect for busy weekdays. If you love hearty chicken dishes, you’ll also enjoy related recipes like easy healthy butter chicken.
Why Make This Recipe
This homemade butter chicken recipe is not only delicious, but it also allows you to adjust the ingredients to your taste. By preparing this dish at home, you can control the flavors and avoid preservatives often found in store-bought sauces. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week.
How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
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)
- Naan bread
- Steamed rice
Directions
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and yogurt. Mix in the chicken chunks and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of butter, minced garlic, and diced onion. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
Build the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Season and Simmer: Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce. Stir in the heavy cream, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and additional curry powder. Let simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining butter for extra creaminess before serving.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve with naan bread or steamed rice.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Butter chicken pairs wonderfully with naan bread or steamed rice. You can also serve it with a side of vegetables or salad for a balanced meal. For more delicious chicken dishes, check out this easy chicken tetrazzini recipe that’s perfect for family meals.
How to Store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
To store leftover butter chicken, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; simply freeze in appropriate portions. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- For an extra flavor boost, let the chicken marinate overnight.
- Adjust the level of heat by varying the amount of cayenne pepper.
- If you prefer a lighter version, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a lower-fat alternative.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding different vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. If you’re looking for a baked option, consider trying easy baked chicken parmesan for a different twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast can be used, but it may dry out a bit more than thighs which stay juicier.
2. Is butter chicken spicy?
It can be adjusted to your personal taste. You can add or reduce cayenne pepper based on how much heat you prefer.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with paneer or your choice of vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version of butter chicken.
Butter Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt For marinating the chicken
For Cooking
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons butter divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 0.5 teaspoon curry powder
- 0.25 cup freshly chopped parsley optional, for garnish
- 1 piece Naan bread for serving
- 2 cups Steamed rice for serving
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and yogurt. Mix in the chicken chunks and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base
- In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of butter, minced garlic, and diced onion. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
Build the Sauce
- Pour in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Season and Simmer
- Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce. Stir in the heavy cream, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and additional curry powder. Let simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
Finish with Butter
- Stir in the remaining butter for extra creaminess before serving.
Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve with naan bread or steamed rice.
