Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

 

Ever craved the rich, comforting flavors of butter chicken but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen? Our Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe brings that authentic taste to your table in a fraction of the time. Imagine silky textures mingling with bold spices, perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests. Inspired by classic Indian cuisine, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s unlock the magic of this irresistible meal!

Why You’ll Love This Quick & Easy Butter Chicken Recipe

• Ready in under 45 minutes.
• Features layers of smoky and savory flavors.
• A more budget-friendly alternative to takeout.
• Less cleanup than traditional butter chicken recipes.
• The aroma fills your kitchen with warmth and delight; each bite melts in your mouth.
• Rekindles cozy family dinner memories with its comforting taste.
• Simple enough for even novice cooks to try.
• An absolutely irresistible and effortless weeknight meal.

Ingredients Needed for Quick & Easy Butter Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 680g / 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 cup / 120ml plain yogurt (full fat recommended for richness)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or canola work well)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 (411g / 14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup / 240ml heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter (unsalted or salted, your choice)
• 1 tsp sugar (balances the acidity of the tomatoes)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (adds a vibrant freshness)

Ingredient Selection Tips: Opt for fresh, aromatic spices for the best flavor. Lightly toasting them before adding them to the dish can unlock even more depth. Find fresh cilantro at your local farmers’ market for the most vibrant flavor.

Essential Equipment List for Butter Chicken

• • Large Bowl: Essential for marinating the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
  • Large Pan or Pot: A 12-inch skillet or a 4-quart pot provides ample space for cooking the chicken and simmering the sauce.
  • Measuring Spoons and Cups: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors.

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• Knife & Cutting Board: For chopping the onion and cilantro safely and efficiently.

Optional Tools: A food processor can speed up the onion chopping process. A good pair of kitchen tongs is helpful for handling the chicken pieces.

Recipe Details: Quick & Easy Butter Chicken

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy

Scale up this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken for a crowd or halve it for a solo dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Butter Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, yogurt, and lemon juice. Mix well, ensuring all chicken pieces are thoroughly coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours in the refrigerator. The longer the marination, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will be.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat cooking oil in a large pan or pot over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan). Cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Be careful not to burn the chicken; adjust heat as needed.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In the same pan, add more cooking oil if needed. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, and garam masala. Sauté for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The aroma should be rich and inviting.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Add the crushed tomatoes, butter, sugar, and salt to the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. This step allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to develop its signature richness. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Stir in the heavy cream and cooked chicken into the sauce. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chicken to absorb the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with rice or naan bread. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors even further.

CHECK OUT: Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta – A delectable dish that combines tender chicken with perfectly cooked pasta in a creamy, savory Parmesan sauce.

Tips for Success with Your Homemade Butter Chicken

• Burnt Spices? Lower the heat and add a tablespoon of water to prevent burning.
• Thin Sauce? Simmer longer, uncovered, to reduce the liquid.
• Beginner Tip: Pre-measure all ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
• Tool Recommendation: Use a heavy-bottomed pot for even heat distribution.
• Bonus Hack: Use pre-chopped onions to save time on prep.

Variations & Substitutions for Quick & Easy Butter Chicken

• Creamy Cashew Sauce: Substitute heavy cream with cashew cream for a vegan option.
• Honey for Sugar: Use honey for a natural sweetener, but be mindful of its stickier consistency.
• Earthy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cumin powder for a deeper flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure your garam masala is gluten-free, and serve with rice instead of naan.
• Extra Spice: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick of heat.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Quick & Easy Butter Chicken

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is incredibly versatile! Pair it with:

• • Basmati Rice: The classic choice for soaking up the flavorful sauce.

• Naan Bread: Perfect for scooping up every last bit of butter chicken goodness.
• Cucumber Raita: A cooling yogurt-based side to balance the richness of the dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Such as cauliflower or broccoli, for a healthy and colorful addition.

Enjoy this dish year-round, but it’s especially comforting on a chilly evening.

Health Benefits of Quick & Easy Butter Chicken

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken not only tastes amazing but also offers several health benefits:

• Protein: Chicken provides essential protein for muscle building and repair.
• Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Yogurt: A good source of probiotics, promoting gut health.

Did you know that turmeric has been used in traditional medicine for centuries?

Storage & Reheating Your Butter Chicken

Here’s how to properly store and reheat your delicious butter chicken:

• Storage: Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Allow the butter chicken to cool completely before storing to maintain its quality.

Frequently Asked Questions About Butter Chicken

How Do I Avoid a Bland Flavor?

Make sure to use fresh, high-quality spices and don’t skimp on the marination time. Toasting the spices lightly before adding them to the sauce can also enhance their flavor.

Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead of Thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs are generally more tender and flavorful. If using breast, be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.

How Do I Make It Spicier?

Add more red chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade and sauce. You can also use finely chopped green chilies for extra heat.

Can I Double This Recipe?

Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?

You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Longer marination times will result in more flavorful and tender chicken.

Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Marinate the chicken as directed, then add it to the slow cooker with the sauce ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 450
• Total Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 150mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 25g

Note: Exact nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more quick and easy dinner ideas? Try these gems:

• Creamy Chickpea and Red Lentil Curry – A vibrant and flavorful vegetarian option packed with protein and fiber.
• Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps – A light and refreshing meal perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
• One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta – A super easy and satisfying dish that’s ready in minutes.

Conclusion

Our Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is fast, flavorful, and sure to please everyone at the table. Whip it up tonight and impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality dish made in the comfort of your own home!

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