Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

 

Ever dream of rich, creamy butter chicken without the takeout wait? This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe delivers authentic flavors in under an hour! It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing friends with minimal effort. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of India, this dish will become your new go-to comfort food. Let’s unlock the secrets to this delicious meal!

Why You’ll Love This Quick & Easy Butter Chicken

This butter chicken recipe is a winner for so many reasons. Prepare to fall in love with:

• 30-minute prep time
• Deep, savory flavors
• Creamy, comforting texture
• Easy cleanup compared to traditional methods
• Budget-friendly ingredients
• Aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth
• Simple enough for even beginner cooks
• An absolutely irresistible dish!

Ingredients Needed for Homemade Butter Chicken

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this flavorful dish. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything; we’ll cover substitutions later!

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi), crushed
• Salt to taste
• Sugar to taste (optional)
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

For the best results, use high-quality spices. Toast them lightly in a dry pan for a minute or two to unlock even more flavor! Find fresh cilantro at your local farmer’s market for the brightest taste.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Cucumber Dill Salad – A refreshing side to complement the richness of the butter chicken.

Essential Equipment List

• Large Bowl: Essential for marinating the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
• Large Pan or Pot: Crucial for cooking the chicken and simmering the sauce. A heavy-bottomed pot will distribute heat evenly.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for the perfect flavor balance.

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• Immersion Blender or Regular Blender (Optional): Helps to achieve a smooth and creamy sauce, if preferred.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty: Medium

Scale up the recipe effortlessly for larger gatherings or halve it for a delicious solo dining experience. Enjoy the flexibility of this easy butter chicken!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own restaurant-quality butter chicken at home.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, yogurt, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well to ensure all pieces are coated evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it becomes!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large pan or pot over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp of vegetable oil and butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Sautéing the aromatics properly builds a flavorful base for the sauce.

Step 4: Add Spices and Tomatoes

Add garam masala, turmeric powder, and red chili powder to the pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the spices. Add the crushed tomatoes and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning.

Step 5: Blend the Sauce (Optional)

For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce directly in the pot. Alternatively, let the sauce cool slightly and blend it in a regular blender, then return it to the pot. Be cautious when blending hot liquids; vent the blender to prevent explosions.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Add the cooked chicken back to the pan with the sauce. Stir well to combine, ensuring the chicken is fully coated in the sauce.

Step 7: Finish the Dish

Stir in the heavy cream and crushed fenugreek leaves. Add sugar if needed to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or sugar as needed.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve hot with rice, naan bread, or roti. Enjoy your delicious homemade butter chicken!

CHECK OUT: Spicy Crunchy Asian Cucumber Salad – Another flavorful side to pair with your butter chicken for a balanced meal.

Tips for Success

Here are some pro tips to ensure your butter chicken turns out perfectly every time:

• Prevent Burning: Lower the heat if the spices start to burn while sautéing.
• Deglaze the Pan: Add a splash of broth to the pan after sautéing the onions and spices to lift up any browned bits, adding extra depth of flavor.
• Pre-measure: For beginners, pre-measure all ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
• Fresh Cilantro: Use fresh cilantro for garnishing. It adds a vibrant flavor and a pop of color.
• Yogurt Consistency: Use plain, full-fat yogurt for marinating the chicken. It helps tenderize the chicken and adds a creamy texture.

Variations & Substitutions

Customize this recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs:

• Creamy Cashew Sauce: Blend soaked cashews with water for a dairy-free creamy sauce.
• Honey for Sugar: Use honey instead of sugar, but be mindful that it is sweeter and stickier.
• Add Cumin: Include a pinch of cumin for an earthy, warm flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all your spices are gluten-free and serve with rice instead of naan.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Quick & Easy Butter Chicken

Complete your meal with these delicious pairings:

• Basmati Rice: A classic pairing that soaks up the flavorful sauce.
• Naan Bread: Warm naan bread is perfect for scooping up the butter chicken.
• Raita: A cooling yogurt-based side dish to balance the richness.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted cauliflower or carrots for a balanced meal.

This butter chicken makes a fall feast stunner!

Health Benefits

This dish isn’t just delicious; it also offers some great nutritional benefits:

• Chicken: Provides a good source of lean protein, essential for muscle building and repair.
• Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which supports heart health.
• Spices: Turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder have anti-inflammatory properties.

Enjoy this flavorful and beneficial dish as part of a balanced diet!

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce becomes too thick.
• Freezing: For longer storage, portion the butter chicken into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Cool completely before storing to prevent spoilage. This ensures that the flavors stay intact, and the texture remains enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Avoid Soggy Chicken?

Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and slightly browned before adding it to the sauce. Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking the chicken.

Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead of Thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs are more flavorful and remain tender during cooking. If using chicken breast, be careful not to overcook it.

Can I Make This Vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cheese) or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian version.

How Can I Reduce the Fat Content?

Use light cream or yogurt instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of butter. Adjust the spices to maintain the flavor profile.

Can I Double This Recipe?

Yes, you can easily double this recipe for larger gatherings. Just make sure to use a large enough pan or pot to accommodate all the ingredients.

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Total Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 150mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Total Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 25g

Please note that exact nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. For the most accurate data, use a nutrition calculator.

Even More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more flavorful meals? Dive into these other amazing recipes!

• Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe – A simple and satisfying one-pan meal.
• Creamy Chickpea and Red Lentil Curry – A flavorful and nutritious vegetarian option.
• Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps – A light and refreshing meal with a delightful peanut sauce.

Conclusion

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe is fast, flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whip it up tonight and impress your family and friends! Share your masterpiece with us – tag us in your photos!

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