Why Make This Recipe
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It delivers rich flavors without complicated steps. With tender chicken simmered in a creamy tomato sauce, it’s a comforting dish that everyone will love. In no time, you can make a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen!
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 or steamed rice
Directions
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Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
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Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until soft and translucent.
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Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Bring to a simmer.
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Season and Simmer: Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce. Cover and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors.
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Finish with Butter: Stir in heavy cream, garam masala, and remaining curry powder. Add the last 2 tablespoons of butter for richness. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot with naan bread or steamed rice.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
This dish is best served hot. Pair it with naan bread or steamed rice for a complete meal. Don’t forget to add a side of fresh salad or some roasted vegetables to enhance the flavors!
How to Store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
You can store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. If you find the sauce too thick, you can add a little water or cream while reheating.
Tips to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- Adjust spices according to your taste. If you prefer a spicier dish, add more cayenne pepper.
- Use boneless chicken thighs for the best flavor and tenderness, or you can use chicken breasts if you like.
- For a quicker version, you can skip the marination step, but marinating helps deepen the flavors.
Variation
You can make this dish vegetarian by using paneer or tofu instead of chicken. Just follow the same cooking steps for the sauce, and add the paneer or tofu until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts, but thighs are juicier and more flavorful.
2. Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free butter.
3. Can I freeze leftover butter chicken?
Yes, you can freeze it in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 2 months. Just reheat gently when ready to eat.