Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re in the mood for something comforting, indulgent, and downright delicious, look no further! This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe is everything you crave in a cozy, flavorful meal. Rich, creamy tomato sauce, tender chicken, and just the right amount of spices – it’s like a hug in a bowl. The best part? You don’t need to be a professional chef to make it, and it’s way quicker than you might think. This butter chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Trust me, it’s going to become a new favorite!

Why You’ll Love Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

This recipe isn’t just about throwing a bunch of ingredients together; it’s about creating an experience. You’ll love how easy it is to make, how comforting it feels, and how the flavors come together in the most delicious way. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

• Versatile: Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish fits right in. It’s comforting enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for guests.
• Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients come together to create an incredible meal that won’t break the bank. Plus, you likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
• Quick and Easy: A flavorful dish that can be made in under 30 minutes – no complicated steps or fancy equipment needed. Perfect for those days when you want a delicious homemade meal without the hassle.
• Customizable: Love it spicy? Add extra chili powder. Want it milder? Tone down the heat. You can tweak this recipe to fit your exact preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing: It’s hard not to love the rich and creamy goodness of butter chicken. Kids, adults, and everyone in between will be asking for seconds!

Ingredients

The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity. While butter chicken is known for its rich flavors, it doesn’t take a lot of fancy ingredients to pull it off. Let’s break it down:

Chicken Breast: The hero of this dish. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are tender and juicy after cooking in that flavorful sauce. If you prefer, you can use thighs for a more tender, juicy bite.

Butter: This is butter chicken, after all! The butter creates that luscious, velvety sauce that makes every bite feel extra indulgent.

Garlic and Ginger: These aromatic ingredients bring a fragrant base that’s essential to that delicious, warm flavor profile. Fresh is best, but you can use pre-minced if you’re short on time.

Tomato Puree: The heart of the sauce! Tomato puree gives the dish a beautiful, rich color and that tangy depth of flavor.

Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce extra smooth, creamy, and dreamy. It’s the key ingredient that gives butter chicken its signature richness.

Spices (Garam Masala, Cumin, Paprika, Chili Powder, and Turmeric): These spices are what give butter chicken its signature flavor. Garam masala and cumin create warmth, while paprika, chili powder, and turmeric add depth and a little heat.

Onions: The base flavor that balances the richness of the cream and butter. Sautéed onions become soft and sweet as they cook, building layers of flavor.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering homemade butter chicken ready in no time:

1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them with a little salt and pepper. This simple step helps to build flavor from the start.

2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pan, melt some butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onions are golden and fragrant. This is where the magic begins, so don’t rush this step!

3. Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they’re browned on all sides. This should take about 6-8 minutes. You want the chicken to be cooked through but not overdone, so keep an eye on it.

4. Add the Spices
Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the garam masala, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and turmeric. Let the spices bloom in the butter and oil for about 1-2 minutes. This releases all those amazing flavors into the sauce.

5. Make the Sauce
Pour in the tomato puree and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together. Then, stir in the heavy cream. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper.

6. Simmer
Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing it to thicken and the flavors to deepen. The chicken should be perfectly coated in that rich, creamy sauce.

7. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your butter chicken over steamed rice or with warm naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro and enjoy every single bite of this comforting dish.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

This rich and creamy butter chicken is best served with these simple yet complementary sides:

• Steamed Rice: A fluffy bed of white or basmati rice is the perfect base to soak up all that saucy goodness.
• Naan Bread: Soft, pillowy naan is made for dipping into the creamy butter chicken sauce. You can even serve garlic naan for extra flavor.
• Crisp Green Salad: A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the butter chicken.
• Raita: A cool, refreshing yogurt-based dip like cucumber raita adds a nice contrast to the spice and creaminess of the dish.

Presentation tip: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for color and extra flavor!

Additional Tips

• Prep Ahead: You can chop the chicken and prepare your onions, garlic, and ginger in advance. Store them in airtight containers to save time when cooking.
• Spice Adjustments: If you’re sensitive to spice, skip the chili powder and use just a pinch of paprika for flavor without the heat. Conversely, if you love spice, add extra chili powder or even a dash of cayenne.
• Dietary Adjustments: Want to make this dish dairy-free? Swap the butter and heavy cream for coconut milk or dairy-free butter. The flavor will change, but it’ll still be creamy and delicious.
• Freezing: Butter chicken freezes beautifully! Just store the cooled dish in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw and reheat on the stove.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option for this dish. They’ll add even more flavor and tenderness to the dish.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, this dish actually gets better with time! You can make it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently before serving.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q4: Can I make this spicier?
A4: Definitely! If you love spice, feel free to add extra chili powder, cayenne, or even some finely chopped fresh chilies for an extra kick.

Q5: Can I use a different kind of cream?
A5: Yes, you can use half-and-half or even coconut cream if you prefer a non-dairy option.

Q6: Can I use canned tomato puree instead of fresh tomatoes?
A6: Yes, canned tomato puree works perfectly here. Just make sure to check for added salt, as you may need to adjust the seasoning.

Q7: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A7: Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken for paneer or tofu for a delicious vegetarian version of butter chicken.

Q8: Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
A8: Yes, you can! Simply sauté the aromatics and chicken first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Q9: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A9: If you’d like a thicker sauce, simmer the dish a bit longer to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water to thicken it up.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and use a larger pan. You might need to cook it in batches to ensure everything cooks evenly.

Conclusion

There you have it—Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken that’s bursting with flavor, creamy, and comforting! Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. The best part? It’s so easy to make, you’ll feel like a pro in the kitchen. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a bowl of warm, saucy goodness that’ll make you feel all kinds of happy. Happy cooking!

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