Name: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
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); 1 teaspoon garam masala; ½ teaspoon curry powder; ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish); Naan bread; Steamed rice

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quick easy homemade butter chicken edited — Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe 9

Why Make This Recipe

Butter Chicken is not just a dish; it’s a warm hug on your plate. This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe captures the essence of comforting flavors with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you crave something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Most importantly, it’s a dish that brings family and friends together, sparking laughter and stories as you share a meal.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Creating this lovely meal starts the moment you gather your ingredients. You will need:

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, mix the chicken with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This step adds layers of flavor.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until they are soft and fragrant.
Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
Season and Simmer: Pour in the heavy cream along with cayenne pepper (if you like heat), garam masala, and curry powder. Stir well and let it simmer on low for about 10 minutes.
Finish with Butter: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter for extra richness. Stir until melted.
Serve and Enjoy: Return the cooked chicken to the sauce. Serve it hot with naan and steamed rice, or just dig in with a spoon.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

This dish loves company! Pair your butter chicken with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread. Don’t forget a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top for a touch of color and freshness. You could also serve it alongside a simple salad for a complete meal that looks as good as it tastes.

How to Store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to keep it creamy. You can freeze this dish too; just remember to store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

For a creamier sauce, use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
Adjust the spice levels to your liking by playing with the cayenne pepper.
Allow the chicken to marinate longer for even more flavor.
Fresh cilantro can also be used instead of parsley for a traditional touch.

Variation

Feel free to customize this recipe! If you prefer vegetables, add bell peppers or peas to the sauce while it simmers. For a twist, you can make Butter Chicken with paneer instead of chicken for a vegetarian delight.

FAQs

How long does it take to prepare Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken?

This butter chicken recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, making it a quick dish to whip up on a busy night.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for butter chicken?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken breast, but thighs provide more moisture and flavor. If using breast, be careful not to overcook them.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in butter chicken?

You can use coconut milk, half-and-half, or even Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Each will bring a different taste and texture.

Is Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken spicy?

The spice level depends on your taste. You can adjust the cayenne pepper to make it milder or hotter. Don’t hesitate to skip it if you prefer no heat at all.

Conclusion

I hope you feel inspired to try out this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe. It’s a dish that brings warmth and joy, just like family gatherings around the table. Don’t forget to share your experience and maybe even find me on Pinterest or Medium for more delightful recipes. Happy cooking!