Why Make This Recipe
Butter chicken is a classic dish loved by many for its rich flavors and creamy texture. This quick and easy version allows you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners and can impress your family and friends with its amazing taste. Plus, it’s simple enough for beginners to make, ensuring everyone can enjoy this flavorful dish.
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
- Steamed rice
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
- Add tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and curry powder. Simmer for a few minutes.
- In another pan, cook the marinated chicken until browned and cooked through.
- Add the cooked chicken to the sauce. Stir in the remaining butter. Simmer for a few more minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is best served hot and fresh. Place a generous portion on your plate and enjoy it with naan bread for scooping up the rich sauce. Steamed rice is also a great accompaniment, allowing you to soak up every bit of the delicious creamy sauce. You can even sprinkle some extra parsley on top for added color and freshness.
How to Store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish will stay fresh for up to three days. When you want to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it if you’re in a hurry, but be careful not to overcook it.
Tips to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- Marinate the chicken for longer than 15 minutes if you have time. This helps the flavors penetrate the meat more deeply.
- Adjust the spices according to your taste. If you prefer it hotter, add more cayenne pepper.
- Use fresh garlic and onion for the best flavor.
- Feel free to add vegetables such as peas or bell peppers for some extra nutrition.
Variation
You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner meat option. Additionally, you can make a vegetarian version by replacing the chicken with paneer or chickpeas for a delicious alternative.
FAQs
CAN I MAKE BUTTER CHICKEN AHEAD OF TIME?
YES, YOU CAN PREPARE BUTTER CHICKEN A DAY IN ADVANCE. IN FACT, THE FLAVORS OFTEN DEEPEN AND IMPROVE OVERNIGHT. COOK THE RECIPE COMPLETELY, LET IT COOL, THEN STORE IT IN AN AIRTIGHT CONTAINER IN THE REFRIGERATOR. WHEN YOU’RE READY TO SERVE, REHEAT IT GENTLY ON THE STOVE OVER MEDIUM-LOW HEAT, STIRRING OCCASIONALLY UNTIL WARMED THROUGH. IF THE SAUCE HAS THICKENED TOO MUCH, YOU CAN ADD A SPLASH OF CREAM OR A LITTLE WATER TO LOOSEN IT.CAN I FREEZE BUTTER CHICKEN?
ABSOLUTELY! BUTTER CHICKEN FREEZES VERY WELL, MAKING IT PERFECT FOR MAKE-AHEAD MEALS. LET IT COOL COMPLETELY, THEN TRANSFER IT TO A FREEZER-SAFE CONTAINER OR BAG. STORE IT IN THE FREEZER FOR UP TO THREE MONTHS. WHEN YOU’RE READY TO EAT, THAW IT OVERNIGHT IN THE FRIDGE, THEN REHEAT GENTLY ON THE STOVE. AGAIN, IF THE SAUCE IS TOO THICK AFTER FREEZING, JUST ADD A LITTLE CREAM OR WATER UNTIL YOU REACH YOUR DESIRED CONSISTENCY.WHAT CAN I SERVE WITH BUTTER CHICKEN?
NAAN BREAD AND STEAMED RICE ARE CLASSIC SIDES THAT PAIR PERFECTLY WITH THE RICH, CREAMY SAUCE. YOU CAN ALSO SERVE IT WITH BASMATI RICE, JASMINE RICE, OR EVEN CAULIFLOWER RICE IF YOU PREFER A LIGHTER OPTION. FOR A MORE COMPLETE MEAL, ADD A SIMPLE SIDE SALAD, ROASTED VEGETABLES, OR STEAMED GREENS LIKE BROCCOLI OR GREEN BEANS. THESE SIDES BALANCE THE CREAMINESS OF THE SAUCE AND HELP ROUND OUT THE PLATE.