Name: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 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 for heat); 1 teaspoon garam masala; ½ teaspoon curry powder; ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish); Naan bread; Steamed rice

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why make this recipe

Homemade butter chicken is a favorite for many because it combines the rich flavors of Indian cuisine with the comfort of a creamy dish. This quick and easy version means you can enjoy this delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a hearty dinner that everyone will love.

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:

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until the onion is translucent.
Build the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and stir. Then add sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes.
Season and Simmer: Add heavy cream, garam masala, and curry powder. Stir well and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
Finish with Butter: Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce. Mix everything together and stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter. Cook for another few minutes.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.

how to serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Serve the butter chicken hot, pouring the rich sauce over a bed of steamed rice. Accompany the dish with warm naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color.

how to store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

To store leftovers, let the butter chicken cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stove or in the microwave.

tips to make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate longer, even overnight.
Adjust spices to your taste. Add more cayenne pepper for heat or more cream for a richer sauce.
Make sure to sauté the onions until they are soft to develop their sweetness.

variation

You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast for a leaner version. If you want to make it vegetarian, you can use paneer or chickpeas in place of chicken.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?
Yes, you can use canned diced tomatoes. Just blend them to a smooth consistency before adding to the sauce.

2. Is butter chicken spicy?
This recipe is mild, but you can adjust the heat by adding more cayenne pepper or using a spicier curry powder.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free butter or oil for cooking.