Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

INTRODUCTION

Butter chicken is a delicious Indian dish that many people love. It is creamy, flavorful, and full of spices. This quick and easy recipe helps you make homemade butter chicken in less time. You can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this butter chicken recipe for many reasons. First, it is quick. You can have this tasty meal on your table in about 30 minutes. Second, it is easy to make. The steps are simple and straightforward, even for beginners in the kitchen. Third, the flavors are incredible. The combination of spices, cream, and chicken creates a yummy dish that will impress everyone. Lastly, it is very versatile. You can serve it with naan or rice to suit your taste.

HOW TO MAKE Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Making homemade butter chicken is not hard. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to help you make this dish.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Before you start cooking, gather the following equipment:

• Large skillet or pan
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients You’ll 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

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Marinate the Chicken

First, take your chicken thighs and place them in a mixing bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, and curry powder to the chicken. Then, add 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt. Mix these ingredients well to coat all the chicken pieces. Let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the chicken absorb all the flavors.

Cook the Chicken

Now, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, until it is browned and cooked through. Use a wooden spoon to stir the chicken occasionally. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Prepare the Sauce Base

In the same pan, reduce the heat to low. Add 3 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt slowly. Then, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir often to prevent the garlic from burning.

Build the Sauce

Next, pour in the tomato sauce. Add in sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. If you like it spicy, add in the cayenne pepper. Stir everything well together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps all the flavors come together.

Season and Simmer

After about 5 minutes, pour in the heavy cream. Stir to mix it well with the sauce. Then, add garam masala and the additional ½ teaspoon of curry powder. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 more minutes, stirring occasionally. This will make the sauce rich and creamy.

Finish with Butter

After the sauce has thickened to your liking, return the cooked chicken to the pan. Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the sauce. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes on low heat so the chicken warms up again. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt, if needed. You can also add more cayenne pepper for extra heat, if desired.

Serve and Enjoy

Now your butter chicken is ready! Serve it hot. You can garnish it with freshly chopped parsley if you like. Pair it with warm naan bread or steamed rice for a complete meal.

HOW TO SERVE Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Serve your delicious butter chicken hot, right from the pan. You can put it in a nice serving bowl or leave it in the skillet. Make sure to provide naan bread or steamed rice on the side. This dish is great for family gatherings, dinner parties, or even just a cozy night at home.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

If you have leftovers, you can store them. Let the butter chicken cool down, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the leftovers. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container and it will last for up to 2-3 months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Alongside your butter chicken, you can add many sides. Naan bread is a favorite choice because it is great for dipping into the sauce. Steamed basmati rice or jasmine rice will also complement the dish well. You can serve a simple salad or yogurt for cooling down the spices. Pick some pickled vegetables or chutney to add an extra flavor boost.

VARIATIONS

There are many ways to enjoy butter chicken. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Vegetable Butter Chicken: Replace chicken with mixed vegetables like bell peppers, cauliflower, and peas.
• Butter Tofu: Use firm tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian option.
• Spicy Butter Chicken: Add more cayenne pepper or a chopped green chili for extra heat.
• Butter Fish: Use fish like salmon or cod for a seafood twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use skinless boneless chicken breast. They will cook in a similar way, but thighs may have more flavor.

2. How can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or oat cream. Use oil in place of butter, and skip the Greek yogurt during marination.

3. Can I use store-bought curry paste instead?

Yes, you can use store-bought curry paste. Just adjust the quantity based on the spice level you prefer.

4. How do I make this dish gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients. Just ensure that your naan and rice are also gluten-free options.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

If you want to prepare in advance, marinate the chicken a few hours ahead or even the night before. This will allow the flavors to develop more. You can also make the sauce a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and heat it up once you are ready to add the chicken. This makes cooking even faster on the day you plan to serve it.

Enjoy your delightful homemade butter chicken with this easy and quick recipe! Happy cooking!

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