why make this recipe
Butter chicken is a beloved dish that many people enjoy. It is creamy, rich, and full of flavor. This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe allows you to enjoy this classic dish without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delicious meal that your whole family 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:
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Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
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Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is soft and golden.
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Build the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and add sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
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Season and Simmer: Add the heavy cream and stir well. If you want some heat, add cayenne pepper. Return the chicken to the pan and let everything simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
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Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and add garam masala and curry powder. Mix well.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your butter chicken hot, garnished with fresh parsley, alongside naan bread and steamed rice.
how to serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Serve the butter chicken over a bed of steaming rice or with warm naan bread. You can also add a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad to complete the meal.
how to store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The butter chicken can be kept for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving again.
tips to make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- For the best flavors, allow the chicken to marinate for longer if you have time.
- Use full-fat cream for a richer sauce.
- Adjust the spices to your taste, adding more cayenne for extra heat or reducing it for a milder flavor.
variation
You can make this dish with shrimp or tofu for a different twist. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach can also enhance the dish.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works well too. Just be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out easily.
2. Is butter chicken spicy?
The spice level can vary. You can adjust the cayenne pepper to make it milder or hotter based on your preference.
3. Can I freeze butter chicken?
Yes, you can freeze butter chicken. Make sure to let it cool completely before putting it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
