Butter chicken is a beloved dish for many, and it’s easy to see why. This creamy and flavorful recipe brings together tender chicken pieces, rich spices, and a delicious sauce that makes it stand out. By making homemade butter chicken, you can avoid the preservatives found in store-bought versions, and you can control the ingredients that go into your meal.
What’s more, this dish is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the spiciness level to suit your taste and even use different proteins, like paneer or vegetables. The recipe is quick and easy to whip up on a busy weeknight, making it a favorite among families.
Another reason to make this recipe is that it pairs beautifully with rice or naan, allowing you to enjoy a complete meal. You can serve it for your family or impress your friends during a casual dinner. This homemade version not only saves you money but also shelters you from the sometimes overwhelming flavors of restaurant dishes. A warm bowl of homemade butter chicken can quickly become comfort food. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Making quick and easy homemade butter chicken is a simple process. First, gather your ingredients. You will need chicken breast, butter, onion, garlic, ginger, crushed tomatoes, cream, and a mix of spices. Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, and ginger, and sauté them until golden. The aroma will be delightful! Next, toss in the chicken pieces and cook them until they are browned on all sides.
When the chicken is cooked, it’s time to add the spices. Stir in garam masala, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. After a minute, pour in the crushed tomatoes and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Finally, stir in the cream to give it that rich, buttery flavor.
Simmer everything together for a few more minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is well combined. Taste to see if you need any more salt or spices. And there you have it! Your homemade butter chicken is ready to be enjoyed.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Serving homemade butter chicken is a simple joy. It pairs perfectly with warm, fluffy basmati rice or freshly made naan bread. First, prepare the rice according to the package instructions while your butter chicken is simmering. For naan, you can either buy pre-made or make it fresh for a delightful pairing.
When you are ready to serve, ladle generous portions of butter chicken onto plates or into bowls. Make sure to include some of that creamy sauce, as it is the star of the dish! You can garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and added flavor.
Feel free to add a side of yogurt or a simple cucumber salad to balance the richness of the dish. If you love a bit of heat, serve with sliced green chilies on the side. This dinner works wonderfully for family meals, celebrations, or even a cozy night in. Don’t forget to have extra naan or rice on hand, so everyone can enjoy every last drop of that delicious sauce!
How to Store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Storing leftover butter chicken is straightforward and ensures you can enjoy it later. Start by letting the dish cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the butter chicken into an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well to avoid any air exposure, which can create freezer burn.
You can store the dish in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container or a Ziploc bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat it in a pan on low heat or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens after refrigeration, feel free to add a splash of water or cream while reheating. This will help restore its creamy texture. Always ensure that leftovers are heated thoroughly before serving.
Tips to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
To make your quick and easy homemade butter chicken even better, keep these simple tips in mind. First, use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, which can enhance your dish.
Secondly, don’t skimp on the spices! They are essential for authentic taste. Consider toasting them lightly in the pan before adding them to the chicken to unlock even more flavor.
Also, for a richer taste, try using ghee instead of regular butter. Ghee gives a depth of flavor that is traditional in Indian cooking. If you want a slightly spicy kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder at the end.
Lastly, let your butter chicken simmer longer if possible. The flavors will meld beautifully, creating a tastier dish. Enjoy the cooking process, and personalize the recipe to suit your taste!
Variation
If you want to switch things up, try substituting chicken with paneer or chickpeas for a vegetarian version of butter chicken. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. For a different flavor profile, experiment with adding a touch of lime juice or coconut milk to the sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I make butter chicken spicy?
Yes! You can adjust the spices to make it as spicy as you like. Add more chili powder or cayenne pepper to kick up the heat.
2. Can I use a different protein in this recipe?
Yes! You can use shrimp, fish, or even paneer for a vegetarian version. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
3. Can I freeze butter chicken?
Absolutely! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
4. Is there a dairy-free option for the cream?
Yes! You can use coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative to keep the recipe creamy without using dairy.
5. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer to reduce, or you can add a cornstarch slurry. Just mix cornstarch with a small amount of water and stir it in while cooking.
Print
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and flavorful butter chicken recipe that combines tender chicken, rich spices, and a delicious sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions, garlic, and ginger; sauté until golden.
- Cook chicken pieces until browned on all sides.
- Add spices: garam masala, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Stir for 1 minute.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes; let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in cream; simmer for a few more minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary; serve with rice or naan.
Notes
To enhance flavor, consider using boneless chicken thighs or adding extra spices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: butter chicken, quick dinner, Indian recipe, creamy chicken, weeknight meal
