Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

If you’ve been craving a rich, creamy, and aromatic meal that comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor, you have to try this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe. It’s a beloved classic that effortlessly combines tender chicken pieces with a luscious tomato-based sauce infused with spices, butter, and cream. Whether you’re cooking for yourself on a busy weeknight or impressing guests with minimal prep, this recipe will delight your taste buds and become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speed meets flavor: This recipe delivers incredible taste in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
• Simplified ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples with no complicated sauces or long marination times.
• Comfort on a plate: The creamy, buttery sauce makes this dish a cozy crowd-pleaser every time.
• Flexible and customizable: Easily tweak the spice levels or ingredient swaps to suit your preferences.
• Great for leftovers: It reheats beautifully, keeping that signature creamy texture intact.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe relies on a handful of essential ingredients that balance each other perfectly to achieve the comforting taste and inviting color everyone loves. Fresh spices blend with dairy and tomatoes to create a luscious sauce while tender chicken provides the hearty base.

• Chicken pieces: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work well and stay juicy when cooked.
• Butter: Genuine butter adds richness and helps develop the silky sauce texture.
• Tomato puree: Provides the vibrant color and tangy base for the sauce.
• Heavy cream: Adds creaminess that beautifully balances the spices and acidity.
• Garlic and ginger paste: Key aromatics that lift the flavor profile with warmth and zest.
• Ground spices: Including garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder to create an authentic taste.
• Onion: Finely chopped and cooked to sweetness, enhancing overall depth.
• Salt and sugar: To season and balance the sauce perfectly.
• Fresh cilantro: For garnishing with a burst of fresh, herbal notes.

Variations for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

This recipe is a fantastic foundation that invites you to get creative! Whether accommodating dietary needs or exploring different flavors, adapt this dish with simple swaps or additions. It’s easy to tweak to your liking while still maintaining its essence.

• Vegetarian alternative: Swap chicken for paneer or tofu cubes for a delicious meat-free version.
• Spicy kick: Increase chili powder or add fresh green chilies to turn up the heat.
• Low-fat option: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream for a lighter texture.
• Herb infusion: Add kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for a subtle earthy flavor.
• Smoky twist: Grill the chicken pieces first to infuse a smoky aroma into the dish.

How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside. You can lightly season with salt and a pinch of turmeric to lay the flavor foundation.

Step 2: Cook Onions and Aromatics

In a heavy skillet or pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn soft and golden. Stir in garlic and ginger paste, cooking until fragrant—this builds the aromatic base.

Step 3: Add Spices

Sprinkle in ground spices such as garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder. Toasting spices in the butter helps wake up the flavors, making the sauce incredibly savory.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Puree

Pour in the tomato puree, mixing well with the spiced onion base. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, thickening and deepening the flavors for about 5–7 minutes.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Cook Through

Now add the chicken pieces to the sauce, stirring to coat thoroughly. Cover and cook on medium-low heat until the chicken is tender and cooked through, typically 10–12 minutes.

Step 6: Finish with Cream and Butter

Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and an extra knob of butter, blending until smooth and silky. Adjust salt and a pinch of sugar if desired to balance acidity and seasoning perfectly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top for a fresh herbal accent, then serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Pro Tips for Making Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

• Use chicken thighs: They stay juicier than breasts and add extra tenderness.
• Don’t skip the butter: It’s key to the smooth sauce and provides that classic buttery richness.
• Simmer gently: Cooking on low heat helps the flavors meld without drying the chicken.
• Toast your spices: Quickly cooking them in butter intensifies their aroma and flavor.
• Fresh cream finish: Add cream at the end to keep its texture silky, avoiding curdling.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro is an absolute must for that pop of color and freshness. For extra richness, drizzle a little more melted butter or swirl in some cream right before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs perfectly with fluffy basmati rice, warm naan bread, or even steamed vegetables to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a healthier twist, you can go with cauliflower rice or salad on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in a rustic bowl alongside lemon wedges for a zesty finish. Layer the butter chicken over a bed of aromatic saffron rice or stuff it inside warm parathas for a fun handheld meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover butter chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen even more after resting overnight.

Freezing

This dish freezes well—transfer cooled butter chicken to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to refresh the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent curdling.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work fine, but they can dry out faster than thighs, so cook them carefully to keep them tender and juicy.

Is marinating necessary for this recipe?

While marinating can enhance flavor, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is designed to be simple and fast without marination, delivering delicious results.

How spicy is this butter chicken?

This recipe has moderate heat, but you can adjust the chili powder or add fresh green chilies to make it milder or hotter depending on your preference.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, substitute butter with a plant-based oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream to keep it creamy and suitable for dairy-free diets.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Heat gently on the stovetop with a little added cream or water for a smooth sauce, stirring often to avoid burning or curdling.

Final Thoughts

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is a wonderful way to bring the warmth and richness of Indian flavors right into your home kitchen, without the fuss. Give it a try for your next meal, and you might just find your new favorite comfort dish that’s ready whenever you are.

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