A Deliciously Simple Delight
Let me share my love for butter chicken, a dish that never fails to impress! This comfortable, creamy curry is an easy crowd-pleaser that brings the essence of Indian cuisine right to your dinner table. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal for your family or impressing guests at a dinner party, this quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite. With just the right blend of spices and creaminess, it’s a dish that feels indulgent yet is straightforward to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Butter chicken has it all: it’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Not only is it easy to whip up on busy evenings, making it a perfect choice for dinner anytime, but it’s also budget-friendly. With pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home. Plus, it’s kid-approved! Most children love the mild spiciness and creamy texture, making it a hit for family meals.
"This butter chicken was a game-changer! Easy to make and absolutely delicious. I can’t wait to serve it again!" — Emily, satisfied home cook.
The Cooking Process Explained
Crafting your own butter chicken is a straightforward process that rewards you with bold flavors and comforting textures. First, you’ll marinate the chicken to infuse it with the rich spices. Then, you’ll sauté the chicken until it’s perfectly browned. The sauce comes together with sautéed onions and garlic, followed by canned tomato sauce and a blend of heavy cream and spices. It’s an uncomplicated progression that will have you savoring every bite.
What You’ll Need
Gather these items to create your delicious butter chicken:
- 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
- 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 (for serving)
- Steamed rice (for serving)
Feel free to swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option, or use coconut milk for a vegan twist!
Directions to Follow
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base: Use the same skillet, adding butter. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until they turn translucent.
Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a simmer, then reduce the heat.
Season and Simmer: Add heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and an additional curry powder. Let it cook on low for about 10 minutes.
Finish with Butter: Just before serving, stir in an additional tablespoon of butter for that extra richness.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the butter chicken over rice or with naan, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
To elevate your butter chicken experience, serve it alongside fluffy naan bread or warm steamed rice. The naan is perfect for scooping up that delicious curry, while the rice acts as a great base to soak up the sauce. You could also add a side of creamy cucumber raita or a simple salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
How to Store & Freeze
Leftovers? No problem! To store butter chicken, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. Just remember to defrost it in the fridge overnight before reheating and always ensure it’s heated all the way through before serving.
Helpful Cooking Tips
Marination Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the better the flavors will meld. An hour or two is fantastic if you have the time.
Adjust the Spice: Feel free to modify the amount of cayenne pepper based on your family’s spice tolerance.
Butter Finish: Adding the extra butter at the end gives the dish that signature creaminess and glaze, making it restaurant-quality.
Creative Twists
This butter chicken recipe is wonderfully adaptable. You could add vegetables like spinach or peas for extra nutrition or try incorporating a splash of lemon juice for a zingy twist. For a fusion touch, serve it with flavored rice or even wrap it in a tortilla for a butter chicken burrito!
Your Questions Answered
How long does this butter chicken take to make?
Expect a total time of around 60 minutes, including marinating. It’s mostly hands-off while the flavors develop!
Can I substitute Greek yogurt?
Absolutely! Plain yogurt or even sour cream can work as a substitute if Greek yogurt is unavailable.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, butter chicken freezes well! Just ensure it’s stored in an airtight container, and defrost it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Enhancing your culinary skills while enjoying the rich flavors of homemade butter chicken is truly rewarding. I hope you find joy in making this dish as much as I continue to. Happy cooking!
Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine the chicken with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- Use the same skillet, adding butter. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until they turn translucent.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a simmer, then reduce the heat.
- Add heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and an additional curry powder. Let it cook on low for about 10 minutes.
- Just before serving, stir in an additional tablespoon of butter for that extra richness.
- Ladle the butter chicken over rice or with naan, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.