Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe – A 30-Minute Delight
Butter chicken, or "Murgh Makhani," is a beloved Indian dish known for its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken. This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a flavorful meal in just 30 minutes. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love It
There are many reasons to fall in love with butter chicken. First, it’s incredibly delicious. The combination of spices, creamy sauce, and tender chicken creates a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy. Second, it’s quick and easy, making it ideal for busy weekdays. You can have a homemade dinner ready in no time. Finally, this recipe is very versatile; you can adjust the spices to your liking and choose your favorite sides, like naan or rice.
Ingredients
To make this mouthwatering butter chicken, you will 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
Substitutions & Key Variations
If you’re missing some ingredients or want to make substitutions, here are some ideas:
- Chicken: You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Cook for a shorter time to prevent them from drying out.
- Cream: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or half-and-half.
- Spices: Adjust the spices to suit your taste. Add more cayenne for extra heat or skip it for a milder dish.
- Yogurt: If you don’t have Greek yogurt, regular plain yogurt will work as well.
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well and let it marinate for about 15 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Add tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Reduce the heat and add heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and curry powder. Mix everything well, then add the cooked chicken back to the pan. Allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes so the flavors can meld.
Step 6: Finish with Butter
Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until melted. This will give your sauce an extra velvety texture.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with naan bread or steamed rice.
Success Tips
- Temperature: Keep the heat to medium to prevent burning the garlic and onions.
- Texture: Ensure the chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Common Mistakes: Avoid overcooking the chicken as it can become dry. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F).
How to Serve
Butter chicken is best served warm. Pair it with fluffy naan bread or steamed rice to soak up the rich, creamy sauce. You can also serve it with a side salad or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, or microwave in short bursts until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make butter chicken in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the butter chicken a day before and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen overnight!
2. Is butter chicken spicy?
You can control the spice level by adjusting the cayenne pepper. Leave it out for a mild dish or add more for additional heat.
3. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before marinating and cooking it for even cooking.
4. What can I serve with butter chicken?
It’s traditionally served with naan or rice, but you can also serve it with quinoa or veggies.
5. Can I freeze butter chicken?
Yes, you can freeze butter chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
Conclusion
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is a dish that brings joy to meal times. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s no wonder this recipe is a favorite. Try it tonight and elevate your dinner game! Don’t forget to share your experience with loved ones.
Links to Related Recipes
Butter Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1.5 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks Alternatively, chicken breasts can be used.
- 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt Regular plain yogurt can also be used.
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons butter Divided; 2 tablespoons for sauce, 1 tablespoon for finishing.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream Can substitute with coconut milk or half-and-half for a lighter version.
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional for added heat.
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 0.5 teaspoon curry powder
- 0.25 cup freshly chopped parsley Optional, for garnish.
To Serve
- Naan Naan bread
- Steamed rice
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well and let it marinate for about 15 minutes.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.
Build the Sauce
- Add tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Season and Simmer
- Reduce the heat and add heavy cream, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and curry powder. Mix everything well, then add the cooked chicken back to the pan. Allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Finish with Butter
- Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until melted, giving your sauce an extra velvety texture.
Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with naan bread or steamed rice.