Name: Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: For the Chicken & Marinade:; 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; For the Butter Chicken Sauce:; 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); To Serve:; Naan bread; Steamed rice

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Butter Chicken is a rich, creamy, and comforting Indian dish that’s packed with flavor. This quick and easy recipe allows you to make restaurant-quality butter chicken at home in no time. With tender chicken marinated in a blend of spices and cooked in a luscious, buttery tomato sauce, it’s the perfect dish to serve over naan bread or steamed rice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade butter chicken recipe brings the authentic flavors of Indian cuisine right to your kitchen. It’s a flavorful, creamy, and indulgent dish that’s easy enough to prepare on a busy weeknight. The combination of warm spices, rich butter, and creamy sauce will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served with naan bread, rice, or vegetables, making it a great meal for any occasion.

Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Marinade:

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

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

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)

To Serve:

Naan bread
Steamed rice

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Method

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, leaving the oil in the pan.

3. Prepare the Sauce Base

Reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Deglaze the pan by scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan, adding a splash of water if necessary. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, along with a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes before adding the chicken back into the skillet. Mix well, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir until the sauce turns a beautiful orange hue.

5. Season and Simmer

Add cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or spices, if needed.

6. Finish with Butter

Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter and let it melt into the sauce for a silky finish. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the butter chicken hot with naan bread and steamed rice. Enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Prep time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Spicy version: Add more cayenne pepper or include chopped fresh chilies for extra heat.
Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Low-fat version: Use light cream or half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce the fat content, though it will alter the richness of the sauce slightly.
Additional vegetables: Add spinach, peas, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the butter chicken gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, chicken thighs will yield a juicier and more flavorful result.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, butter chicken can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors tend to improve after sitting for a few hours, or even the next day.

3. Can I freeze butter chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the butter chicken for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

4. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It should be golden brown on the outside and no longer pink inside.

5. Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! You can increase the cayenne pepper or add additional chili peppers to the sauce for more heat.

6. What can I serve with butter chicken besides naan and rice?

Butter chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, including roti, a fresh cucumber salad, or even roasted vegetables for a more balanced meal.

7. Can I use canned tomato paste instead of tomato sauce?

Yes, you can use canned tomato paste, but you may need to dilute it with a bit of water to achieve the right consistency.

8. Can I use a different type of cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a lighter cream, though the flavor will change.

9. Is garam masala necessary?

Garam masala adds an essential depth of flavor to the dish, but you can omit it if you don’t have it on hand. You could substitute with a small amount of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon for a similar flavor.

10. Can I make butter chicken without yogurt?

Yes, you can make butter chicken without yogurt. The yogurt adds a tangy flavor and helps tenderize the chicken, but the dish will still be delicious without it. You can substitute with a little extra heavy cream.

Conclusion

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. With tender chicken in a rich, spiced tomato sauce and a silky finish from the butter, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this butter chicken will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection!