introduction
This quick and easy butter chicken recipe makes a warm, creamy meal fast. It uses simple ingredients you likely have at home and cooks in about 30 minutes. If you want the full recipe on our site, see the full recipe page for extra notes and pictures.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe when you want a tasty dinner with little fuss. The sauce is creamy and smooth. The spices give good flavor without hard work. It works well for weeknights or a simple weekend meal. For more easy chicken dinners, try our guide to chicken casserole ideas.
how to make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Marinate the chicken first to add flavor. Cook the sauce while the chicken browns. Then mix them and let the sauce finish cooking for a few minutes. If you want to try a slow-cooked version later, look at these crockpot chicken ideas for tips.
Ingredients :
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
Directions :
- In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant. Add tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and curry powder. Simmer for a few minutes.
- In another pan, cook the marinated chicken until browned and cooked through.
- Add the cooked chicken to the sauce. Stir in the remaining butter. Simmer for a few more minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.
how to serve Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Serve the butter chicken hot over steamed rice or with warm naan bread. Spoon extra sauce over rice. Add a sprinkle of parsley for color. A side of simple cucumber salad or steamed vegetables goes well.
how to store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Cool the dish to room temperature before storing. Put in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat on low heat on the stove or in the microwave. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Cut the chicken into even pieces so it cooks the same.
- Do not boil the sauce after adding cream; keep it at a low simmer.
- Taste and adjust salt and sugar at the end.
- Use Greek yogurt to help tenderize the chicken during the short marinade.
- For a richer taste, use full-fat cream. These simple tips can help you get steady results every time.
variation (if any)
- Make it spicier: add more cayenne or red chili powder.
- Make it lighter: use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add vegetables: stir in peas or bell peppers near the end.
- Make it on the grill: brown the marinated chicken on a grill for a smoky flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes. Chicken breast works but it can dry out faster. Watch cooking time and do not overcook.
Q: Can I skip the cream?
A: You can use a lighter dairy like half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free option, but the sauce will taste different.
Q: How long do I need to marinate the chicken?
A: At least 15 minutes as the recipe says. If you have time, marinate for 1 to 2 hours for more flavor.
Q: Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
A: Yes. Cook and cool, then store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Conclusion
This simple butter chicken gives you a creamy, flavorful meal with little work. For another quick version that cooks very fast, see this Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken on Gimme Delicious for more ideas and a rapid method.
Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
- Add tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and curry powder. Simmer for a few minutes.
- In another pan, cook the marinated chicken until browned and cooked through.
- Add the cooked chicken to the sauce. Stir in the remaining butter. Simmer for a few more minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.