Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Butter chicken, or murgh makhani as it’s known in India, is a comforting dish that hits all the right notes—creamy, aromatic, and, oh-so-satisfying. There’s something incredibly comforting about a plate of butter chicken served with warm naan and steamed rice. I remember the first time I made it for friends; their delighted expressions were all the encouragement I needed to keep this dish in my weekly rotation. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this quick and easy version simplifies the traditional approach without sacrificing any of the flavor.
Why this dish deserves a spot on your table
Butter chicken is a beloved classic for good reason. Here’s why you should make this dish at home:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be whipped up in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, you can create a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank.
- Kid-Approved: The creamy sauce and tender chicken are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
“This butter chicken was a hit with my whole family! The sauce was rich and flavorful, and it came together so quickly.” – Sarah, home cook
Putting it all together: Your step-by-step guide
Making quick and easy homemade butter chicken is simpler than you might think. Here’s the broad stroke of how this delicious dish comes together:
- Marinate the Chicken: The first step enhances the flavor and texture of the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Get that perfect sear to lock in juices.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Create that creamy goodness!
- Build the Sauce: Combine everything and let the flavors meld.
- Season and Simmer: Adjust flavors to your liking.
- Finish with Butter: This is what makes it truly “buttery.”
- Serve and Enjoy: The best part!
Gather these items
To create this quick and easy butter chicken, here’s what you will need:
- 1½ 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
Feel free to swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a leaner option, or use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter, dairy-free version.
Directions to follow
Ready to dive into cooking? Follow these simple steps:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix until coated and let it sit while you prepare the sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Season and Simmer: Pour in the heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and additional curry powder. Return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with chopped parsley, and serve with steamed rice and naan.
How to plate and pair
When it comes to serving butter chicken, presentation matters. Serve the chicken in a deep bowl to capture all the creamy sauce. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color. Accompany with warm naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce and fluffy steamed rice for a complete meal. You can also add a side of cucumber raita for a refreshing contrast.
Keeping leftovers fresh
To ensure your butter chicken stays mouthwatering, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze butter chicken for up to 3 months. Just let it cool and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to bring back its creamy texture.
Pro chef tips
Here are a few tricks to elevate your butter chicken game:
- Marination Time: While the recipe calls for a short marinating time, if you can let the chicken marinate in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, it will develop deeper flavors.
- Butter Quality: Use high-quality butter for the best flavor. Grass-fed varieties add richness.
- Spice Adjustments: Adjust the cayenne and garam masala to suit your heat preference.
Creative twists to explore
This recipe can easily adapt to fitting your taste buds. Here are some ideas:
- Vegetable Butter Chickpeas: Swap chicken for chickpeas and add spinach for a vegetarian version.
- Coconut Variation: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a tropical twist.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for garnish.
Your questions answered
How long does it take to prepare butter chicken?
This recipe takes about 30-40 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick weeknight option.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts or even tofu can be substituted for a leaner option.
Is butter chicken gluten-free?
Yes, if you’re serving it with rice instead of naan, it’s gluten-free. Just be cautious with your naan choice.
Can I freeze butter chicken?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s in an airtight container for the best quality.
Nothing beats the cozy embrace of homemade butter chicken, and with this quick and easy recipe, you can bring a taste of India into your home any night of the week. Enjoy cooking!
Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix until coated and let it sit while you prepare the sauce.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and additional curry powder. Return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, and serve with steamed rice and naan.