If you’re looking for a dish that combines rich flavors, creamy textures, and a hint of spice, then look no further than this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken. This beloved Indian classic is a favorite in many households, and for good reason! With tender chicken pieces marinated in yogurt and spices, simmered in a luscious tomato cream sauce, it’s a dish that promises to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
What makes this recipe stand out is not just its delicious flavors, but also its simplicity. You can whip it up in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight meals. Plus, the ingredients are easy to find, and you might already have some of them in your pantry. The best part? You can adjust the spice levels to suit your taste, so everyone can enjoy it just the way they like!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken offers a multitude of reasons to fall in love with it. First and foremost, it’s incredibly flavorful. The marinade made with yogurt and aromatic spices infuses the chicken with an irresistible taste. As it cooks, the chicken absorbs the flavors from the sauce, resulting in a dish that’s bursting with zest.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. While it’s traditionally served with rice or naan, you can easily pair it with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even a fresh salad for a lighter meal. Whether you’re following a specific diet or just looking to switch things up, this dish can adapt to your needs.
But perhaps the best part is how satisfying it is. The creamy sauce, combined with tender chicken, creates a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce your family to new flavors without overwhelming them. For those who are new to Indian cuisine, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is a fantastic place to start!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Trying out this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe is an opportunity to bring a taste of India to your kitchen. Not only will you impress your family with your culinary skills, but you’ll also enjoy the health benefits of using fresh ingredients. The combination of yogurt and spices provides protein and essential nutrients, making this dish both delicious and nutritious.
This recipe is also perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch and store the leftovers in the fridge or freezer for quick meals later in the week. Simply reheat and serve, and you have a gourmet meal ready in minutes!
Furthermore, making your own butter chicken at home is a great way to customize the flavors. Want it spicier? Just add more chili powder! Prefer a milder taste? Reduce the spices. This flexibility ensures that you’ll create a dish that’s tailored to your family’s preferences.
Lastly, this recipe is a fantastic conversation starter. When you serve it to guests, you can share the story behind the dish, its origins, and even talk about the spices you used. Cooking can be a wonderful way to connect with others, and this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is sure to spark joy and chatter around the dinner table.
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Necessary Utensils
- Large mixing bowl for marinating chicken
- Skillet or frying pan for cooking
- Spatula or wooden spoon for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate measurements
- Knife and cutting board for chopping ingredients
Detailed Recipe Steps
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces (discarding any excess marinade) and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Combine Chicken and Cream: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Let the butter chicken simmer for another 5-10 minutes until thickened. Season with salt to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan bread. Enjoy your homemade butter chicken!
**Practical Tip:** To enhance the flavors, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving for an extra zing!
FAQs
What spices are essential for butter chicken?
The essential spices for butter chicken include garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, ground cumin, and ground coriander. These spices create the signature flavor that makes butter chicken so delicious.
Can I make butter chicken vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make butter chicken vegetarian by substituting chicken with paneer, tofu, or vegetables like cauliflower or chickpeas. The sauce will still be creamy and flavorful!
What can I serve with butter chicken?
Butter chicken is traditionally served with basmati rice or naan bread. You can also pair it with quinoa or a fresh salad for a lighter meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the butter chicken for up to 3 months.
Is butter chicken spicy?
The spice level can vary based on personal preference. This recipe allows you to adjust the chili powder to suit your taste, making it as mild or spicy as you like.
In conclusion, this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort to the table. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this recipe offers a fantastic way to enjoy Indian cuisine from the comfort of your home. Don’t hesitate to try it out and share your thoughts in the comments below. If you love this recipe, please share it on social media and check out more delicious recipes on our site, like Garlic Butter Shrimp Stuffed Peppers or Taco Stuffed Peppers!
For even more cooking inspiration, visit our Pinterest page!
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces 450g
- 1 cup Plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Garam masala
- 1 tablespoon Ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon Ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder adjust to taste
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 Medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 inch Ginger, grated
- 1 can Crushed tomatoes 15 oz
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- to taste Salt
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces (discarding any excess marinade) and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Let the butter chicken simmer for another 5-10 minutes until thickened. Season with salt to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan bread. Enjoy your homemade butter chicken!
