why make this recipe
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is simple and full of flavor. You can make it on a weeknight. The sauce is creamy and mild. It tastes great with rice or naan. If you want a sweet dessert after this meal, try a banana pudding cookies recipe for an easy finish.
introduction
This recipe uses basic ingredients and a short cook time. The chicken stays tender and the sauce is rich. You do not need special skills. The steps are clear and easy to follow. For more easy dessert ideas you can pair with this meal, see this list of easy no-bake desserts.
how to make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Marinate the chicken for a short time so it soaks up flavor. Cook the sauce until it is warm and smooth. Brown the chicken separately so it keeps its juices. Then mix chicken into the sauce and let it simmer a few minutes. Finish with butter for a silky texture.
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. Warm naan on the side works well. Add a small salad or pickled vegetables for contrast. For a sweet bite after the meal, try a small batch of no-bake brownie balls recipe.
how to store Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Let the dish cool to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat or in the microwave until hot. You can freeze the butter chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Cut chicken into even pieces so they cook the same.
- Don’t skip browning the chicken — it adds flavor.
- Taste the sauce and adjust salt or sugar before serving.
- Use full-fat cream for the best texture.
- For a make-ahead dessert idea, consider a chilled no-bake mango cheesecake recipe to save time.
variation (if any)
- Make it spicier: add more cayenne or chili powder.
- Make it lighter: use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Add vegetables: peas or spinach work well stirred in at the end.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes. Chicken breast works. Cook it just until done so it does not dry out.
Q: Can I make this without cream?
A: You can use yogurt or half-and-half, but the sauce will be less creamy. Stir yogurt in off heat to avoid curdling.
Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
A: At least 15 minutes. Up to a few hours is fine. Longer gives more flavor.
Q: Is garam masala necessary?
A: It adds the classic flavor. If you do not have it, add a pinch of ground cumin and ground coriander.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make the sauce and chicken, then combine and reheat before serving.
Conclusion
This butter chicken is quick, creamy, and easy to make. For a faster version, you can follow a quick 20-minute take on the dish at a quick 20-minute butter chicken recipe. For a classic take and more tips, see the detailed method at an in-depth butter chicken guide. If you want another trusted recipe to compare techniques, read the step-by-step notes at a reliable butter chicken recipe.
Homemade Butter Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided 1 tablespoon for cooking, 2 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
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat) Add more for spiciness
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 0.5 teaspoon curry powder
- 0.25 cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
To Serve
- Naan bread Naan bread For serving
- Steamed rice Steamed rice For serving
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
Cooking the Sauce
- 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.
Cooking the Chicken
- In another pan, cook the marinated chicken until browned and cooked through.
- Add the cooked chicken to the sauce. Stir in the remaining butter and simmer for a few more minutes.
Garnishing and Serving
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.
