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Introduction about Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Have you ever craved something creamy, comforting, and utterly delicious? If that resonates with your culinary desires, then Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite dish! Imagine tender pieces of chicken swimming in a luscious, spiced sauce that hugs your taste buds with each savory bite.
Why do we love this recipe? It’s simple! It brings together essential cooking techniques and rich flavors, helping you create restaurant-style butter chicken right in your own kitchen. Don’t worry if you’re not a professional chef—this dish is designed for everyone, from kitchen novices to experienced home cooks.
So, are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinner routine? With just a few straightforward steps, you’ll have a tantalizing butter chicken ready to serve. Let’s dive into this delightful journey of flavors and aromas!
Key Benefits of Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Incredible Flavor: With an array of spices, this recipe transforms simple chicken into something extraordinary.
- Quick Preparation: It takes about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: Young and old alike will savor the creamy goodness and adaptable spice levels.
- Versatile: Serve it with rice, naan, or even as a wrap, catering to various tastes.
- Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary needs or personal preferences.
What makes it stand out
In today’s world, we often find ourselves running out of time but craving something fulfilling. This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is about bringing the joy of great food to your table without the usual hassle.
What sets it apart is its balance of spices that creates layers of flavor. You can choose to make it mild for kids or spice it up for adult palates. Plus, you can switch up ingredients based on what’s in season or what you have on hand, which adds a unique twist every time.
Ingredients for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Complete ingredient list with measurements
Gather the following 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 (for serving)
- Steamed rice (for serving)
Substitutes and alternatives
Not a fan of certain ingredients? Here are some common swaps:
- Chicken thighs: Breast meat works just as well, though it may be a bit drier.
- Greek yogurt: Substitute with plain sour cream or coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option.
- Heavy cream: Cashew or coconut cream can make it dairy-free.
- Garam masala: You can replace it with a mix of cinnamon, cumin, and coriander if you don’t have it on hand.
How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe – Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1 – Prep your workspace and ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients on the countertop. Trust me, this makes cooking much smoother! Be sure to wash and chop your chicken, onion, and garlic beforehand. Having everything within reach is key to making this recipe quick and enjoyable.
Step 2 – Marinate the chicken
In a large bowl, combine the chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix it well until the chicken is nicely coated. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes—it deepens the flavor!
Step 3 – Cook the chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 4 – Prepare the sauce base
In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss in the minced garlic and diced onion, stirring occasionally for about 3-4 minutes, until golden and fragrant. This forms the aromatic base of your sauce.
Step 5 – Build the sauce
To your onion and garlic mix, add the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine everything. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 6 – Add the cream
Now, pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Feel free to adjust the heat to prevent it from boiling over. Let it simmer gently for another 5 minutes.
Step 7 – Add chicken back and season
Return the chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s submerged in the delicious sauce. Stir in the cayenne pepper (if you want some kick) and garam masala. Allow it to simmer on low heat for an additional 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 8 – Finish with butter
For an extra touch of richness, stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. This will elevate your butter chicken’s flavor to the next level.
Step 9 – Garnish and serve
Once done, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. Serve your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken with warm naan bread or steamed rice, and enjoy every bite!
Serving Suggestions for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Best occasions to serve this dish
This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed on various occasions, including:
- Weeknight dinners: It’s quick and easy to whip up.
- Family gatherings: It caters to all taste buds.
- Casual get-togethers: Serve it with naan for a fun, shareable meal.
What to serve with it
Enhance your meal with these sides:
- Naan bread
- Steamed rice
- Cucumber salad
- Mango chutney
- Yogurt raita
- Red wine (like a Pinot Noir)
- Lemonade (for a refreshing drink)
Storing Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe Properly
Best storage practices
To keep your butter chicken at its best:
- In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- In the freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Ensure they are well-sealed.
Reheating and freezing tips
- Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Heat gently in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching.
- Avoid: Do not reheat multiple times. It’s best to warm only what you’ll consume.
Tips & Tricks for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Mistakes to avoid
- Overcooking the chicken: Make sure you cook it just until done; overcooked chicken can become dry.
- Skipping marination: Don’t rush past the marination step. It’s crucial for flavor.
- Burning garlic: Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning—burnt garlic can spoil the taste!
Extra tips for better results
- Fresh spices: Use fresh spices for a pop of flavor instead of stale ones.
- Adjust creaminess: If you prefer a lighter option, substitute half the heavy cream with low-fat milk.
- Add veggies: Consider adding spinach or peas toward the end for a nutritious twist!
Recipe Variations of Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some ideas:
- Nuts: Toss in cashews or almonds for added crunch.
- Seasonal flavors: In autumn, add pumpkin puree for a seasonal spin.
- Spicy: Add more cayenne or some green chilies for an extra kick.
Dietary adjustments
Looking for alternative options? Here’s how to modify:
- Gluten-free: Ensure your naan is gluten-free or serve with rice.
- Dairy-free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and omit butter for a fully dairy-free dish.
- Vegan: Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas and dairy products for plant-based alternatives.
Conclusion about Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
In a nutshell, the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe delivers on flavor, simplicity, and adaptability. Whether it’s a fast weeknight dinner or a comforting treat on a busy weekend, it has your back!
So, gather the ingredients, set aside some time, and let this recipe conquer your taste buds! We’d love to hear how yours turns out, so don’t forget to share the delicious results.
FAQs about Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
What if it doesn’t turn out right?
Don’t worry! Cooking can be a bit tricky. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water or chicken stock. If it’s too runny, simmer without a cover for a bit longer to thicken.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce a day in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge, then combine when you’re ready to cook.
What are the best ingredient substitutions?
Common swaps include using coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for a dairy-free version or opting for tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian alternative.
How long can it be stored?
In the fridge, it can last up to 3-4 days. If you freeze it, aim for up to 2 months for the best flavor.
Can I use store-bought dough or crust?
This recipe doesn’t require dough or crust since it’s served with rice or naan, but feel free to use store-bought naan if you prefer convenience!
Is this recipe kid-friendly or family-appropriate?
Definitely! The flavors can be adjusted to suit younger palates, making it a great dish that everyone can enjoy together.
Can I make this recipe allergen-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free naan or rice for gluten-sensitive individuals and plant-based alternatives for those with dairy allergies. Enjoy this dish without worry!
Butter Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 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
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium onion diced
For the Sauce
- 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
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 0.5 teaspoon curry powder
- 0.25 cup freshly chopped parsley optional, for garnish
For Serving
- Naan bread Naan bread for serving
- Steamed rice Steamed rice for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients and wash and chop your chicken, onion, and garlic beforehand.
Marination
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well and let it marinate for about 15 minutes.
Cooking the Chicken
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned but not fully cooked through, then remove and set aside.
Sauce Base
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, stirring for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant.
Building the Sauce
- Add the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the onion and garlic mix. Stir and bring to a simmer for about 5 minutes.
Adding Cream
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Let simmer gently for another 5 minutes.
Finishing Touches
- Return the chicken to the skillet, add cayenne pepper (if desired), and garam masala. Simmer on low for 10-12 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter for richness.
Garnishing and Serving
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top and serve with warm naan bread or steamed rice.