The aroma of warm spices fills the air as you prepare to embark on a culinary adventure with this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. Picture tender, marinated chicken simmering in a rich, creamy sauce that’s bursting with flavor. hearty cheesy steak dish It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a kitchen rock star, even if your cooking skills are limited to boiling water and microwaving popcorn.
Butter chicken holds a special place in my heart (and stomach). I remember hosting a dinner for friends, and the moment they tasted this dish, their eyes widened in utter bliss. The laughter and compliments flowed freely, transforming a simple weeknight into a memorable feast. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe promises to deliver an unforgettable flavor experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is simple enough for novice cooks yet impressive enough to wow experienced foodies
- The harmonious blend of spices and cream creates an irresistible flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds
- Its vibrant color makes it visually appealing and perfect for special occasions or casual gatherings
- Plus, it pairs beautifully with naan or rice, making it incredibly versatile
Sharing this dish with friends always leads to smiles and happy bellies. Everyone loves how delicious it is!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a zesty kick; peel and grate it for maximum impact.
- Canned Tomatoes: Opt for whole tomatoes; they create a richer sauce when blended.
- Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce luxuriously creamy; don’t skimp on it!
- Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness in your dish.
- Spices (Cumin, Coriander, Turmeric, Garam Masala): These spices create that iconic butter chicken flavor; fresh is best!
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process.
- Cilantro (for garnish): Fresh cilantro adds brightness; chop it finely before sprinkling on top.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Marinate the Chicken: Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine yogurt with fresh garlic and ginger paste along with spices like cumin and turmeric. delicious chicken rice bowl Let that sit while you prep other ingredients — about 30 minutes works wonders.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat some butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger until fragrant — about 1-2 minutes should do! The sizzling sound means magic is happening.
Add Tomatoes: Pour in those canned tomatoes (don’t forget to crush them!). Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened and flavorful. flavorful focaccia bread You’ll know it’s ready when the oil starts separating from the tomato mixture.
Creamy Goodness: Slowly stir in heavy cream while reducing heat to low. Allow it to cook gently for another 5 minutes until everything blends together beautifully. The sauce should be smooth and luscious at this point.
Add Chicken: Toss in your marinated chicken pieces into the bubbling sauce mixture. Cook until they are fully cooked through — approximately 15-20 minutes should suffice. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Garnish and Serve: Finally, sprinkle chopped cilantro over your amazing butter chicken before serving! Enjoy with warm naan or fluffy rice for an epic meal experience that will leave everyone asking for more.
Now enjoy your creation—just remember to take some photos before digging in! After all, who wouldn’t want to show off their homemade masterpiece?
You Must Know
- This quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe is a culinary lifesaver
- Packed with bold flavors, it transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into extraordinary feasts
- The creamy sauce and tender chicken will leave your taste buds dancing, making leftovers a delightful addition for lunch the next day
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken in a hot pan first to lock in flavors, then simmer it with spices and cream for that rich sauce.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for paneer or tofu for a vegetarian option. slow-cooked chicken option Experiment with spices to create your unique flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight
- Always use fresh spices for maximum aroma
- Skip overcooking; tender chicken is key to a great dish
Memories of my first butter chicken attempt still make me smile; my friends raved about it, claiming I should open a restaurant!
FAQ
Can I make this quick & easy homemade butter chicken recipe ahead of time?
For more inspiration, check out this Oven Baked Barbecue Ribs recipe.
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day prior and let the flavors meld overnight.
What can I serve with butter chicken?
Serve over fluffy basmati rice or warm naan to soak up that delicious sauce.
How do I adjust spice levels in this quick & easy homemade butter chicken recipe?
Add more garam masala or chili powder for heat; reduce them for milder flavors.
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken! Tender marinated chicken simmers in a flavorful sauce made with aromatic spices and heavy cream. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this dish will impress everyone at the table. Serve it alongside warm naan or fluffy rice for an unforgettable meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can (14 oz) whole tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 2 tsp garam masala
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Marinate Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix yogurt, garlic, ginger, cumin, and turmeric. Add chicken; let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat butter in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
- 3. Add Tomatoes: Stir in crushed canned tomatoes and simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened.
- 4. Creamy Sauce: Lower heat and stir in heavy cream; cook gently for another 5 minutes until smooth.
- 5. Cook Chicken: Add marinated chicken; cook for 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked through.
- 6. Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped cilantro and serve with naan or rice.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
