Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken: A Flavorful Indian Delight 🍛🧈🔥
1. Introduction
Are you craving a warm, comforting meal but short on time? Look no further than this quick & easy homemade butter chicken recipe, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious Indian dish without spending hours in the kitchen. This butter chicken recipe combines rich, creamy tomato sauce with tender chicken pieces, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor and simple to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this easy quick butter chicken is sure to impress.
2. Ingredients for Butter Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 3 tablespoons butter or ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Butter Chicken
Preparation of Chicken Marinade
In a bowl, combine the plain yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
Searing the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter or ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Creating the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Then, add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Add heavy cream or coconut milk to the tomato mixture, stirring well.
Combining the Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat in the rich sauce. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serving Your Butter Chicken
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread. For an added touch of flavor, check out this flavorful butter chicken recipe.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Butter Chicken
Store any leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or water to maintain its creamy texture. For longer storage, freezing is also an option; just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container.
5. Serving Suggestions for Your Quick & Easy Butter Chicken
This quick recipe for butter chicken pairs wonderfully with fluffy basmati rice, homemade naan, or even vegetable-sided dishes like one-pot veggie pasta for a complete meal. For a balanced dinner, complement it with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables.
6. Tips for Making the Best Butter Chicken Quickly and Easily
- Use pre-cut chicken or leftovers to speed up preparation.
- Opt for store-bought crushed tomatoes for convenience.
- Cook the chicken separately to prevent overcooking or dryness.
- Enhance flavor by adding a pinch of fenugreek or kasuri methi if available.
- Use high-quality spices to maximize taste—consider this premium cookware set for even cooking.
7. FAQs About Butter Chicken, the Quick & Easy Way
Q: Can I make butter chicken ahead of time?
A: Yes, this easy quick butter chicken can be prepared a day in advance. Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently to preserve creaminess and flavor.
Q: Is butter chicken spicy?
A: It can be, depending on how much chili powder you add. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste for a milder or hotter dish.
Q: What are good side dishes for butter chicken?
A: Serve with steamed rice, naan bread, or even a side of dinner-side dishes like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
8. Final Thoughts on Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
This quick & easy homemade butter chicken recipe proves that you can enjoy authentic, flavorful Indian cuisine without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and straightforward steps, you’ll be able to whip up a delicious meal that satisfies your craving for comfort food. Perfect for busy nights but so delicious, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
9. Conclusion
In summary, this butter chicken recipe is your go-to solution for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful Indian-inspired dinner. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, you’ll love how simple it is to prepare a restaurant-quality dish at home. Don’t forget to explore related dishes like hot honey feta chicken or spicy southern chicken casserole to diversify your dinner options. Get cooking and enjoy a flavorful, satisfying homemade butter chicken tonight!
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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is a flavorful Indian comfort dish perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a rich, creamy tomato sauce, delivering authentic taste in under an hour. Ideal for those craving hearty, comforting food without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 3 tablespoons butter or ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Combine yogurt, lemon juice, spices, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add chicken, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter or ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook marinated chicken until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and cook for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add cream or coconut milk, stirring to combine.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet, stir to coat, and simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors. Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice or naan bread.
Notes
- Use pre-cut chicken for quicker preparation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or water to maintain creaminess.
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian