This quick and easy homemade butter chicken is creamy, flavorful, and a perfect weeknight dinner! With tender chicken and a rich, buttery sauce, it’s sure to please everyone.
Cooking this dish always feels like a warm hug! I love serving it with rice and naan—so good! Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up even on busy nights. Enjoy the yummy goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I use boneless skinless chicken breasts for convenience, but thighs are juicier and full of flavor! If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, chickpeas or paneer would work wonderfully.
Garam Masala: This spice mix is what gives butter chicken its unique flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use curry powder as a substitute, though it won’t taste quite the same.
Coconut Milk or Heavy Cream: I like using heavy cream for richness, but coconut milk is a fantastic alternative for a dairy-free option, adding its own delicious flavor!
Tomato Sauce: You can use canned crushed tomatoes as a substitute. If you desire a fresher taste, pureed fresh tomatoes work too!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Is Tender and Flavorful?
The secret to tender chicken is not to overcook it! When you add the chicken to the pan, cook it just until it’s browned, then simmer it in the sauce. This keeps it juicy. Additionally, make sure to let your spices bloom while cooking; this enhances their flavor significantly.
- Use medium heat to sauté onions until soft, then add garlic and ginger.
- Cook the chicken just until browned, around 5-7 minutes. You don’t want it dry!
- Simmer in the creamy sauce to infuse flavors without overcooking the chicken.
How Can I Make the Sauce Extra Creamy?
For an extra creamy sauce, add a bit more cream or coconut milk near the end of cooking. You can also blend the sauce after simmering if you prefer a smoother texture!
Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder or paprika (adjust for heat preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 can (14 oz or 400g) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- Salt to taste
For Garnish and Serving:
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped for garnish
- Cooked basmati rice or naan bread for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20-25 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick process that yields a delicious meal; perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This builds a flavorful base for your sauce!
2. Sauté Aromatics:
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Cook for another minute until fragrant. This will fill your kitchen with a delicious aroma!
3. Cook the Spices:
Stir in the garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and cinnamon. Cook the spices for about 1 minute to release their aroma. This step is crucial for flavor development!
4. Brown the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan!
5. Add Tomatoes:
Pour in the tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes and stir well to coat the chicken in the sauce. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.
6. Make it Creamy:
Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk and the remaining tablespoon of butter. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy. Season with salt to taste!
7. Final Touch:
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. This adds a vibrant color and fresh flavor to your dish!
8. Serve Up!
Serve warm over cooked basmati rice or with naan bread. Enjoy your rich and flavorful homemade butter chicken!
Happy cooking!
FAQ for Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! If using frozen chicken, make sure to fully thaw it first. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Pat dry with paper towels before cooking to remove excess moisture.
What If I Don’t Have Garam Masala?
No worries! If you don’t have garam masala, you can substitute it with a mix of curry powder or use individual spices like cumin, coriander, and black pepper. Though the flavor will be slightly different, it will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftovers Properly?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce thickens too much. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! To increase the spice level, you can add more chili powder or incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the other spices. Adjust to your taste preference, but be careful; a little goes a long way!
