Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Why You’ll Love Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

This butter chicken recipe is the perfect combination of rich, creamy, and aromatic flavors that you’ll fall in love with. The chicken is marinated for maximum flavor, then cooked in a fragrant, buttery tomato sauce. What makes this recipe great is that it doesn’t require hours of cooking or hard-to-find ingredients, yet still delivers the authentic taste of traditional butter chicken. It’s comforting, easy to make, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, cut into bite-sized pieces)

• Butter

• Olive oil

• Onion (finely chopped)

• Garlic (minced)

• Ginger (grated)

• Tomato puree or crushed tomatoes

• Heavy cream

• Yogurt (plain)

• Garam masala

• Ground turmeric

• Ground cumin

• Ground coriander

• Chili powder

• Salt

• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

• Rice or naan (for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, a pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour for more flavor.

2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until soft and golden, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Stir in the tomato puree, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 5 minutes until the tomato mixture thickens slightly.

5. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the chicken cooks evenly.

6. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer the sauce on low heat for another 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens to your liking.

7. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and stir until melted and smooth.

8. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice or naan.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and cooking time is around 25 minutes, so the total time for this meal is approximately 45 minutes.

Variations

• Spicy version: Add more chili powder or a few fresh chopped green chilies to the sauce for an extra spicy kick.

• Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with paneer or tofu for a vegetarian version of butter chicken.

• Use different proteins: This recipe also works well with shrimp or lamb. Adjust the cooking time based on the protein.

• Add veggies: You can toss in some vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or spinach to make this dish more hearty.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to bring the sauce back to the desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s thawed completely before cooking for the best results.

2. How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make the dish dairy-free, substitute the butter with dairy-free butter or coconut oil, and replace the heavy cream with coconut milk. Use a dairy-free yogurt for the marinade as well.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the butter chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually improve as it sits, and you can reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

4. Can I use canned tomato puree instead of fresh tomatoes?

Yes, canned tomato puree or crushed tomatoes work perfectly well in this recipe. They give the sauce a rich, smooth texture and flavor.

5. How spicy is this butter chicken?

This recipe is moderately spiced, but you can adjust the level of heat by adding more chili powder or fresh chilies according to your taste.

6. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in a slow cooker. Brown the chicken first in a skillet, then add the tomato sauce, cream, and spices to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.

7. Can I use store-bought garam masala?

Yes, store-bought garam masala is perfectly fine to use in this recipe, but making your own garam masala mix will give the dish a more authentic flavor.

8. Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?

If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with coconut cream, milk, or even a blend of yogurt and milk for a lighter version.

9. Can I make this dish spicier?

If you prefer a spicier version, increase the chili powder, add some red pepper flakes, or stir in fresh chopped green chilies.

10. Can I freeze butter chicken?

Yes, butter chicken freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop with a little extra cream or water to bring the sauce back to the right consistency.

Conclusion

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe delivers all the rich, creamy flavor of the traditional dish, but with less time and effort. The tender chicken cooked in a velvety, spiced tomato sauce is both comforting and satisfying, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it with fluffy rice or warm naan, this butter chicken will become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.