Introduction
Picture this: the warm glow of your kitchen on a cool evening, the enticing aroma of spices dancing in the air, and the joy bubbling inside as you prepare a meal that feels like a warm hug. That’s exactly the experience my Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe delivers. Each bite of this comforting dish transports you to a bustling Indian kitchen, rich with flavors and love. Whether it’s a simple dinner after a long day or a festive gathering with friends and family, this recipe is sure to become a cherished family favorite. Let’s dive into the magic of butter chicken!
Why Make This Recipe
The reasons to whip up this delicious dish are as compelling as the flavors themselves. Here’s why you should make this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe:
- Quick Prep: With just a handful of ingredients, you can have this comforting recipe ready in under 30 minutes.
- Cozy Flavors: The combination of spices creates a warm, velvety sauce that clings to tender chicken pieces.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Butter chicken is a universally loved dish, making it perfect for family dinners or get-togethers.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use pantry staples or make simple tweaks based on what you have on hand; it’s that easy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for this homemade dish is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create that unforgettable flavor:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken (1 lb): Cut into bite-sized pieces; feel free to substitute with tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Butter (4 tablespoons): For that rich, silky sauce that every great butter chicken needs.
- Onion (1 large): Chopped finely for that classic base flavor.
- Garlic (3 cloves): Minced; the aromatic essence that makes your kitchen smell divine.
- Ginger (1 tablespoon): Freshly grated; it adds a zesty kick.
- Tomato Puree (1 cup): The heart of the sauce, bringing tartness and depth.
- Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): For the luxurious creaminess; use coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Garam Masala (2 teaspoons): This Indian spice blend is essential; there’s nothing else quite like its warmth.
- Cumin and Coriander (1 teaspoon each): For that extra layer of flavor.
- Salt (to taste) and Pepper (to taste): To elevate the dish.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is not just quick; it’s an incredible option for those evenings when you want to prepare a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
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Sauté the Chicken: In a large pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden (about 5-6 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
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Create the Base: Add the remaining butter to the same pan. Toss in the chopped onions, and sauté until soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes). As the onions cook down, they’ll start to sweeten beautifully.
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Add Aromatics: Stir in the garlic and ginger. The moment they hit the heat, your kitchen will be filled with a delightful fragrance. Sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
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Develop the Sauce: Pour in the tomato puree, garam masala, cumin, and coriander. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and deepen.
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Finish with Cream: Lower the heat, add the heavy cream, and return the chicken to the pan. Stir until everything is well combined and the chicken is coated with that luscious sauce. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes until heated through.
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Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve your butter chicken hot over steamed rice or with warm naan bread.
Tips and Creative Variations
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped green chilies during step 3.
- Vegetarian Delight: Swap chicken for chickpeas or paneer – it retains the heartiness and absorbs the flavors beautifully.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or peas for a vibrant touch or adjust spice levels to suit your palate.
Serving Ideas
To round out your meal, serve your comforting butter chicken over a bed of fluffy basmati rice, allowing the grains to soak up every drop of that delicious sauce. Pair it with some garlic naan, and finish off with a crisp cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch. Don’t forget a glass of steaming chai or a light beer to wash it all down as laughter fills the room and memories are created around the dining table.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers? No problem! Store your butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to a month. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce as needed.
Pro Tips for Success
- Prep Ingredients Ahead: Chop everything in advance to make the cooking process even quicker.
- Taste as You Go: Don’t hesitate to adjust spices or seasoning; this is your dish!
- Double the Recipe: This dish is a hit, so making extra for meal prep is a great idea!
- Use Good Quality Ingredients: Fresh spices and quality chicken make all the difference in flavor.
FAQs
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Can I freeze this recipe? Yes! Your butter chicken can be frozen for up to a month. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.
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What’s the best substitute for heavy cream? You can use coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option.
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Is this recipe spicy? It can be adjusted to your preference! Feel free to omit spices or opt for milder varieties.
Conclusion
As you savor the first bites of your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken, remember that this dish is more than just a meal—it’s a way to connect, share stories, and create lasting memories. With its rich flavors and delightful aromas, this comforting recipe brings joy to anyone fortunate enough to enjoy it. So gather those you love, share this dish, and invite happiness into your home. Happy cooking!
Contents
Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces Can be substituted with tofu for a vegetarian option.
- 4 tablespoons Butter For the sauce.
- 1 large Onion, chopped For the base flavor.
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced For aromatic essence.
- 1 tablespoon Ginger, freshly grated Adds a zesty kick.
- 1 cup Tomato Puree Heart of the sauce.
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream For creaminess; can use coconut milk for dairy-free.
- 2 teaspoons Garam Masala Essential spice blend.
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Adds flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Coriander Adds flavor.
- to taste Salt To elevate the dish.
- to taste Pepper To elevate the dish.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden (about 5-6 minutes). Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Add the remaining butter to the same pan. Toss in the chopped onions, and sauté until soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in the garlic and ginger and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the tomato puree, garam masala, cumin, and coriander. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat, add the heavy cream, and return the chicken to the pan. Stir until well combined, and simmer for another 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot over steamed rice or with warm naan bread.
Notes
Written by khadija — founder of Dailypan, sharing easy, cozy homemade recipes for every occasion.