Homemade Butter Chicken
Enjoy a quick and easy butter chicken recipe that combines tender chicken pieces in a creamy, aromatic sauce, perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast Cut into bite-sized pieces; feel free to swap for tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian delight.
- 1 cup heavy cream Rich and velvety; for a lighter option, substitute with Greek yogurt.
- 1 onion Finely chopped; this adds depth to the dish.
- 4 cloves garlic Minced; bursting with flavor.
- 1 tablespoon ginger Freshly grated; it gives that zing!
- 2 tablespoons butter Adds a rich, luxurious touch.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil For sautéing; can be replaced with ghee to enhance the flavor.
- 2 tablespoons garam masala This fragrant spice blend is essential for authenticity.
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper For some heat; adjust to your liking.
- Salt and pepper To taste.
- Fresh cilantro For garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness.
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- In a large skillet or pan, heat the butter and oil over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion. Sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, letting them sizzle for about a minute.
- Toss in the chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté until they’re mostly cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the garam masala and cayenne pepper. Stir to coat the chicken, letting the spices bloom.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for about 5–10 minutes.
- Taste the butter chicken and adjust the salt or pepper as needed.
- Top with freshly chopped cilantro and serve warm over rice or with naan.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezing, let it cool completely and transfer it to freezer-safe bags. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.