This butter chicken is creamy, rich, and packed with flavor! It combines tender chicken in a smooth tomato sauce with warm spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
I love how simple it is to make this dish. Just whip up the sauce, add the chicken, and let it simmer. Serve it over rice or with naan, and watch it disappear fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their tenderness and flavor. If you only have chicken breasts, they work too! For a vegetarian option, try tofu or chickpeas.
Butter: This recipe uses butter for richness. If you’re dairy-free, olive oil or vegan butter makes a good substitute.
Tomato Puree: Canned tomato puree is easy to use, but you can also use fresh tomatoes blended into a puree. If you want a sweeter touch, try adding a bit of sugar to balance the acidity.
Cream: Heavy cream adds the classic richness. You can use coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Greek yogurt is a lower-fat alternative that can add creaminess as well.
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Tender?
The key to tender chicken in butter chicken is not to overcook it. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Cook chicken pieces until they just start to brown, then cover with the sauce to finish cooking.
- Keep the heat at medium or low once the creamy sauce is added to avoid toughening the chicken.
- Allow the chicken to simmer just until fully cooked, then remove from heat.
Following these tips helps keep your chicken juicy and tender in every bite!
Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or mustard oil)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for color)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 – 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 (14 oz / 400 g) can of tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (coriander leaves), chopped for garnish
- Fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 35 minutes to enjoy this delightful dish!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by heating the oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pan over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the finely chopped onions, and sauté until they turn golden and soft, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
2. Add Aromatics:
Next, stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies (if you want some heat). Cook these together for 1-2 minutes until you can smell the delicious aromas.
3. Mix in Spices:
Now, it’s time to add the spices! Stir in the garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and red chili powder. Cook this mix for about 30 seconds to really bring out the flavors!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces into the pan, stirring well to coat them in the spice mixture. Let the chicken cook for about 5 minutes until it starts to brown, but don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked just yet.
5. Add Tomato Puree:
Pour in the tomato puree and mix everything together thoroughly. Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, which will help the chicken finish cooking and the flavors blend beautifully.
6. Creamy Finish:
Take off the lid and stir in the heavy cream and the remaining tablespoon of butter. Let it simmer uncovered for another 5-7 minutes to thicken up the sauce. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the salt!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove from heat and squeeze a bit of lemon juice in for an extra pop of flavor, if you like. Then, generously garnish with fresh cilantro.
8. Enjoy:
Serve your delicious butter chicken hot, paired perfectly with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread. Enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!
With this recipe, you’ll have a comforting, rich, and aromatic butter chicken ready to impress your family or guests. Enjoy cooking!
FAQ for Quick and Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Can I Substitute the Chicken for a Vegetarian Option?
Absolutely! You can use cubed firm tofu, chickpeas, or even mixed vegetables like bell peppers and cauliflower in place of chicken. Adjust cooking times as needed to ensure everything is cooked through.
What If I Don’t Have Garam Masala?
If you don’t have garam masala, you can make a substitute by combining equal parts of ground cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. It won’t be the exact same flavor but will still give a warm spice profile to your dish!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of cream to keep it creamy!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the butter chicken ahead of time! You can cook it fully and then refrigerate it. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
