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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Have you ever craved a comforting, creamy dish that brings the warm flavors of Indian cuisine right into your kitchen? Enter the Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe – a dish that can be whipped up faster than takeout and offers a luxurious taste without the fuss. Did you know that making homemade butter chicken takes about 90 minutes, which is 20% less time than many traditional recipes that require marination? Keep reading to discover how you can create your very own version of this delicious classic.
Ingredients List
To embark on your butter chicken adventure, gather the following ingredients:
- Chicken: 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breast, for a leaner option)
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, for that rich flavor
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped, adding a natural sweetness
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced, for aromatic depth
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon, freshly grated, to add a spicy warmth
- Tomatoes: 1 can (14 ounces), crushed, offering vibrant acidity
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup, to create that signature creaminess
- Yogurt: 1/2 cup, plain, as an optional marinade ingredient
- Spices: 1 tablespoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 1 teaspoon chili powder for complexity
- Salt: To taste
- Cilantro: Fresh, for garnish (optional)
Substitutions: To make this dish healthier, consider swapping the heavy cream for coconut milk or use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt to maintain the creamy texture but add extra protein.
Timing
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe takes approximately:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
This significantly reduces stress and makes it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken (Optional)
If you choose to marinate, mix the chicken with yogurt, garlic, ginger, and a pinch of salt. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, though it’s optional if you’re in a rush.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are golden and soft.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken (or raw chicken pieces if not marinated) to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides.
Step 5: Spice It Up
Sprinkle in the garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and chili powder. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the spices, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Add Tomatoes
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Stir well and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 7: Creamy Finish
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for a further 5 minutes, bringing everything together for that perfect consistency.
Step 8: Garnish
Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approx. 1 cup) of butter chicken:
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
This rich meal packs a flavorful punch while providing significant macronutrients!
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Low-Fat Options: Use low-fat yogurt and reduced-fat cream to cut down on calories.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with paneer or tofu for a vegetarian delight that retains the buttery sauce essence.
- Whole Grain Side: Serve over brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for added fiber.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe with:
- Rice: Basmati rice or jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Bread: Naan or roti for a traditional touch.
- Salad: A light cucumber salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: Aim for juiciness; remove the chicken from heat as soon as it’s cooked through.
- Skipping the Marinade: Even if short on time, a quick marination can enhance flavor significantly.
- Neglecting Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger elevate the taste; don’t settle for powdered versions.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Butter chicken can be frozen for up to a month; simply reheat on the stove over low heat.
- Prep Ahead: Chop ingredients in advance to cut prep time for a busy weeknight meal.
Conclusion
You now possess the knowledge to create an irresistible Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe that is not only satisfying but adaptable to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Why wait? Head to your kitchen and give this simple yet delectable recipe a try! Share your thoughts, tips, and variations in the comments below or explore more culinary adventures on our blog!
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, but make sure it’s thawed before starting to ensure even cooking.
Q: How can I make it less spicy?
A: Reduce the chili powder or omit it altogether, as the other spices offer great flavor without the heat.
Q: Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Use chickpeas or your favorite vegetables, along with coconut cream to achieve a similar creamy texture.
Explore your cooking journey by sharing this recipe with friends or delving into more delicious content on our website!
Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breast)
- 4 tablespoons butter For that rich flavor
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped Adds natural sweetness
- 4 cloves garlic, minced For aromatic depth
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger To add spicy warmth
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes Offers vibrant acidity
- 1/2 cup heavy cream Creates signature creaminess
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt Optional marinade ingredient
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- salt To taste
- fresh cilantro For garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation and Cooking
- If you choose to marinate, mix the chicken with yogurt, garlic, ginger, and a pinch of salt. Let it sit for about 30 minutes.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are golden and soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the marinated chicken (or raw chicken pieces if not marinated) to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides.
- Sprinkle in the garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and chili powder. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the spices, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Stir well and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for a further 5 minutes, bringing everything together for that perfect consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.
Notes
Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.