Butter Chicken is a beloved dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce, making it a favorite in Indian cuisine. This easy Butter Chicken recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a balance of spices and flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this dish is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken
This Butter Chicken recipe is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love making it:
- Quick to prepare, taking only 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Uses simple ingredients that you can find in your pantry.
- Perfect for meal prep and can be stored for later use.
- Rich, creamy Butter Chicken sauce that pairs well with naan or rice.
- Adjustable spice levels to cater to your taste, whether you prefer mild or spicy Butter Chicken.
- Authentic flavors that evoke the essence of Indian cuisine, making it a perfect dish for special occasions.
Ingredients for Butter Chicken
Gather these items:
- 4 pieces Chicken Thighs (Juicier than breasts; can substitute with chicken breasts.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste.)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Fresh garlic can be used.)
- 1 teaspoon Sweet Paprika (Smoked paprika can add flavor.)
- 1 tablespoon Curry Powder (Adjust based on heat preference.)
- 1 cup Greek Yogurt (Substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free.)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (Can swap for ghee.)
- 2 tablespoons Butter (Essential for a silky finish.)
- 4 cloves Garlic (Use fresh for best flavor.)
- 1 medium Onion (Yellow or white onion preferred.)
- 1 cup Tomato Sauce (Diced canned tomatoes can also be used.)
- 1 teaspoon Sugar (Adjust based on preference.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground is recommended.)
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (Can substitute with half-and-half.)
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (Optional for spice.)
- 1 teaspoon Garam Masala (Key spice for authentic flavor.)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (Can replace with cilantro.)
How to Make Butter Chicken Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Marinate chicken by combining all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Cover and let sit for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat skillet over medium-high and add vegetable oil. Sear marinated chicken for 8-10 minutes.
- Step 3: Reduce heat, add butter, garlic, and onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until soft.
- Step 4: Stir in tomato sauce and sugar; simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Step 5: Add cayenne pepper, garam masala, and black pepper. Simmer on low for 10 minutes.
- Step 6: Stir in remaining butter until melted and check seasoning.
- Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with parsley or cilantro, alongside naan and rice.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Butter Chicken
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh spices for the best flavor.
- Marinate the chicken for a longer time for deeper flavor absorption.
- For a gluten-free Butter Chicken, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Use a combination of butter and ghee for an authentic taste.
Best Ways to Serve Butter Chicken
Here are some great ideas to enjoy your Butter Chicken:
- Pair it with warm naan for dipping.
- Serve over a bed of fluffy basmati rice.
- Top with fresh herbs like cilantro for added freshness.
How to Store and Reheat Butter Chicken
To store, let the dish cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. This is a fantastic option for meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions About Butter Chicken
What’s the secret to perfect Butter Chicken?
The secret lies in the marination and the balance of spices. Use fresh ingredients, and don’t rush the cooking process to allow flavors to develop.
Can I make Butter Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! Butter Chicken tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Butter Chicken?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure not to overcook the chicken and adjust the spices according to your heat preference. Follow the cooking times closely for the best results.
Variations of Butter Chicken You Can Try
Switch things up with these delicious variations:
- Spicy Butter Chicken: Increase the cayenne pepper for a fiery kick.
- Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: Adapt the recipe for a slow cooker for a hands-off approach.
- Gluten-Free Butter Chicken Recipe: Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free for a safe and tasty dish.
For more delicious recipes, check out our Easy Cinnamon Rolls or Homemade Tomato Sauce.
For more tips on cooking techniques, visit our guide on onions or explore Mediterranean Chickpea Salad for a healthy side dish.
Butter Chicken: 7 Secrets to this Creamy Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe that brings together tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken Thighs (Juicier than breasts; can substitute with chicken breasts.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste.)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Fresh garlic can be used.)
- 1 teaspoon Sweet Paprika (Smoked paprika can add flavor.)
- 1 tablespoon Curry Powder (Adjust based on heat preference.)
- 1 cup Greek Yogurt (Substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free.)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (Can swap for ghee.)
- 2 tablespoons Butter (Essential for a silky finish.)
- 4 cloves Garlic (Use fresh for best flavor.)
- 1 medium Onion (Yellow or white onion preferred.)
- 1 cup Tomato Sauce (Diced canned tomatoes can also be used.)
- 1 teaspoon Sugar (Adjust based on preference.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground is recommended.)
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (Can substitute with half-and-half.)
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (Optional for spice.)
- 1 teaspoon Garam Masala (Key spice for authentic flavor.)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (Can replace with cilantro.)
Instructions
- Marinate chicken by combining all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Cover and let sit for 15 minutes.
- Heat skillet over medium-high and add vegetable oil. Sear marinated chicken for 8-10 minutes.
- Reduce heat, add butter, garlic, and onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomato sauce and sugar; simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add cayenne pepper, garam masala, and black pepper. Simmer on low for 10 minutes.
- Stir in remaining butter until melted and check seasoning.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley or cilantro, alongside naan and rice.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
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