1. Introduction
Discover the irresistible flavor of butter chicken with this quick and easy homemade recipe that transforms tender chicken into a rich, velvety sauce infused with spices and buttery goodness. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a beginner, this easy butter chicken recipe promises an authentic taste without the lengthy prep time. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends, this dish combines aromatic spices with creamy sauce for a truly indulgent experience. Dive into the world of delicious Indian-inspired cuisine and enjoy a comforting meal everyone will love!
2. Ingredients for Homemade butter chicken
- 500g boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 can (400ml) tomato puree
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
3. Step-by-step instructions for the quick butter chicken recipe
Prepare the chicken
Start by marinating the chicken with a pinch of salt, pepper, and some garam masala if you like. Set aside for 10 minutes for extra flavor.
Sauté the aromatics
In a large skillet or pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Cook the chicken
Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pan. Cook until they are browned on all sides, about 7-8 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Make the sauce
In the same skillet, pour in the tomato puree and season with garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavors.
Combine and simmer
Return the cooked chicken to the sauce. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk and simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Finished dish
Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve hot over steamed rice or naan bread for a complete meal. For a quick side, you can also check out our chicken alfredo recipe for alternative pairing ideas!
4. Storage tips for leftover homemade butter chicken
Allow the butter chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
5. Serving suggestions for easy butter chicken recipes
This butter chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice, warm naan bread, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. For extra flavor, add a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad. To elevate your meal, try using a versatile kitchen tool like the Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 to prepare side dishes quickly and perfectly.
6. Benefits of making homemade butter chicken
Homemade butter chicken allows you to control the ingredients, reduce preservatives, and customize the spice level. This quick butter chicken recipe saves time while delivering authentic taste, making it a favorite for busy nights or when hosting guests. Plus, exploring various spice blends can turn this dish into a versatile culinary adventure!
7. Common substitutions and dietary tips
- Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free or vegan-friendly version.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat and richer flavor.
- Shortcut the process by using pre-made curry paste—simply sauté and simmer for a flavorful outcome.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make butter chicken ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dish a day in advance and store it in the fridge. The flavors will meld even more overnight. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving.
How long does it take to prepare butter chicken?
This quick butter chicken recipe takes approximately 30 minutes total, making it perfect for busy schedules.
Can I freeze homemade butter chicken?
Absolutely! Cool completely, then store in airtight containers. Freeze for up to 2 months for easy future meals.
What can I serve with this dish?
Ideal sides include basmati rice, naan bread, or even roasted vegetables. Discover more pairing ideas in our tandoori chicken or chicken enchiladas.
9. Conclusion
Experience the rich and creamy delight of butter chicken with this simple homemade recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners, it highlights how quick and easy it is to create restaurant-quality Indian cuisine at home. With its fragrant spices and tender chicken in a luscious sauce, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. Elevate your cooking skills and enjoy a flavorful adventure—start cooking today!
Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker – Perfect for preparing flavorful beverages or cooling down sauces quickly, making your cooking process more efficient.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Make chopping vegetables for this and other recipes effortless and fast.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – Get professional-grade cookware for seamless cooking of your homemade butter chicken and beyond.
Butter Chicken Bliss: Quick & Easy Homemade Recipe!
Enjoy the rich and flavorful Butter Chicken Bliss with this quick and easy homemade recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekends, this dish features tender chicken cooked in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce infused with aromatic garam masala, turmeric, and cumin. Made with simple ingredients, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality Indian-inspired cuisine in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for anyone craving a comforting, savory meal with minimal prep time.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
500g boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces2 tablespoons butter1 onion, finely chopped3 cloves garlic, minced1 tablespoon ginger, grated1 can (400ml) tomato puree1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk2 teaspoons garam masala1 teaspoon turmeric1 teaspoon ground cumin1 teaspoon chili powderSalt and pepper to tasteFresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Start by marinating the chicken with a pinch of salt, pepper, and garam masala. Set aside for 10 minutes.In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.Add the seasoned chicken to the pan and cook until browned on all sides, about 7-8 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.Pour the tomato puree into the same skillet. Season with garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavors.Return the chicken to the sauce. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot over steamed rice or naan bread.
Notes
Adjust the chili powder to control spiciness.For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk.Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness and flavor.This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380 Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg