Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

The journey to creating the perfect butter chicken at home begins with a memorable experience shared around the dinner table. This classic dish brings together rich, flavorful spices with tender pieces of chicken, offering warmth and comfort that instantly makes your home feel more inviting. Growing up, my family gathered often to enjoy meals, and butter chicken was always a crowd favorite, with its creamy tomato sauce and fragrant spices filling the air.

Butter chicken, known as "Murgh Makhani," showcases the beautiful marriage of flavors in Indian cuisine. Its origins can be traced back to Delhi, where chefs combined leftover chicken, butter, and tomatoes into a dish that would captivate taste buds worldwide. Making this dish at home may sound daunting, but trust me—it’s absolutely achievable even on a busy weeknight.

With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, you can replicate this beloved meal right in your kitchen. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef; just a little passion, and you’ll create a butter chicken that rivals your favorite Indian restaurant’s dish. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will surely impress family and friends alike!

Butter Chicken Fundamentals

Understanding Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is more than just a dish. It’s a representation of rich culinary heritage and the flavors of India. It typically features tender chicken simmered in a spiced tomato-based sauce enriched with cream and butter. The balance of spices creates a harmonious blend that entices the senses.

This recipe utilizes a variety of spices like garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and coriander—each contributing unique flavors. Fresh ingredients like garlic, ginger, and onions elevate the dish, rounding out the flavor profile beautifully.

Preparation/Setup

Before getting started, set your workspace. Gather all the ingredients and tools required for a seamless cooking experience. You’ll need a medium-sized pan, a spatula for stirring, and a sharp knife for chopping. Ensure your kitchen is organized, as this will make cooking more enjoyable and efficient.

Ingredients

For this quick and easy homemade butter chicken, you will need:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 lb boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Cooked rice or naan for serving

These ingredients combine to produce a rich and flavorful sauce that perfectly coats the chicken pieces.

Directions

Begin your butter chicken journey by melting the butter in your pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger, stirring until fragrant. This aromatic mixture sets the foundation for your dish.

Next, stir in the garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook for about one minute to awaken the flavors of the spices. The aroma will instantly fill your kitchen, making your mouth water in anticipation.

Add the chicken pieces into the pan. Cook them until they are browned on all sides, absorbing the spices’ warmth. Once the chicken has achieved a lovely golden hue, pour in the tomato sauce, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

To finish, stir in the heavy cream and plain yogurt, allowing the sauce to thicken and become irresistibly creamy. Season with salt to taste and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. Serve with cooked rice or warm naan, and dive into the culinary delight you’ve created!

Mastering the Butter Chicken Technique

Cooking Technique

The key to perfect butter chicken lies in how you cook the spices and chicken. Sautéing the onions, garlic, and ginger creates a flavor base that enhances the overall dish. This method helps the spices bloom, releasing their essential oils and flavors, which then envelop the chicken.

The simmering process with tomato sauce and cream allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Keeping the heat moderate ensures that the chicken cooks thoroughly without becoming tough.

Tips and Tricks

Creating a flavorful butter chicken doesn’t end with the basic recipe. Here are some tips for achieving the best results:

• Marinate the Chicken: Consider marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices for a couple of hours or overnight for extra flavor and tenderness.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the chili powder to your heat preference. If you enjoy a milder flavor, reduce the chili powder; for a spicier dish, increase it.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and spices significantly enhance the dish’s flavor. Avoid using dried spices if you have fresh.
• Keep it Creamy: The combination of heavy cream and yogurt gives the sauce richness. For a lighter version, you can substitute with coconut cream.

Perfecting Your Butter Chicken

Achieving Consistent Results

Consistency in the texture and flavor of butter chicken comes from using the right cooking methods and ingredients. Pay close attention to cooking times and ensure that the chicken is cooked through without being overdone.

Using quality ingredients, such as ripe tomatoes for the sauce and fresh spices, can make all the difference in achieving that restaurant-quality taste at home.

Troubleshooting and Variations

Sometimes, cooking doesn’t go as planned. If you find your sauce too thick, simply add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer without the lid to reduce excess moisture.

Feel free to experiment with variations of this recipe. You could add vegetables like peas or bell peppers for added nutrition and color, or even incorporate paneer for a vegetarian twist.

Serving and Presentation

Serving Up Butter Chicken

Presentation is key when serving butter chicken. Ladle the creamy sauce generously over the chicken pieces and garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color. Serve it piping hot alongside fluffy cooked rice or warm naan for dipping.

Pairing and Storage

Enjoy your butter chicken with paired sides like basmati rice, which absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully. Naan also provides a perfect vessel for scooping and savoring every bite.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream if necessary to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.

With the right preparation and techniques, your homemade butter chicken allows you to enjoy this beloved dish any night of the week, transforming ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience.

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A classic Indian butter chicken recipe featuring tender chicken pieces in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 lb boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Cooked rice or naan for serving

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Instructions

1. In a medium-sized pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, stirring until fragrant.
2. Stir in garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder, cooking for about 1 minute.
3. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides.
4. Pour in the tomato sauce, reduce heat, and simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and yogurt, thickening the sauce. Season with salt and garnish with cilantro.
6. Serve with cooked rice or naan.

Notes

Marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for extra flavor. Adjust spice levels according to your preference.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: butter chicken, Indian cuisine, quick dinner, chicken recipe