Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Creamy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe for flavorful weeknight dinners 🍛🧈🔥

1. Introduction

If you’re craving a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish for a weeknight dinner, look no further than this butter chicken recipe. Also known as homemade butter chicken, this dish combines tender chicken simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce infused with spices and butter, making it the perfect fusion of spice and creaminess. With quick preparation and simple ingredients, this easy butter chicken will become a staple in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe promises a delicious, restaurant-style experience in your own kitchen.

2. Ingredients Needed for the Creamy Butter Chicken

• 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or pureed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Butter Chicken

Preparing the Chicken

In a large skillet or pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Making the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the spices: garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder, and cook for 30 seconds to release their flavors.

Combining Elements

Add the tomato sauce to the spice mixture, stirring well. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to develop flavor. Then, reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it evenly with the sauce. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to meld the flavors together.

Final Touches

Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Serve hot over steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread for an authentic experience.

4. Storage Tips for Leftover Butter Chicken

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until hot or warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water if necessary to restore creaminess. For longer storage, you can freeze the butter chicken for up to a month—just reheat thoroughly before serving.

5. Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

Pair this quick butter chicken with fluffy basmati rice or garlic naan for a satisfying meal. To add some greens, serve alongside a simple cucumber raita or a fresh salad. You can also transform leftovers into wraps or salads for lunch the next day.

6. FAQs About Creamy Butter Chicken

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a delicious dairy-free version. The dish will still be rich and flavorful.

How long does it take to prepare and cook?

This recipe takes approximately 40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs provide more flavor and stay tender even if cooked a bit longer. They’re a great alternative for this easy butter chicken recipe.

7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe

Investing in the right kitchen tools can make your cooking experience more enjoyable and efficient. Consider adding these essential tools:

• CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – This high-quality cookware set ensures easy cooking and cleaning for your butter chicken and other dishes.
• Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker – While primarily for drinks, this versatile team can help prep ingredients so you can focus on your dish.
• Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker – Perfect for making larger batches or slow-cooking chicken for extra tenderness.

8. Related Recipes to Enhance Your Cooking Skills

• Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice Delight
• Creamy One-Pan Meat and Potato Skillet
• Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

9. Conclusion

Today, you’ve learned how to make a delicious and creamy homemade butter chicken—a perfect meal for weeknights that combines ease, flavor, and comfort. With its rich spices, tender chicken, and velvety sauce, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Don’t forget to explore related recipes for more culinary inspiration and invest in quality kitchen tools to elevate your cooking experience. Enjoy your flavorful butter chicken with loved ones and make every dinner special!

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