Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is a beloved dish that captures the essence of Indian cuisine right in your kitchen. This creamy and aromatic curry, featuring tender pieces of chicken enveloped in a rich, spiced sauce, invites you to savor each mouthful. The combination of succulent chicken, warm spices, and creamy texture creates a meal that feels indulgent yet is simple enough for any weeknight dinner. Making this dish at home not only fills your kitchen with incredible aromas but also brings joy to your table—it’s comfort food, and it’s quick and easy! This recipe will guide you through the step-by-step process of creating your version of butter chicken that your family will request time and time again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe is a game-changer. It’s not only a breeze to whip up but also incredibly satisfying. With minimal ingredients, this dish can easily fit into your busy life without compromising on flavor. You can prep it in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights or when you want to impress friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, kids love butter chicken, hence making this dish a great family-friendly option.

The balance of spices, garnished with fresh cilantro and paired with cooked rice or naan, elevates your dining experience. It’s a winning combination of flavors and textures in one pot, ensuring you gather around the table with smiles all around.

Ingredients for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and juicy pieces of chicken that absorb flavors beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Adds a rich, creamy texture that’s characteristic of authentic butter chicken.
• 1 onion, finely chopped: Sweetness from the onions balances the spices perfectly.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Provides a robust aromatic foundation that enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated: Adds warmth and a zingy freshness.
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes: Gives the dish its signature reddish hue and tanginess.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk: Creates the luscious, creamy texture every butter chicken craves.
• 1 teaspoon garam masala: The secret blend of Indian spices that gives butter chicken its signature flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a warm earthiness that complements the curry.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Offers mild sweetness and enhances the color.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for rounding out the dish.
• Fresh cilantro for garnish: Brightens up the dish with a pop of freshness.
• Optional: Cooked rice and vegetables for serving – the perfect accompaniment to soak up that delicious sauce!

Step-by-Step Directions for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

1. Prep the Chicken: Start by trimming and cutting 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and half of your spices to infuse them with flavor from the start.

2. Sauté the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and sauté until golden brown for about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Cook the Onions: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter. Once melted, toss in the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent, releasing its sweet aroma.

4. Add Garlic and Ginger: Next, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Stir them for about a minute to release their fragrant oils and infuse your base with great taste.

5. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, along with the remaining spices. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 8-10 minutes until it thickens, stirring occasionally.

6. Finish the Dish: Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk, and return the chicken to the skillet. Allow everything to simmer together for an additional 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully.

7. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken over fluffy rice or with warm naan to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tips & Tricks for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

• Chef’s Secret: Marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for a couple of hours prior to cooking; this enhances tenderness and flavor depth.
• Optional Extras: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or peas during the simmering step for added nutrition and color.
• Hacks for Speed: Use pre-chopped garlic, ginger, and onion to cut down on prep time significantly.
• Thicken the Sauce: For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer until desired consistency is reached, or mash some of the tomatoes while cooking.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

To create a beautiful presentation, serve your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken in a vibrant bowl, garnished generously with fresh cilantro. Side it with fluffy basmati rice that absorbs the sauce nicely or opt for warm, soft naan for dipping. Pair it with a simple cucumber salad or raita—a yogurt-based side that adds a cooling element to the rich curry. For a complete meal, offer a selection of vegetables, such as steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach, adding a healthy balance.

Nutritional Information for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

The nutritional benefits of this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken are impressive! Each serving is approximately 400 calories, packed with protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the butter and cream. Additionally, the tomatoes provide vitamins A and C, while spices like cumin and garam masala contribute to digestive health. However, if you’re mindful of calorie intake, consider substituting heavy cream with coconut milk, resulting in a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.

Storing Tips & Variations for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. To reheat, simply transfer to a skillet and warm gently over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. For variations, try using thighs instead of breasts for a juicier dish or incorporate other proteins like shrimp or tofu. Adding a squeeze of lemon before serving can brighten the dish’s flavors, giving it a delightful twist.

Conclusion for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Don’t wait to indulge in the amazing flavors and comforting qualities of Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken! This recipe puts a delicious, aromatic dish on your table in no time, making it the perfect choice for families or those looking to impress. Every bite carries you away to a bustling Indian kitchen, and best of all, you can share it with loved ones. Try it tonight, and enjoy a delightful meal that fits perfectly into your busy lifestyle!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just ensure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results.

2. Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?

Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or paneer for a delicious vegetarian version.

3. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Certainly! Butter chicken flavors deepen when allowed to sit. Make it ahead and reheat gently when ready to serve.

4. How spicy is this dish?

This dish is mildly spiced, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less garam masala and paprika to suit your preference.

5. What can I serve with butter chicken besides rice and naan?

You could serve it with quinoa for a healthier option, or enjoy it with flatbreads, like chapati or paratha, for a delightful twist!

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

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A creamy and aromatic curry featuring tender pieces of chicken enveloped in a rich, spiced sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Indian
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Optional: Cooked rice and vegetables for serving

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Instructions

1. Trim and cut chicken into bite-sized pieces; season them with salt, pepper, and half of the spices.
2. In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat and sauté the chicken until golden brown for 5-7 minutes, then remove from skillet.
3. Add another tablespoon of butter to the skillet and sauté chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
4. Add minced garlic and grated ginger; stir for about a minute.
5. Pour in the tomato sauce and remaining spices; simmer for 8-10 minutes until thickened.
6. Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk and return chicken to skillet; simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over rice or with naan.

Notes

Marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for enhanced flavor. Add vegetables for added nutrition.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

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