Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken: An Irresistible Indian Delight 🍛🧈🔥
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a flavorful chicken delight that is both quick and easy to prepare, then the easy butter chicken recipe is perfect for you. This homemade Indian chicken dish offers a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce that is bursting with spices and tender chicken pieces. Whether you’re a busy weekday cook or a home chef looking to enjoy authentic Indian cuisine without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe makes a quick Indian meal that’s irresistibly delicious and simple to make. Let’s explore how to create this favorite Indian dish right at home, with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips for a perfect result.
2. Ingredients for the easy butter chicken recipe
- 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
3. Step-by-step instructions for the quick Indian meal
Preparation of the homemade Indian chicken marinade
In a bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
Sautéing the onion, garlic, and ginger
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Cooking the marinated chicken
Add the marinated chicken to the skillet, cooking until the pieces turn golden brown and are cooked through. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Preparing the rich tomato sauce
In the same skillet, add the tomato puree, stirring to combine with the remaining spices. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to develop a deep flavor. Add the remaining butter and stir until melted and well incorporated.
Combining chicken with the sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat evenly with the tomato sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust salt to taste.
Final touches and serving suggestions
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve this easy butter chicken hot with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread for a truly satisfying homemade Indian chicken masterpiece. For an authentic experience, consider pairing it with a side of creamy tomato tortellini or a fresh green salad to balance flavors and textures.
4. Storage tips for the homemade Indian chicken
Leftover butter chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. For best flavor, reheat slowly to preserve the creaminess and tenderness of the chicken. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months, making this quick Indian meal perfect for meal prepping.
5. Suggested serving options for a flavorful chicken delight
Pair your easy butter chicken recipe with fluffy basmati rice, flavorful pilafs, or soft naan bread. For a complete meal, serve with a side of creamy lemon alfredo or a refreshing cucumber raita. This homemade Indian chicken dish also pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or an Indian-inspired lentil dal for added nutrition and variety.
6. FAQs about the easy butter chicken recipe
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more tender and flavorful, making them an excellent choice for this easy butter chicken recipe. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
Q: Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is! Prepare in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners, or even for freezing for later use.
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative. Use vegan butter instead of dairy butter if you prefer a completely dairy-free version.
Q: How spicy is this butter chicken?
This easy butter chicken strikes a balance, but you can adjust the chili powder to make it milder or spicier according to your taste preferences.
7. Conclusion
In summary, this easy butter chicken recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful chicken delight that is both quick and simple to prepare. Perfect for a homemade Indian meal, it combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce that’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. Embrace the flavors of India with this irresistible and homemade Indian chicken recipe—your taste buds will thank you!
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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken: An Irresistible Indian Delight
Discover the quick & easy homemade butter chicken, an irresistible Indian delight that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This flavorful dish features tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce infused with spices, offering authentic Indian taste in under 30 minutes. Ideal for a satisfying family meal or entertaining guests, this recipe brings the warm, comforting flavors of India straight to your kitchen with simple ingredients and easy steps.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Add chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions until translucent. Add minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1 minute.
- Add marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, stir in tomato puree and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the remaining butter and stir until melted.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Pour in heavy cream, simmer for another 5 minutes until sauce thickens. Adjust salt to taste.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve hot with steamed rice or naan bread for a complete Indian meal.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for dairy-free options.
- Adjust spice levels by modifying chili powder according to your taste.
- For extra richness, add a splash of cream just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free (if served with gluten-free sides)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
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