Easy Butter Chicken
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of Easy Butter Chicken wafting through the kitchen—a luxurious blend of spices and cream that hugs tender morsels of chicken thighs, making hearts flutter with joy. The vibrant orange hue of the sauce is as inviting as its scent, promising a rich and satisfying experience. Whether on a chilly evening or a gathering with friends, this dish warms not just the body, but the soul. I remember the first time I made butter chicken for my family; their smiles and happy chatter filled the room, making this flavor-packed dish a cherished staple on our dinner table.
Table of Contents
As you dive into the world of making Easy Butter Chicken, you’ll feel the thrill of spices coming together and the satisfaction of creating something that tastes like it belongs in a restaurant. The creamy sauce, rich with tomatoes and spices, feels like a warm hug. Ready in just 45 minutes, this dish is the perfect choice for any occasion. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s create something delicious together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This dish comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor: The creamy, spiced sauce is both comforting and indulgent, making every bite a delight.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant color of the sauce creates an impressive presentation that’s sure to wow your guests.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect served with naan, steamed rice, or even on its own for a hearty snack.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free needs by ensuring your yogurt and naan are certified gluten-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: Cut into bite-sized chunks for quick cooking; they stay juicy compared to chicken breasts.
- 1 teaspoon salt (for marinade): Enhances the chicken’s flavor and helps tenderize it.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory depth to the marinade.
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika: Provides a subtle sweetness and beautiful color.
- 0.5 teaspoon curry powder (for marinade): Introduces aromatic spices for a deeper flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt: A creamy base for the marinade, keeping the chicken moist.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for high-heat cooking, it adds flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided): Ensures a rich, smooth finish to the sauce.
- 6 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic adds a burst of flavor and aroma when sautéed.
- 1 medium onion (diced): Offers sweetness and a base for the sauce’s texture.
- 15 ounces tomato sauce (1 can): Sweet and tart, forms the foundation of the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances depth.
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): Essential for controlling flavor profiles.
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of warmth.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Creates that luxuriously smooth and creamy sauce.
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat): Spice it up to your taste preference!
- 1 teaspoon garam masala: A warm spice blend, it adds complexity and a beautiful aroma.
- 0.5 teaspoon curry powder (for sauce): Reinforces the flavor profile without overpowering it.
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish): Fresh parsley brightens the dish visually and contrasts the richness.
- Naan bread: Perfect for scooping up the buttery sauce.
- Steamed rice: A traditional pairing to soak up all that delicious sauce.
How to Make Easy Butter Chicken
Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken chunks with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix thoroughly until the chicken is well-coated. Let this marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients—this step infuses flavor and keeps the chicken moist when cooked.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside; leave that flavorful oil in the pan to sauté the aromatics.
Sauté the Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, adding a splash of water if necessary to deglaze. Toss in the minced garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt, sautéing until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell heavenly at this point!
Add the Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce along with the teaspoon of sugar—this will balance the acidity beautifully. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes before adding the chicken back into the skillet. Stir everything together, and then gently pour in the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce turns a vibrant orange, signaling that the magic is happening.
Season the Sauce: If you like a kick, sprinkle in the cayenne pepper now, along with the garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing all those wonderful spices to meld together beautifully. Taste and adjust the salt as needed. You’re creating something special here!
Finish the Sauce: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter right at the end. Watch as it melts into the sauce, creating a silky finish that you won’t be able to resist tasting. If desired, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness.
Serve: Serve your delicious creation hot, accompanied by warm naan or fluffy steamed rice. Whether you’re sharing this dish with family or treating yourself, this **Easy Butter Chicken** is destined to become a favorite.
Storing & Reheating
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be a challenge!), let the butter chicken cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a suitable container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of cream if the sauce is too thick. The flavors may mellow a bit, but it’s still going to taste amazing!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Always marinate the chicken. This not only infuses flavor but also keeps the meat tender and juicy.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken during the sautéing step; it should be juicy and just cooked all the way through.
- To enhance flavor, feel free to add a pinch of fenugreek leaves or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
- If desired, you can scale the spice level by adjusting the cayenne pepper according to your taste.
- Make it a day ahead! The flavors deepen beautifully when allowed to sit overnight in the fridge.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving to cook, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can work just as well. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster than thighs.
What can I serve with butter chicken?
Naan bread and steamed rice are classics and pair wonderfully with the sauce. For a healthier option, try serving it with quinoa or a fresh salad to lighten up the meal.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the chicken with paneer or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. You might want to sauté the chickpeas to enhance their flavor before adding them to the sauce.
How spicy is this butter chicken?
The spice level can vary considerably based on your preference! The base recipe has a mild heat, but you can add cayenne pepper to taste. If you’re concerned about spice, start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
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📖 Recipe Card
Easy Butter Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This Easy Butter Chicken is a delightful combination of tender chicken thighs, creamy tomato sauce, and aromatic spices, making it a perfect choice for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions. Prepare in just 45 minutes for a delicious meal that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt (for marinade)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon curry powder (for marinade)
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 15 ounces tomato sauce (1 can)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 0.5 teaspoon curry powder (for sauce)
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)
- Naan bread
- Steamed rice
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and yogurt for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Set aside.
- Sauté minced garlic and diced onion until translucent in the same skillet.
- Add tomato sauce and sugar, letting it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet, pour in heavy cream, and stir until the sauce is vibrant orange.
- Add cayenne pepper, garam masala, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in remaining butter at the end for a silky sauce. Serve hot with naan or rice.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
For a gluten-free version, ensure to use certified gluten-free yogurt and naan bread.
This dish tastes even better the next day! Prepare ahead of time for deeper flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 675
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 27g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
