Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken: A Creamy Indian Delight 🍛🧈🔥
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a flavorful, comforting meal that comes together in no time, homemade butter chicken is the perfect choice. This quick Indian chicken recipe offers the authentic taste of Indian cuisine with a creamy curry chicken sauce, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or when hosting friends. With its velvety texture and aromatic spices, this quick butter chicken dish is sure to become a family favorite. Explore how to create this delicious and authentic dish, blending rich flavors with simplicity and speed.
2. Ingredients Needed for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 can (400g) tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparing Homemade Butter Chicken
**3.1. Prepare the Chicken**
Start by marinating the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt, turmeric, and chili powder for about 15 minutes. This enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
**3.2. Cook the Chicken**
In a large skillet or frying pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
**3.3. Sauté Aromatics**
In the same pan, add the remaining butter and sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
**3.4. Add Spices and Tomato**
Stir in garam masala, ground cumin, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook the spices with the aromatics for 1 minute to release their flavors. Then, pour in the tomato puree and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
**3.5. Finish the Creamy Curry Chicken**
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, mixing well. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and simmer for another 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Adjust salt to taste.
4. Storage Tips for Homemade Butter Chicken
Leftover homemade butter chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep it fresh, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream if needed to restore its creamy texture. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, ensure the dish is piping hot throughout to enjoy the best taste and safety.
5. Serving Suggestions for Your Quick Indian Chicken Dish
Serve your quick butter chicken with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread. To add a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped coriander on top. For an extra burst of flavor, consider pairing it with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad. For more irresistible pasta options, check out this creamy chicken garlic parmesan pasta.
6. Additional Resources and Kitchen Tools
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker – Perfect for preparing refreshing beverages alongside your meal.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Make prepping ingredients quick and easy.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker – Ideal for slower, more hands-off versions of this recipe.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Homemade Butter Chicken
What makes homemade butter chicken different from other chicken recipes?
Homemade butter chicken is distinct due to its rich, creamy tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, and turmeric. Its velvety texture and authentic flavors set it apart from typical chicken dishes.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative for a similar creamy texture. Ensure your spices and ingredients are also dairy-free for best results.
How long does homemade butter chicken last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, your homemade butter chicken will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. For extended storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months.
8. Conclusion
In summary, this quick Indian chicken recipe offers an easy way to enjoy homemade butter chicken with minimal effort. Combining tender chicken, aromatic spices, and creamy tomato sauce, this dish delivers authentic flavor in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it’s a definitive crowd-pleaser. For additional inspiration, explore other flavorful recipes like chicken and broccoli pasta or smothered chicken and rice. Enjoy your cooking journey and discover the joys of making delicious homemade butter chicken today!
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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Dairy-Free options available
Description
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is a creamy, flavorful Indian dish that combines tender chicken with a rich tomato and spice sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe offers an authentic taste of Indian cuisine with minimal effort. Enjoy a velvety curry, aromatic spices, and a quick preparation process that makes it a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 can (400g) tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Instructions
- Start by marinating the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt, turmeric, and chili powder for about 15 minutes.
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add remaining butter and sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook spices for 1 minute. Add tomato puree and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream. Return chicken to the sauce and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Adjust salt to taste.
Notes
- Use fresh coriander for garnish to enhance flavor and presentation.
- You can substitute coconut cream for dairy-free options.
- Serve with basmati rice or naan bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 430 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
