Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

If you’re craving a rich, creamy, and comforting dish that’s full of flavor, look no further than this Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe. With tender chicken simmered in a buttery, tomato-based sauce that’s spiced just right, this dish feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s one of those meals that’s perfect for everything—from a cozy dinner at home to impressing your friends at a dinner party. Plus, it’s easier to make than you might think! Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it again and again. Ready to dive in?

Why You’ll Love Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

There’s a lot to love about this dish. Here’s why it’s one you’ll keep coming back to:

Flavor-Packed

The creamy tomato sauce is rich, smooth, and bursting with flavor. Thanks to the blend of Indian spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander, it’s just the right balance of savory and aromatic, without being too spicy.

Comfort Food at Its Best

Tender chicken pieces, simmered in a silky, buttery sauce—what’s not to love? It’s the perfect meal for those nights when you’re craving something filling, satisfying, and delicious.

Quick and Easy

This butter chicken recipe is surprisingly simple and comes together in under an hour. No need for complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—just a few pantry staples and a few steps, and you’re golden.

Versatile

This dish pairs perfectly with everything from naan and rice to a simple salad. Plus, if you want to make it a little lighter, you can swap in some cauliflower or vegetables for a vegetarian version!

Ingredients

For this easy butter chicken, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients that combine to make a wonderfully rich and flavorful dish:

Chicken Breasts or Thighs

Boneless, skinless chicken works best for this recipe. The chicken pieces soak up all that delicious sauce while staying tender and juicy.

Butter

The key to the name! Butter adds richness and smoothness to the sauce, making every bite melt in your mouth.

Heavy Cream

This is what gives the sauce its dreamy texture. Heavy cream helps balance the spices and creates that comforting, creamy goodness we all love.

Tomatoes

Crushed tomatoes form the base of the sauce and bring in a bit of tanginess that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the butter and cream.

Garlic and Ginger

These aromatic ingredients provide a flavorful base for the sauce. Their natural sweetness and depth add complexity to the dish.

Spices

The mix of garam masala, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder gives the sauce its distinct flavor profile. Don’t worry, it’s not too spicy—it’s all about flavor here!

Fresh Cilantro

Garnish with fresh cilantro to add a pop of freshness and color. It brightens up the dish and balances the richness.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make your own butter chicken from scratch:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder. Stir everything together, allowing the spices to bloom in the sauce for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Simmer

Add the cream to the sauce and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then return the chicken to the skillet. Let everything simmer together for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is tender and the sauce is velvety, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Serve your butter chicken with rice, naan, or any side of your choice!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Fat: [Fat per serving]
Carbohydrates: [Carb per serving]
Protein: [Protein per serving]
Sodium: [Sodium per serving]
Fiber: [Fiber per serving]
Sugar: [Sugar per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Pair your homemade butter chicken with these sides to elevate your meal:

Naan Bread

Soft, pillowy naan bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce. You can even make garlic naan to give your meal an extra boost of flavor.

Steamed Rice

Plain basmati rice is a classic choice that complements the richness of the butter chicken. You can also serve it with a fragrant saffron rice for a more aromatic touch.

Roasted Vegetables

A side of roasted vegetables, such as cauliflower, carrots, or zucchini, balances out the richness of the butter chicken while adding some color to the plate.

Fresh Salad

A simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with a light vinaigrette will help cut through the richness and add a refreshing touch to your meal.

Additional Tips

Use Chicken Thighs

For even juicier and more flavorful butter chicken, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They add a bit more richness to the dish.

Spice Level Adjustments

If you want to turn up the heat, feel free to add more chili powder or even some fresh chopped green chilies. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder to your taste.

Make It in the Slow Cooker

For a hands-off version, you can make this butter chicken in the slow cooker. Simply sauté the garlic and ginger, then add everything (including the chicken) to the slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours before adding the cream and finishing the sauce.

Make It Ahead

This butter chicken actually gets better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Add Vegetables

To sneak in some veggies, consider adding peas, spinach, or bell peppers to the sauce. They’ll soak up all the delicious flavors without overpowering the dish.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of meat for butter chicken?
A1: Yes! You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, or even try lamb or paneer for a different take on the dish.

Q2: Can I make butter chicken without cream?
A2: You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option. It will still be rich and creamy but with a slightly different flavor.

Q3: Can I freeze butter chicken?
A3: Yes, butter chicken freezes well! Just store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat it gently on the stovetop when ready to enjoy.

Q4: How do I make the sauce spicier?
A4: Add extra chili powder or even fresh green chilies for some heat. Adjust the spice level to your preference.

Q5: Can I use store-bought curry paste instead of spices?
A5: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought curry paste. Look for a good-quality butter chicken or tikka masala paste and follow the same process.

Q6: How can I make butter chicken healthier?
A6: You can lighten up this dish by using low-fat cream or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. You can also add more veggies to balance out the richness.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Q8: Can I make this recipe without butter?
A8: Butter is key to the flavor, but if you prefer, you can use ghee (clarified butter) for a more authentic taste or even olive oil as a lighter substitute.

Q9: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A9: Yes! Use tofu or chickpeas in place of chicken, and substitute coconut cream for heavy cream. You can also skip the butter and use olive oil or coconut oil.

Q10: Can I use frozen chicken?
A10: It’s best to thaw the chicken before cooking for the best texture and flavor, but if you’re using frozen chicken, just make sure it’s fully cooked through before serving.

Conclusion

This Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe is all about big flavors and rich textures, and it’s surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this dish will impress every time. Serve it up with rice and naan, and you’ve got yourself a comforting, indulgent meal that will make everyone at the table smile. Enjoy!

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