Butter Chicken Recipe

Butter chicken is a comforting dish that warms the heart and satisfies the tummy. Its creamy sauce wraps around tender pieces of chicken, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Many people love to enjoy butter chicken with rice or naan.

Why You Will Love This Homemade Butter Chicken

This butter chicken recipe is easy to make and is perfect for busy weeknights. It uses simple, fresh ingredients you can find in most kitchens. The dish is cozy and delicious, making it a favorite for family dinners. Best of all, it offers a wonderful balance of sweet and savory flavors that everyone will enjoy.

How to Make Butter Chicken

Making butter chicken is simple and fun! You marinate the chicken first, which makes it tender and flavorful. Next, you cook it with onions and garlic, then add a rich sauce. In just a few steps, you’ll have a lovely meal ready to serve.

What You Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty butter chicken:

• 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• ½ teaspoon curry powder
• 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 6 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon curry powder
• ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Naan bread
• Steamed rice

Step-by-Step

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix chicken, salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and yogurt. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until soft.
4. Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let it slightly simmer.
5. Season and Simmer: Add heavy cream, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and curry powder. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Finish with Butter: Add the cooked chicken back to the pan. Stir in the remaining butter for a glossy finish.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley if you like. Serve warm with naan bread and steamed rice.

How to Serve Butter Chicken

Butter chicken pairs wonderfully with warm naan bread and fluffy steamed rice. You can also serve it with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Lightly sprinkled chopped parsley on top makes for a lovely garnish.

How to Store Butter Chicken

To keep your butter chicken fresh, let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, make sure to use a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through.

Recipe Tips

• Marinate Longer: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
• Creamy Texture: Use heavy cream for a rich, creamy sauce.
• Adjust Spices: Feel free to tweak the spices according to your taste.
• Chicken Options: You can use boneless chicken breasts if you prefer.
• Spicy Twist: Add more cayenne for a spicier kick!

Variations & Swaps

• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for paneer or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
• Low-Fat Option: Use low-fat yogurt and milk instead of cream for a lighter sauce.
• Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach or peas to boost the nutrition.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make butter chicken ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge before serving.

Can I freeze leftover butter chicken?
Absolutely! It freezes well for up to three months in an airtight container.

How do I reheat butter chicken?
Gently reheat it on the stove over low heat until hot, stirring occasionally.

What can I serve with butter chicken?
Naan bread and steamed rice are great sides to enjoy with butter chicken.

What if I don’t have all the spices?
You can still make a tasty butter chicken with just the basics. Adjust according to what you have.

This homemade butter chicken is simple, tasty, and sure to bring joy to your table. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delightful dish with your loved ones!