Easy Homemade Butter Chicken That Beats Takeout Every Time

Butter chicken is a beloved dish that brings together incredible flavor combinations in a creamy, rich sauce. The tender pieces of chicken are enveloped in a luscious tomato-based sauce, accented with warm spices and a hint of sweetness. This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners, festive gatherings, or whenever you crave a little taste of comfort. As you serve this golden-hued delight, it’s hard not to admire its vibrant appearance, making it a feast for the eyes before it even hits the palate.

Imagine the aroma of spices dancing in the air as you cook this dish, making your kitchen feel warm and inviting. The creamy texture paired with the buttery sauce creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave everyone coming back for seconds. In this article, you’ll learn how to make an easy homemade butter chicken that’s sure to impress your family or guests. Let’s dive into this delicious culinary journey!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fresh ingredients ensure vibrant, authentic flavors.
2. Easy preparation allows both beginners and seasoned cooks to shine.
3. Nutritious options keep you feeling good while enjoying rich flavors.
4. Versatile enough to pair with rice, naan, or salads, catering to various tastes.
5. Gorgeous presentation makes it perfect for entertaining or special occasions.

You’ll love how approachable and delightful this recipe is!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total time: 40 minutes
• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes

Note that times may vary.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs (The tender and juicy base of this dish, ideal for soaking up all the robust flavors.)
• 1 teaspoon salt (Essential for enhancing the overall taste; you can use less for a low-sodium option.)
• 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt (Adds tanginess and helps tenderize the chicken; plain yogurt is a suitable substitute.)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (Provides depth of flavor; fresh garlic can be used for a more vibrant kick.)
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika (Brings a mild sweetness and beautiful color; replace with smoked paprika for added smokiness.)
• 0.5 teaspoon curry powder (Introduces warmth and spice; feel free to adjust according to your heat preference.)
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (Perfect for searing the chicken evenly; olive oil is a healthier alternative.)
• 3 tablespoons butter (Adds a rich, luscious flavor to the sauce; keep some for finishing.)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (Forms the aromatic base; add more if you’re a garlic lover!)
• 1 medium onion, diced (Offers sweetness and aroma; yellow onion is recommended for a mild taste.)
• 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce (Creates the rich sauce; homemade puree can be a lovely alternative.)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (Balances out the acidity of the tomatoes; omit or replace with honey for savory variants.)
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (Adds peppery heat; adjust to your taste.)
• 2 cups heavy cream (Ensures a creamy and indulgent texture; half-and-half can be a lighter choice.)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (Adds a burst of color and freshness; parsley can substitute for a different flavor.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine chicken thighs, salt, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, and curry powder. Mix well and let marinate for 15 minutes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, melt butter. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sauté until onions are soft and translucent.
4. Pour in the tomato sauce and add sugar and black pepper. Stir until combined and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Reduce heat and add heavy cream. Mix well, then return the chicken to the pan, simmering for another 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Finish with fresh cilantro on top and enjoy!

How to Serve

1. Present in a beautiful bowl, garnished with cilantro for a pop of color.
2. Serve with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan for dipping.
3. Portions can be generous, perfect for sharing with family or friends.
4. Pair with a refreshing drink like mango lassi or a crisp salad.

This dish is sure to impress everyone at the table!

Additional Tips

• For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight for deeper taste.
• Customize the heat level by adjusting the curry powder or adding chili flakes.
• Try serving with roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal that’s still satisfying.

Recipe Variations

1. Butter Chicken with Vegetables: Add bell peppers and peas for a colorful twist.
2. Spicy Butter Chicken: Increase the amount of curry powder and add chili sauce for a kick.
3. Coconut Butter Chicken: Substitute half the heavy cream with coconut milk for a tropical flair.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: For best results, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Special Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Non-stick skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Meat thermometer (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
   Yes, frozen chicken can be used! Just ensure it’s fully thawed before marinating or cooking.

2. Is this recipe healthy?
   While butter chicken is rich, using lighter creams and controlled portions can make it a mindful choice.

3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day before and store it in the fridge, then cook it fresh when ready.

4. Can I customize the flavors?
   Definitely! Feel free to add more spices or herbs to suit your taste.

5. What are some alternative cooking methods?
   This dish can also be made in a slow cooker for a hands-off approach, simmering for 4 hours on low.

Conclusion

This easy homemade butter chicken is a delightful blend of flavors, creamy texture, and simple cooking steps that anyone can master. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, providing a comforting, satisfying meal. With fresh ingredients and the promise of amazing taste, you’ll want to make this dish again and again! Don’t hesitate to give it a try and impress your loved ones!

Butter Chicken

A creamy, rich butter chicken dish enveloped in a luscious tomato-based sauce with warm spices and a hint of sweetness, perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs Ideal for soaking up all the robust flavors.
• 1 teaspoon salt Essential for enhancing the overall taste; use less for a low-sodium option.
• 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt Adds tanginess and helps tenderize the chicken; plain yogurt is a suitable substitute.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder Provides depth of flavor; fresh garlic can be used for a more vibrant kick.
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika Brings a mild sweetness and beautiful color; replace with smoked paprika for added smokiness.
• 0.5 teaspoon curry powder Introduces warmth and spice; adjust according to your heat preference.
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil Perfect for searing the chicken evenly; olive oil is a healthier alternative.
• 3 tablespoons butter Adds a rich, luscious flavor to the sauce; keep some for finishing.
• 6 cloves garlic, minced Forms the aromatic base.
• 1 medium onion, diced Offers sweetness and aroma; yellow onion is recommended for a mild taste.
• 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce Creates the rich sauce; homemade puree can be a lovely alternative.
• 1 teaspoon sugar Balances out the acidity of the tomatoes; omit or replace with honey for savory variants.
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper Adds peppery heat; adjust to your taste.
• 2 cups heavy cream Ensures a creamy and indulgent texture; half-and-half can be a lighter choice.
• Fresh cilantro, chopped Adds a burst of color and freshness; parsley can substitute for a different flavor.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, combine chicken thighs, salt, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, and curry powder. Mix well and let marinate for 15 minutes.

Cooking

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, melt butter. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sauté until onions are soft and translucent.
3. Pour in the tomato sauce and add sugar and black pepper. Stir until combined and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Reduce heat and add heavy cream. Mix well, then return the chicken to the pan, simmering for another 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Finish with fresh cilantro on top and enjoy!

Notes

Marinating the chicken overnight allows for deeper flavors. Adjust the heat level to your taste with curry powder or chili flakes. This dish pairs beautifully with rice or naan.