Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Butter chicken, or murgh makhani, is a beloved dish hailing from the Indian subcontinent that’s known for its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken. This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe captures all the traditional flavors that make the dish so irresistible while being accessible for even the busiest home cooks. It’s perfect for weekday dinners, cozy family gatherings, or impressing friends who are new to the world of Indian cuisine. Your kitchen will be filled with mouth-watering aromas, and with each bite, everyone from kids to adults will be asking for seconds!

What makes this dish truly special is its creamy tomato base, enriched with fragrant spices and a touch of sweetness, creating a comforting blend that tantalizes the taste buds. Plus, it pairs beautifully with naan bread and steamed rice, making it a complete meal that offers both comfort and satisfaction. You’ll love how quickly this recipe comes together, allowing you to indulge in a restaurant-quality experience right in your own home.

"This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked."

Ingredients

• 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

"Gather your ingredients for a delicious homemade butter chicken."

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

2. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, and additional curry powder. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.

4. In another pan, cook the marinated chicken over medium heat until browned and cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes. Ensure the chicken is no longer pink in the center.

5. Add the cooked chicken to the simmering sauce. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

6. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice for a delightful meal.

Tips & Variations

• Ingredient substitutions: You can replace chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time as breasts may cook faster. For a vegetarian alternative, consider using paneer or chickpeas.
• Optional variations: For extra depth of flavor, add roasted cashews or almonds to the sauce. You can also experiment with adding vegetables like peas or spinach for added nutrition.
• Storage or reheating tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce as needed.

Recipe Information

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Difficulty level: Easy

"Enjoy this scrumptious homemade butter chicken with the perfect accompaniments!"