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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
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Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken is a rich, creamy, and aromatic Indian-inspired dish featuring tender boneless chicken cooked in a velvety tomato and cream sauce infused with traditional spices. Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients, this comforting recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor perfect for weeknight dinners and family-friendly meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 500g boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder

Sauce

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish (Optional)

  • Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  • Extra cream for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Season the boneless chicken pieces with salt, chili powder, and turmeric. Let them marinate for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Tomato and Spice Sauce: In the same pan, add the remaining butter and sauté the finely chopped onions until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant. Add garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder, toasting the spices slightly to enhance their aroma.
  4. Combine and Simmer: Pour in the tomato puree and stir well to combine with the toasted spices. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes to thicken and develop flavor.
  5. Finish with Cream and Chicken: Return the browned chicken pieces to the pan, coating them thoroughly with the sauce. Stir in the heavy cream, then cook on low heat for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to become silky and the chicken to absorb all the flavors.
  6. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of cream if desired. Serve hot with basmati rice, naan, or vegetables.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken for even and quicker cooking.
  • Toast spices to unlock their full flavor and aroma.
  • Butter is preferred over oil for the signature richness.
  • Simmer gently after adding cream to avoid curdling.
  • Let the dish rest a few minutes before serving to meld the flavors.
  • Can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
  • For dairy-free version, use coconut milk and vegan butter.
  • Adjust chili powder to suit desired spice level.

Nutrition

Keywords: Butter Chicken, Indian Butter Chicken, Easy Butter Chicken, Quick Butter Chicken Recipe, Creamy Chicken Curry, Weeknight Dinner, Indian Cuisine, Gluten Free

Find it online: https://withnora.com/quick-easy-homemade-butter-chicken/