Name: Easy Butter Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 teaspoon salt (for marinade); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon sweet paprika; 0.5 teaspoon curry powder (for marinade); 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 tablespoons butter (divided); 6 cloves garlic (minced); 1 medium onion (diced); 15 ounces tomato sauce (1 can); 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); 0.5 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups heavy cream; 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat); 1 teaspoon garam masala; 0.5 teaspoon curry powder (for sauce); 0.25 cup fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish); Naan bread; Steamed rice

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As you walk into your kitchen, the air fills with the fragrant aroma of spices and roasted chicken. The sizzling sounds commingling with the sweetness of garlic and onion set the stage for a comforting meal. My heart dances a little, as I recall the first time I made Easy Butter Chicken; it was one of those rainy evenings when nothing feels cozier than indulging in a warm, creamy dish. Each bite of tender chicken glistening in a rich, tomato cream sauce wraps you in a delightful embrace that’s hard to resist.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Easy Butter Chicken
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Easy Butter Chicken

With cozy evenings in mind, there’s something wonderful about preparing a home-cooked meal that transforms your dining table into a comforting oasis. Whether it’s a special family gathering or a simple dinner with friends, this Easy Butter Chicken recipe promises to shine. Trust me, you’ll want to stir together this fragrant dish and share it over good conversation and laughter.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: Creamy, spiced sauce envelops tender bites of chicken, making every mouthful a joy.
Eye-Catching Appeal: That warm orange hue not only looks delightful but is sure to impress anyone at your table.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it with naan, steamed rice, or even over a bed of quinoa for a fresh spin.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to be gluten-free; just swap in alternative yogurt or use corn starch for thickening.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and forgiving, these are perfect for a tender outcome. You could use chicken breasts, but thighs have more flavor and moisture.
1 teaspoon salt (for marinade): Essential for enhancing the chicken’s natural taste while it’s marinating.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds an extra depth of flavor without fresh garlic’s fussiness.
1 teaspoon sweet paprika: Offers a mild sweetness and beautiful color to the dish.
0.5 teaspoon curry powder (for marinade): Introduces a hint of earthiness and warmth; feel free to use your favorite curry blend.
1 tablespoon Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and helps tenderize the chicken.
3 tablespoons vegetable oil: Utilized for sautéing the chicken evenly; olive oil could work but may give a different flavor.
3 tablespoons butter (divided): Creates a rich, silky sauce; using unsalted lets you control the saltiness.
6 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic truly makes a difference, infusing the dish with a fragrant scent.
1 medium onion (diced): Sweet and aromatic, it forms the flavorful base of your sauce.
15 ounces tomato sauce (1 can): Provides the tomato foundation; sanitizes the kitchen with its warmth and aromatic essence.
1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): Always important to enhance the dish to your liking.
0.5 teaspoon black pepper: A little kick and depth to the sauce.
2 cups heavy cream: Makes the sauce creamy and luscious; you could substitute coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat): Adjust this to your heat preference; it adds that extra zing!
1 teaspoon garam masala: That quintessential Indian spice blend, bringing a warm aromatic finish.
0.5 teaspoon curry powder (for sauce): To enhance the dish’s depth and flavor profile.
0.25 cup fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish): Brightens the dish with color and a fresh note.
Naan bread: Best for scooping up the creamy sauce; every bite feels like an adventure!
Steamed rice: A classic pairing to soak up all that delicious sauce.

How to Make Easy Butter Chicken

Marinate Chicken: Start by placing the chicken chunks in a medium bowl. Sprinkle in the salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, and curry powder. Add the Greek yogurt and mix well until all the chicken is evenly coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare your other ingredients; this step is key to infusing flavor and tenderness.

Cook the Chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken to the hot oil, cooking for 8 to 10 minutes. You want those edges to turn golden brown and the chicken to be cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, leaving the flavorful oil in the pan.

Sauté Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium, then toss in 1 tablespoon of butter. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this adds amazing flavor! Add in the minced garlic and diced onion, seasoned with a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, around 4 to 5 minutes.

Add Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle in the sugar, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together before adding the previously cooked chicken back into the skillet. Mix it well and then pour in the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce transforms into a beautiful orange hue.

Spice it Up: To elevate your dish, add the cayenne pepper if desired, along with garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce over low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen and develop. Remember to taste and adjust the salt as needed at this stage.

Finish the Sauce: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter, letting it melt into the sauce for that velvety finish. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and brightness before serving.

Serve: It’s time to gather your nearest and dearest! Serve the **Easy Butter Chicken** hot with warm naan bread or a bowl of steamed rice. Enjoy the delightful flavors with great company!

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftovers of this delightful dish, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours. If you need to refrigerate, it can last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. For maximum freshness, consider freezing the butter chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Keep in mind the sauce may thicken after freezing, so add a splash of cream or broth to refresh its creamy texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the chicken, as it can become tough; aim for a juicy consistency.
For best results with spices, ensure they are fresh—this enhances your dish tremendously.
Timing is key; prepare your ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Don’t skip the butter at the end; it’s essential for that silky sauce texture.
Feel free to scale the recipe for larger gatherings or simply for leftovers the next day!

As you savor your homemade Easy Butter Chicken, remember to explore different spices or maybe add veggies like peas or bell peppers next time! The beauty of cooking lies in experimentation. I hope this dish finds a cozy place in your heart and kitchen, sparking joy with every bite. Enjoy every moment of this culinary creation!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as they may cook a bit faster. Breasts can also be slightly drier, so be sure not to overcook them.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free twist. Just keep in mind that the texture and richness will vary a bit, but still delicious!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Certainly! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and simply cook the chicken when you are ready to serve. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What should I serve with Easy Butter Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with naan bread and steamed rice. You can also serve it with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the meal. Enjoy it however feels right for you!