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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 and creamy Indian classic ready in under 30 minutes. Featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce enriched with butter, cream, and aromatic spices, this recipe balances authentic taste with simplicity, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Marinade

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

Sauce & Flavor Base

  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp oil or ghee
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp garlic and ginger paste
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 200ml tomato puree
  • 150ml heavy cream or yogurt (Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Lightly season with salt, turmeric, and chili powder to infuse initial flavor. This quick marinade helps the chicken taste vibrant once cooked.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they turn lightly golden but not fully cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Ginger: In the same pan, add butter and sauté finely chopped onions until translucent. Stir in garlic and ginger paste, cooking until fragrant to build a flavorful base.
  4. Add Spices and Tomato Puree: Mix in garam masala, chili powder, and turmeric, toasting them briefly to release their aromas. Pour in the tomato puree, and simmer the mixture to deepen the sauce’s flavor and thicken slightly.
  5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the pan, coating it well in the sauce. Let it simmer for around 8-10 minutes to fully cook the chicken and blend the flavors beautifully.
  6. Stir in Cream and Finish: Lower the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream or yogurt, warming through without boiling to avoid curdling. Adjust salt and sweetness as needed, then remove from heat.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more tender results than breasts.
  • Cook chicken just until done during the first sauté to keep it juicy.
  • Toast spices briefly in oil or butter to unlock their full flavor.
  • Let the sauce simmer gently, allowing flavors to marry without boiling.
  • When using yogurt instead of cream, add it off the heat to prevent splitting.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter chicken, quick butter chicken, easy indian recipe, creamy chicken curry, weeknight dinner, Indian cuisine

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