Rich & Creamy Homemade Butter Chicken

Rich & Creamy Homemade Butter Chicken: A Soul-Soothing Delight 🍛🧈✨

1. Introduction

Welcome to the ultimate guide to making authentic homemade butter chicken. This easy butter chicken recipe combines tender chicken in a luscious, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for a comforting dinner. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cook, this quick butter chicken dish will become a household favorite. The rich spices and creamy tomato base make this dish irresistible, and it’s surprisingly simple to prepare from scratch.

2. Ingredients for Delicious Homemade Butter Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp butter or ghee
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to spice preference)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Homemade Butter Chicken

Preparing the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken with a pinch of salt, some garam masala, and a little lemon juice if desired. For more flavor, you can let it sit for 30 minutes.

Sautéing the Spices and Aromatics

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing until fragrant. Then, stir in the spices: garam masala, turmeric, cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Cook for about 1 minute to release their aroma.

Cooking the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until they are browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Ensure they are cooked through and well-coated with the spice mixture.

Adding Tomatoes and Cream

Pour in the tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, stir in the heavy cream, cooking for another 5 minutes until the sauce is rich and creamy. Adjust the seasoning with salt as needed.

Final Touches

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a dollop of yogurt or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

4. Storage Tips for Leftover Homemade Butter Chicken

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to revive the sauce. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 2 months.

5. Serving Suggestions for Perfect Homemade Butter Chicken

This flavorful butter chicken pairs beautifully with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh side salad for a complete meal. For a quick side dish, check out our 30-minute creamy rotel pasta with ground beef.

6. FAQs About Homemade Butter Chicken

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well in this recipe, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful after cooking. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How long does it take to prepare homemade butter chicken?

From start to finish, it takes approximately 40-45 minutes, making it an ideal quick butter chicken option for weeknights.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, simply increase the amount of chili powder or add fresh chopped chili peppers to intensify the heat.

7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe

• CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: Perfect for sautéing and simmering, this nonstick set ensures easy cleanup and even heating.
• Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker: Chill drinks or cool ingredients quickly to streamline your cooking process.
• Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Chop vegetables or prepare ingredients with ease to save time.
• KitchenAid Classic Iconic Stand Mixer: Mix spices or prepare sauces effortlessly for a professional touch.

8. Conclusion

Making homemade butter chicken is easier than you might think, and it guarantees a fresh, flavorful dish every time. With aromatic spices, tender chicken, and a creamy sauce, this recipe offers comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this delicious butter chicken will surely impress. Don’t forget to explore our other recipes for more inspiring dinner ideas.

9. Call to Action

Ready to elevate your cooking experience? Check out some of these versatile kitchen tools, like the Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker or the CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set, to make your cooking smoother and more enjoyable. Happy cooking!

Rich & Creamy Homemade Butter Chicken

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Discover how to make rich and creamy homemade butter chicken with this easy, authentic recipe. Perfectly tender chicken simmered in a flavorful tomato and spice sauce, finished with luscious cream. Ideal for a comforting dinner that impresses family and friends alike.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp butter or ghee
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to spice preference)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Start by marinating the chicken with a pinch of salt, garam masala, and lemon juice if desired. Let sit for 30 minutes for added flavor.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté until fragrant. Stir in the spices: garam masala, turmeric, cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Cook for about 1 minute.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes, ensuring even coating with spices.
4. Pour in the tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, stir in the heavy cream and cook for another 5 minutes until the sauce is rich and creamy. Adjust salt to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot. Optionally, add a dollop of yogurt or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.

Notes

• For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or dairy-free cream alternative.
• Using chicken thighs results in more juiciness and flavor compared to breasts.
• For spicier heat, increase chili powder or add chopped fresh chili peppers.

• Author: Serena Miller
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian-inspired
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 520 kcal Kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg