There is something truly magical about the aroma of a simmering pot of curry filling up your kitchen on a chilly evening. You know the feeling when you just want something warm and comforting?
Finding the perfect butter chicken recipe can feel like a big task because everyone has their own version. But honestly this one is so simple and hits all the right spots for flavor.
Whether you are looking for Easy Meals To Make For Dinner or you just want to treat yourself to something special this dish is a winner. It is creamy and rich without being too hard.
I remember the first time I tried making this at home and I was worried it would be too complex. It turns out that you do not need a professional kitchen to make it happen.
This recipe is great for beginners who are just starting out with Trying New Recipes. It uses basic pantry staples and some fresh chicken to create something that feels very fancy and high quality.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You are going to love this butter chicken recipe because it is incredibly forgiving. You do not have to be a master chef to get that smooth and velvety sauce that everyone loves.
It fits perfectly into a Healthy Dinners Aesthetic when you serve it with a side of fresh steamed vegetables. The balance of spices and cream makes it feel like a huge hug.
Another reason to love it is how well it works for Food For Family. Even picky eaters usually enjoy the mild and slightly sweet flavor of the tomato and cream base.
If you are looking for Dishes Ideas that look impressive but take minimal effort this is the one. It looks like one of those Beautiful Meals you see on social media.
It is also a fantastic choice for Solo Dinner Ideas because the leftovers taste even better the next day. You can make a big batch and enjoy it for lunch tomorrow.
Honestly this has become My Favourite Food to cook when I want to impress guests without spending hours standing over a hot stove. It is just so reliable every time.
The chicken thighs stay juicy and tender which is a big plus. Using yogurt in the marinade helps tenderize the meat so it practically melts in your mouth with every single bite.
You can adjust the heat level easily too. If you like it spicy add more cayenne but if you prefer it mild just stick to the basic spices for a kid friendly version.
It is a versatile dish that pairs perfectly with fluffy rice or warm bread. There is nothing better than dipping a piece of naan into that thick and golden orange sauce.
This recipe is a staple in my house for a reason. It is fast enough for a Tuesday night but tasty enough for a Saturday dinner party with your closest friends.
Ingredients
To start your butter chicken recipe you will need to gather a few key items. Most of these are likely already in your spice cabinet or pantry which is very convenient.
- 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
These ingredients are the foundation for one of the best Chicken Food Ideas you will ever try. Each spice plays a role in building that deep and complex flavor profile.
Using chicken thighs is highly recommended because they are much more flavorful than breasts. They also do not dry out as quickly during the simmering process which is very important.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1 Marinate The Chicken
First you want to get your chicken ready. In a medium sized bowl mix the chicken chunks with salt garlic powder paprika curry powder and that creamy Greek yogurt.
The yogurt is the secret to making the meat tender. Cover the bowl with some plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes or longer.
If you have more time letting it marinate for an hour will really help the spices soak in. This is a crucial step for a great butter chicken recipe at home.
Step 2 Prepare The Butter Chicken Sauce
While the chicken is resting you can start on the sauce. In a large skillet or pan heat up the vegetable oil and one tablespoon of the butter over medium heat.
Add your diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté them until they are soft and smell amazing. You want the onions to be translucent but not burnt.
Now pour in the tomato sauce sugar salt black pepper and heavy cream. Stir in the cayenne pepper garam masala and the rest of the curry powder for that classic taste.
Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes. You will see it start to thicken and turn a beautiful orange color. This is the heart of your Beautiful Meals.
Step 3 Cook The Chicken
In a separate pan cook the marinated chicken pieces. You want to use a bit of oil and cook them over medium high heat until they are browned on all sides.
Make sure the chicken is cooked all the way through before moving on. The browning adds a nice layer of flavor that really enhances the final dish in the end.
Do not crowd the pan too much or the chicken will steam instead of browning. Cook it in batches if you need to for the best results and texture.
Step 4 Combine Chicken And Sauce
Now it is time to bring everything together. Carefully add your cooked chicken pieces into the simmering sauce. Stir them in so every piece is well coated in the cream.
Add the remaining two tablespoons of butter and stir until it melts into the sauce. This adds that signature richness and glossy finish that makes this My Favourite Food.
Let everything simmer together for just a few more minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to soak up some of that delicious tomato and cream sauce.
Step 5 Serve
Your meal is almost ready to eat. Garnish the pan with some freshly chopped parsley if you like a bit of green and extra freshness on top of your dish.
Serve it hot alongside some fluffy steamed rice and warm naan bread. This is one of those Easy Meals To Make For Dinner that feels like a feast.
The bread is perfect for scooping up every last drop of the sauce. It is a satisfying and filling meal that will leave everyone at the table very happy.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers you are in luck. This butter chicken recipe stores incredibly well and actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to develop overnight.
Place the cooled curry in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three or four days. It is great for a quick lunch later.
When you are ready to eat it again just reheat it on the stove over low heat. You might need to add a splash of water or cream to loosen it.
You can also freeze this dish for up to two months. Just make sure to use a freezer safe container to prevent any freezer burn from ruining the sauce.
Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. It is one of the best Solo Dinner Ideas because you can portion it out and save it for busy nights.
Tips
For the best results always use full fat heavy cream. Lower fat versions might curdle or simply won’t give you that rich and velvety texture that you are looking for.
If you want a smoother sauce you can blend the onion and garlic mixture before adding the cream and chicken. This gives it a very professional and sleek look.
Do not skip the sugar in the sauce. It helps balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and brings out the warmth of the spices without making it sweet.
Using fresh garlic and ginger if you have it will always beat the powdered versions. But honestly the garlic powder in the marinade still works great for a quick fix.
Try to use a high quality butter for the final step. Since it is a main ingredient in a butter chicken recipe the flavor of the butter really shines through.
Conclusion
Making a homemade butter chicken recipe is such a rewarding experience. It is easier than most people think and the results are always so satisfying and delicious for everyone.
I hope this guide helps you feel confident in Trying New Recipes in your own kitchen. It is all about having fun and enjoying the process of cooking food.
Whether you are cooking for yourself or providing Food For Family this meal is sure to be a hit. It is comforting simple and packed with amazing flavor.
So grab your ingredients and get started on this creamy delight. You deserve a meal that is both easy to make and wonderful to eat tonight after a long day.
FAQ
Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead Of Thighs?
Yes you can use chicken breast if that is what you have on hand. Just be careful not to overcook it as breast meat can become dry very quickly.
What If I Do Not Have Garam Masala?
You can make a quick substitute by mixing cumin coriander and a little bit of cinnamon. It won’t be exactly the same but it will still be tasty.
Is This Recipe Spicy?
This version is quite mild. The heavy cream and sugar temper the spices. If you want it spicy you can add more cayenne pepper or some chili flakes.
How Do I Make It Dairy Free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with full fat coconut milk and use a dairy free butter or oil. It will have a slight coconut flavor but still be delicious.
Easy Butter Chicken
This no-fuss butter chicken recipe is the perfect weeknight meal. Tender chicken thighs are simmered in a creamy, flavorful tomato sauce that’s both comforting and incredibly tasty. It’s a family-friendly dish that comes together quickly for a satisfying dinner.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Marinate The Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine chicken chunks, 1 tsp salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, ½ tsp curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
- Start The Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Simmer The Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, sugar, 1 tsp salt, black pepper, and heavy cream. Stir in the cayenne pepper, garam masala, and the remaining ½ tsp curry powder. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it begins to thicken.
- Cook The Chicken: In a separate pan over medium-high heat, cook the marinated chicken pieces until browned on all sides and cooked through. Work in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the chicken.
- Combine and Finish: Add the cooked chicken to the simmering sauce. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until it melts. Let everything simmer together for 5 more minutes for the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice and warm naan bread.
Notes
For the best results, use full-fat heavy cream to ensure a rich, velvety texture.
The small amount of sugar is important to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Using chicken thighs is recommended as they stay more tender and flavorful than chicken breasts.
Nutrition
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