Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe - Flavorful Indian Delight

We all know that feeling when five o’clock rolls around. You stare into the open fridge and wonder what to make. It is the daily struggle of finding fresh dinner ideas that everyone will actually eat. You want something tasty but you do not want to spend hours standing over the stove.

That is where this recipe comes in to save the day. Honestly, this might become your new favorite go to meal. It is warm, creamy, and packed with flavor. Plus, it is surprisingly easy to pull together right in your own kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You are going to fall in love with this dish for so many reasons. First of all, it is one of those dinner ideas that feels fancy but is actually super simple. You do not need any complicated tools or chef skills. It is just good, honest cooking.

The sauce is the real star here. It is rich and velvety without being too heavy. The combination of spices creates a smell that will make your whole house feel inviting. It really is one of the Most Delicious Food options you can make on a weeknight.

If you are a fan of Comfort Food Dishes, this bowl of goodness hits the spot. It is warm and soothing, perfect for a chilly evening or just when you need a food hug. The chicken gets so tender that it practically melts in your mouth.

Another great thing is how fast it comes together. We are talking about a meal that tastes like it simmered all day but is ready in under an hour. That makes it perfect for busy parents or anyone short on time.

Finally, it introduces Different Cuisine Recipes to your rotation without stress. You get to enjoy the vibrant flavors of Indian Food without ordering takeout. It saves you money and tastes even better because it is homemade.

Ingredients

Here is what you need to grab from the store. You probably have most of these items in your pantry already. This list keeps things simple while delivering big flavor.

For the Chicken and Marinade

1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite size chunks
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
½ teaspoon curry powder
1 tablespoon Greek yogurt

For the Butter Chicken Sauce

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)

To Serve

Naan bread
Steamed rice

Step By Step Instructions

Making this dish is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps and you will have a fantastic meal on the table in no time. It is one of those dinner ideas that is hard to mess up.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by grabbing a medium bowl. Place your chicken chunks inside. Add the salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. You want to mix this really well.

Use a spoon or your hands to ensure every piece of chicken is coated. This yogurt mixture helps tenderize the meat. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. If you have more time, letting it sit longer adds even more flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce

While the chicken marinates, get a large skillet ready. Heat the vegetable oil and just one tablespoon of the butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, toss in your diced onion and minced garlic.

Sauté them until they smell amazing and look soft. Now, pour in the tomato sauce. Add the sugar, salt, black pepper, heavy cream, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and curry powder. Stir it all together.

Let this sauce simmer gently for a few minutes. You will see it start to thicken and turn a beautiful orange color. This base is the secret to Good Dinner Food.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Grab a separate pan for this step. You want to cook the chicken without crowding it too much. Heat a little oil if needed and add your marinated chicken pieces.

Cook them until they are browned on the outside and cooked all the way through. You do not need to worry if they are perfect, as they will finish in the sauce later. Just get a nice color on them.

Cooking the chicken separately ensures it keeps a nice texture. It prevents the meat from boiling in the sauce right away. This little extra step makes a big difference.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Now comes the fun part. Take your cooked chicken and transfer it into the skillet with your simmering sauce. Stir it gently so every piece gets covered in that creamy goodness.

Stir in the remaining two tablespoons of butter now. This adds that glossy, rich finish that restaurants are famous for. Let everything simmer together for a few more minutes to let the flavors marry.

Step 5: Serve

You are all done! Garnish the dish with some freshly chopped parsley if you like. It adds a nice pop of color to your Beautiful Meals.

Serve it hot alongside fluffy steamed rice and warm naan bread. Dip the bread in the sauce and enjoy every bite. It is a meal that truly satisfies.

How To Store Leftovers

If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, they store very well. In fact, many people say this dish tastes even better the next day. The spices have more time to meld with the cream and chicken.

Let the chicken cool down completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three or four days.

You can also freeze this recipe. Put it in a freezer safe container or bag. It will keep well for about three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before you plan to eat it.

To reheat, simply use the microwave or warm it up in a pan on the stove. If the sauce looks a little thick, add a splash of water or cream to loosen it up. It is one of those versatile dinner ideas that works great for meal prep.

Tips

Here are a few little tricks to make this recipe even better. First, do not skip the sugar. It might seem odd, but it balances the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly. It is a key part of the flavor profile.

If you want to keep things lighter, you can swap half the heavy cream for milk. However, for the full restaurant experience, heavy cream is best. It gives that luxurious texture we all love in Comfort Food Dishes.

Feel free to adjust the spice level. If you are feeding kids, you might want to leave out the cayenne pepper. If you love heat, go ahead and add a bit more.

For a dairy free version, coconut milk makes a fantastic substitute. It adds a lovely tropical hint that works well with the curry spices. This makes it adaptable for different dietary needs.

Using chicken thighs is highly recommended over chicken breasts. Thighs stay juicy and tender even after simmering. Breasts can dry out quickly in this type of sauce.

You can also make this vegetarian. Swap the chicken for paneer cheese or even chickpeas. It is a great base sauce for all kinds of protein.

Don’t forget the naan bread. It is essential for scooping up every last drop of sauce. You can buy it at the store or try making a quick version at home.

Finally, taste as you go. Cooking is all about preference. If you think it needs more salt, add it. Trust your own taste buds to create the Most Delicious Food for your family.

Conclusion

There you have it. A simple, creamy, and totally satisfying meal that solves your nightly question of what to eat. This butter chicken is sure to become a regular in your rotation of dinner ideas.

It brings the bold flavors of Indian Food into your home with zero fuss. Whether you are cooking for a crowd or just yourself, this dish delivers comfort in a bowl. It is proof that Beautiful Meals do not have to be difficult.

Give this recipe a try tonight. Your family will thank you for it. And you might just find yourself looking forward to leftovers for lunch tomorrow.

Cooking at home should be fun and rewarding. With recipes like this, it absolutely is. Enjoy the process and the delicious results.

We would love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you make any swaps? Did you add extra spice? Let us know in the comments below!

FAQ

Can I Make This Gluten Free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten free as long as your spices are pure. Just make sure to serve it with gluten free bread or rice instead of traditional naan.

What If I Do Not Have Garam Masala?

Garam masala is a key spice blend for this dish. In a pinch, you can mix cumin, coriander, and a pinch of cinnamon and cloves. However, buying a small jar is worth it for the authentic flavor.

Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead?

You can use chicken breast if you prefer. Just be careful not to overcook it. Cut the pieces slightly larger so they stay moist during the simmer.

Is This Recipe Very Spicy?

Not really. The heat comes mainly from the cayenne pepper. If you skip the cayenne, it is very mild and kid friendly. You control the spice level completely.

Can I Make It In A Slow Cooker?

Yes! Brown the chicken and onions first. Then toss everything except the cream into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours. Stir in the cream at the very end.