Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you have to try this Easy Butter Chicken Recipe. This delightful classic combines tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices, delivering layers of flavor that will have you coming back for seconds. It’s comfort food at its finest and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings, all while being surprisingly simple to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this recipe are straightforward yet essential; each one plays an important role. From the buttery richness to the medley of spices, they create that unmistakable butter chicken taste and texture that everyone loves.
- Chicken (bite-sized pieces): Using smaller pieces helps the chicken cook evenly and soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Butter: The foundation of the sauce’s creamy richness and depth of flavor.
- Chopped onion: Adds natural sweetness and body to the sauce when sautéed.
- Minced garlic and grated ginger: Deliver the essential fragrant punch that makes this dish so aromatic.
- Chili powder, cumin, turmeric, coriander: These spices bring warmth, earthiness, and vibrant color to the dish.
- Tomato sauce: Creates a luscious base that balances acidity with sweetness.
- Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its signature smooth and creamy texture.
- Salt and pepper: To season perfectly and enhance all the flavors.
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish): Adds a fresh, bright finish to the dish.
How to Make Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
Begin by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces. This allows the chicken to cook quickly and absorb the flavors from the sauce more effectively, resulting in moist and tender bites.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it builds the base of your sauce, enhancing the sweetness and texture of your dish.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll immediately notice the wonderful aroma this combination brings to the kitchen; it’s the essence of authentic flavor.
Step 4: Spice It Up
Next, add the chili powder, cumin, turmeric, and coriander. Cooking these spices for 1 to 2 minutes helps release their essential oils, which deepens the flavor of the sauce and adds that beautiful golden hue.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Toss the chicken pieces into the skillet and cook until they’re slightly browned and completely cooked through, which usually takes about 7 to 8 minutes. This caramelization contributes to a richer flavor and a satisfying texture.
Step 6: Add Tomato Sauce and Simmer
Pour in the tomato sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for around 5 minutes so the sauce can thicken and the flavors meld together wonderfully.
Step 7: Stir in the Cream
Finally, add the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 3 to 5 minutes, until it reaches that creamy, luxurious consistency that defines a great butter chicken.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top of your creamy chicken before serving. This adds a fresh pop of color and a complementary brightness that balances the richness beautifully.
How to Serve Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling fresh cilantro over the dish adds a wonderful herbaceous touch that lightens the creamy sauce. Some like to add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dollop of yogurt to enhance vibrancy and add another layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
This butter chicken pairs superbly with fluffy basmati rice or warm, buttery naan bread—both great for soaking up every last bit of the sauce. For a lighter option, serve it alongside steamed vegetables or a crisp salad to keep the meal balanced and colorful.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the butter chicken in small bowls atop a bed of fragrant rice garnished with toasted almonds or cashews for added crunch. For an elegant twist, use it as a filling for wraps or as the star ingredient in a comforting butter chicken pot pie.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can easily store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion the butter chicken into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to ensure the creaminess stays intact.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of cream or water can help restore its creamy texture. Microwaving works too, but take care to heat gently.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with coconut oil and the heavy cream with coconut milk for a delicious dairy-free version. The flavors will be slightly different but still wonderfully creamy and satisfying.
How spicy is this Easy Butter Chicken Recipe?
This recipe has a mild to medium spice level, but you can easily adjust it by adding more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper if you prefer it spicier.
What’s the best way to cut the chicken for butter chicken?
Cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces ensures it cooks evenly and quickly while absorbing the flavors of the sauce thoroughly.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay juicy and tender. They also have a bit more flavor, which pairs nicely with the rich sauce.
Is it possible to prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can make the sauce a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, warm the sauce gently and add freshly cooked chicken to keep the texture perfect.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about how simple ingredients and a little patience create this incredibly comforting Easy Butter Chicken Recipe. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s a dish that always impresses without requiring hours in the kitchen. I encourage you to try it—it just might become your new favorite weeknight staple!
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Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Butter Chicken recipe delivers a creamy, flavorful Indian-inspired dish made with tender chicken pieces simmered in a spiced tomato and butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines aromatic spices like cumin, turmeric, and coriander with a rich cream base to create a comforting meal. Serve with basmati rice or naan bread for a satisfying and delicious experience.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy serving.
- Sauté Onions: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent, forming a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant to enhance the depth of flavor.
- Cook Spices: Mix in the chili powder, ground cumin, turmeric, and coriander. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release the spices’ aroma and flavors.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, cooking for 7-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked through.
- Add Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish with Cream: Stir in the heavy cream, then season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve warm alongside basmati rice, naan bread, or your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels by adding more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer extra heat.
- For a dairy-free version, replace butter with coconut oil and heavy cream with coconut milk.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to complement the rich butter chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
