Quick And Easy Butter Chicken Recipe

Name: Quick And Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1½ pounds about 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ¾-inch chunks; 1 medium onion (finely diced); 2 –3 cloves garlic (finely minced or crushed); 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (or ginger paste); 1 tablespoon cooking oil; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 4 tablespoons tomato paste (or 8-ounce can of tomato sauce); 1 tablespoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon ground fenugreek (or substitute mustard seeds, optional); 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute half & half or yogurt for a lighter version); ½ teaspoon turmeric powder (optional, for color and depth of flavor); ½ teaspoon honey (optional, to balance acidity); Hot cooked rice and naan (for serving)

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Who doesn’t love a good butter chicken? Picture this: tender chunks of chicken marinated in aromatic spices, swimming in a creamy, rich sauce that clings to the rice or naan on your plate. There’s something magical about this dish that brings people together. But let’s not forget what pairs perfectly with it!

You can serve butter chicken with hot, fluffy naan, perfect for scooping up that delightful sauce. If you’re craving something more filling, steamed basmati rice is a fantastic option. Want an extra crunch?

Cucumber raita or a simple salad made with diced cucumbers and tomatoes adds a refreshing contrast. And yes, papadums (crispy Indian crackers) can be the delightful crunch to complete your experience!

I remember the first time I tasted butter chicken. It was at a small Indian restaurant, and I was instantly hooked! The warmth, the spices, the creaminess—it was a hug in a bowl. Fast forward a few years, I found myself craving this sumptuous dish more often than I’d like to admit.

However, whipping it up at home seemed like a daunting task. That all changed when I stumbled upon a quick and easy butter chicken recipe that changed the dinner game forever.

This recipe will have you indulging in deliciousness in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this easy-to-follow recipe will impress family and friends in mere minutes.

Table of Contents

What is a Quick and Easy Butter Chicken Recipe?

Quick and easy butter chicken is a simplified version of the traditional Indian dish known as “Murgh Makhani.”

The dish captures the essence of Indian flavors through a blend of spices and creamy ingredients, but can be prepared in about thirty minutes!

Instead of slow-cooking for hours, this recipe allows you to savor that authentic taste without the fuss.

Why Does This Recipe Work?

The beauty of this quick and easy butter chicken recipe lies in its straightforward approach. By leveraging everyday ingredients combined in a way that maximizes flavor, it caters to the average home cook seeking quick satisfaction.

Additionally, the incorporation of ingredients like garam masala, ginger, and cream provides depth and richness, ensuring each bite is full of flavor. What’s more, this version requires fewer steps without compromising the taste.

What You’ll Need to Make This Dish?

Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients you’ll need:

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into ¾-inch chunks for even cooking.
1 medium onion: Finely diced to provide a savory base.
2–3 cloves garlic: Minced or crushed to bring that aromatic kick.
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger: A must for that warming spice.
1 tablespoon cooking oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: For sautéing.
4 tablespoons tomato paste: For a rich, deep flavor.
1 tablespoon garam masala: This spice blend is the heart of the dish.
1 teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika: Adjust to your spice tolerance.
1 teaspoon ground fenugreek (optional): For an authentic touch.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds warmth and earthiness.
1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Seasoning elements.
1 cup heavy cream: For that luscious texture (or substitute with yogurt for a lighter fare).
½ teaspoon turmeric powder (optional): For color.
½ teaspoon honey (optional): To balance acidity if desired.
Hot cooked rice and naan: For serving.

How to Make Quick and Easy Butter Chicken Recipe?

Making this dish is a breeze, and it’s just about getting your ingredients ready and cooking it up! So let’s break this down into easy steps.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Prepare the chicken by cutting it into ¾-inch pieces. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and freshly grate the ginger. Prep work is vital because it makes cooking a seamless flow.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet or a deep frying pan, heat the cooking oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Now, add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute. This step is crucial as it sets the flavor foundation for the entire dish.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Next, it’s time to make that chicken sizzle! Add the chicken chunks to the pan. Stir frequently and cook until the chicken is browned, roughly 5-7 minutes. Be sure to cook it all the way through. You want that chicken juicy and tender.

Step 4: Add the Spices

Once the chicken is cooked, sprinkle in the garam masala, chili powder (or smoked paprika), fenugreek, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and turmeric (if using). Stir to coat the chicken evenly in those wonderful spices. Let it cook for another two minutes to let those flavors meld together.

Step 5: Create the Sauce

Time to add some creaminess! Stir in the tomato paste (or tomato sauce) and then pour in the heavy cream. Mix everything well until it is combined into a lovely rich sauce. If you chose to use honey, now’s a great moment to add it. Bring this to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

After simmering, it’s the moment of truth. Take a small taste of the curry. Do you need more salt? Or perhaps a pinch more spice? Adjust it until it’s just how you like.

Step 7: Serve

Take the pan off the heat, and your butter chicken is ready to be served! Pair it with hot, fluffy naan or a generous serving of basmati rice. This dish is excellent for family dinners or impressive gatherings.

Tips for the Perfect Butter Chicken

Here are some tips to keep in mind while preparing this dish:

Chicken Cut: Opt for boneless thighs if you want extra tenderness and flavor.
Cream Alternative: For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. Just add it at the end off the heat to avoid curdling.
Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting the chili powder amount to match your taste.
Marination: Marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for a few hours before cooking for deeper flavors.
Serve Fresh: Butter chicken tastes best fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead and add the chicken just before serving.

How to Store Leftovers?

Storing leftovers is straightforward. First, let the butter chicken cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to three days.

The flavors often meld together better upon refrigeration, which can make for even tastier leftovers!

How Would I Recommend Serving Quick and Easy Butter Chicken Recipe?

Now that your butter chicken is ready to serve, here are some ideas for how to present this dish beautifully:

Classic Presentation on Rice: Serve it straight over a steaming mound of basmati rice. This will soak up all that delicious sauce, making every bite divine.
Naan and Sauces: Plate your butter chicken with naan on the side. A small bowl of cucumber raita offers a cool contrast that complements the spices perfectly.
Fancy Bowls: For a more elegant feel, serve in shallow bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime. It transforms a simple dish into something special.
Family-Style Feast: Spread it out on the table with bowls of rice, naan, and condiments. Family-style dining invites a shared experience and encourages everyone to dig in together.

What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients If Not Available?

Sometimes, you don’t have every ingredient on hand. Don’t worry! Here are some alternatives:

Chicken Breasts Substitution: Chicken thighs can offer more flavor and remain juicier.
Tomato Sauce Variant: If you’re out of tomato paste, use crushed tomatoes; just adjust the seasoning as it may be a bit more acidic.
Garam Masala Replacement: If you don’t have garam masala, try a combination of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. While it won’t taste the same, it can still yield a delicious result.
Cream Swap: If you’re looking to cut calories, opt for coconut milk for a vegan option or a lower-fat cream.

Quick And Easy Butter Chicken Recipe

Kimberly Booker RD

I remember the first time I tasted butter chicken. It was at a small Indian restaurant, and I was instantly hooked! The warmth, the spices, the creaminess—it was a hug in a bowl.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings Servings

Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

Large skillet

Ingredients

1½ pounds about 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ¾-inch chunks
1 medium onion finely diced
2 –3 cloves garlic finely minced or crushed
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger or ginger paste
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
4 tablespoons tomato paste or 8-ounce can of tomato sauce
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika adjust to taste
1 teaspoon ground fenugreek or substitute mustard seeds, optional
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup heavy cream or substitute half & half or yogurt for a lighter version
½ teaspoon turmeric powder optional, for color and depth of flavor
½ teaspoon honey optional, to balance acidity
Hot cooked rice and naan for serving