Easy Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken is a classic and comforting Indian dish known for its rich, creamy texture and aromatic flavors. While traditional Butter Chicken often requires an intricate process, this simplified version ensures you can enjoy the same deliciousness with minimal effort. With tender chicken simmered in a spiced, buttery sauce that’s complemented by fresh cilantro, this recipe is perfect for weeknights when you’re craving a satisfying, flavorful meal. The best part? It’s ready in under an hour, making it a go-to for busy home cooks.

The luxurious creamy sauce, made with butter, heavy cream, and a variety of warm spices, coats the chicken perfectly. This dish pairs wonderfully with naan, rice, or even a side of roasted vegetables. Whether you’re serving it to your family or making it for a special dinner, Easy Butter Chicken will quickly become a favorite. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy Flavor

The sauce is velvety, flavorful, and incredibly rich due to the combination of butter and heavy cream. It’s the perfect balance of spices without being too overpowering.

2. Quick and Easy

Despite the complex flavor profile, this recipe takes just 30 minutes to prepare. It’s an easy way to enjoy homemade Butter Chicken without spending hours in the kitchen.

3. Tender Chicken

The chicken breasts become juicy and tender as they cook in the buttery sauce. It’s the ideal texture for a comforting dish like this.

4. Customizable Spice Level

You can easily adjust the level of spice by increasing or decreasing the chili powder. It’s perfect for those who love a little heat or prefer a milder flavor.

5. Perfect for Pairing

Easy Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with basmati rice, naan, or even a fresh salad. The sauce is perfect for dipping and soaking up with bread.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Butter
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh ginger, grated
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Ground turmeric
• Ground coriander
• Tomato sauce
• Heavy cream
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Variations

• Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful variation of this dish. Thighs tend to have a richer flavor compared to breasts.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or a mix of vegetables like cauliflower, peas, and potatoes to create a vegetarian version of Butter Chicken.
• Spicy Butter Chicken: For a spicier kick, increase the chili powder, or add a finely chopped green chili to the sauce.
• Dairy-Free: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, replace the butter with a plant-based butter and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

How to Make Easy Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with a little salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Spices

Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, turmeric, and coriander. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices, allowing the mixture to cook for another minute to bring out the flavors.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. The chicken should be mostly cooked through by the time you move on to the next step.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and bring it to a simmer. Stir the mixture, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Let it cook for about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Add the Cream

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for another 5-6 minutes until it thickens slightly and the chicken is fully cooked through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve hot. This dish pairs beautifully with basmati rice or naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Fresh Spices: Fresh ground spices will provide the best flavor. Try to avoid using old spices, as they lose their potency over time.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: The chicken will continue to cook in the sauce, so be careful not to overcook it before adding the sauce. It’s best to cook the chicken just until it’s browned.
• Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a little water or chicken broth to thin it out. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.
• Make It a One-Pan Dish: If you prefer a simpler cleanup, consider cooking your rice or naan in the same pan or alongside the chicken.

How to Serve

Easy Butter Chicken is best served with basmati rice, which helps soak up the creamy sauce. You can also serve it with naan, roti, or paratha for dipping. Pair it with a simple cucumber salad or a side of roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish. For a complete meal, consider adding a mango chutney or yogurt on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Butter Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors tend to improve as they sit, so it’s even better the next day!

Freezing

You can freeze Butter Chicken for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to serve, defrost it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Reheating

Reheat Butter Chicken on the stovetop over low heat. You may need to add a splash of water or milk to loosen up the sauce if it’s become too thick in the fridge or freezer.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add more flavor and tenderness to the dish.

2. Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes, you can increase the chili powder or add chopped fresh chilies to the sauce for more heat.

3. Can I use a different type of cream?

You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free version of this dish, though it will alter the flavor slightly.

4. Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Butter Chicken a day ahead and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. The flavors actually improve after sitting overnight.

5. What can I serve with Butter Chicken?

It’s traditionally served with basmati rice, naan bread, or roti. You can also serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

6. How do I thicken the sauce?

If you want a thicker sauce, simply let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce. You can also add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it further.

7. Can I substitute the butter with oil?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or vegetable oil, though the richness of the butter will be missed.

8. How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?

Cook the chicken just until it’s browned, then let it finish cooking in the sauce. This will keep the chicken moist and tender.

9. Is Butter Chicken very spicy?

No, this recipe is mild, but you can adjust the chili powder to your desired spice level.

10. Can I make Butter Chicken vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with paneer, tofu, or mixed vegetables for a vegetarian version of Butter Chicken.

Conclusion

Easy Butter Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that will satisfy your craving for creamy, spiced chicken. With tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich and aromatic sauce, it’s the perfect comfort food for any night of the week. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced chef, this recipe is foolproof and sure to impress. Try it out and serve it with your favorite sides for a delicious homemade meal!

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