Description
Discover the quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe, a flavorful and cozy dinner perfect for busy weeknights. This simple yet delicious dish combines tender chicken with a rich tomato sauce and aromatic spices, served with rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Cooked rice and vegetables for serving
Instructions
- Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Heat a large skillet or a non-stick pan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of butter, and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining butter and sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and paprika. Cook the spices for about 30 seconds. Pour in the tomato sauce, stir well, and let simmer for 10 minutes to thicken.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, then pour in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Stir thoroughly and simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the sauce is creamy and heated through. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot with rice and vegetables for a complete dinner.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken with spices and yogurt or lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use pre-cut chicken or store-bought spice blends for faster preparation.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Adjust spice levels according to your preference by adding chili powder or fresh chilies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg