Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe: A Family Favorite
Ah, Butter Chicken! Just the mention of it can make your taste buds dance like they’re at a whole spice party. If you’re a busy mom, a professional constantly battling the clock, or simply someone who appreciates a delicious meal without the fuss, you’re in for a treat! This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is here to rescue your evening from boring takeout and elevate your dinner to new heights—all while being easy on your schedule.
Why You’ll Love This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
First off, this Butter Chicken isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience! Imagine tender chicken simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce, bursting with flavors that wrap you in a warm embrace. This recipe fits seamlessly into your life if you’re juggling kids, work, or just life in general. It’s perfect for those nights when your brain is as fried as your dinner plans! Quick to whip up and incredibly satisfying, this recipe has a way of bringing everyone to the table. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive in!
Ingredients for Butter Chicken
To foster the delicious vibes, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Optional: Cooked rice or naan for serving
Steps to Make Your Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
-
Sizzle the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until they are golden brown (about 5-7 minutes). Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan; we want each piece to have its moment in the sun!
-
Build the Flavor Base: Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Ahh, the smell is heavenly!
-
Spice Things Up: Now it’s time to add the garam masala, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Stir for about 30 seconds to release the spices’ fragrances—trust me, your family will come running!
-
Add Sauce and Cream: Stir in the tomato sauce and bring it to a simmer. Let it bubble for about 5 minutes before adding the heavy cream and returning the chicken. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until everything is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
-
Finishing Touches: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Helpful Hint: If your sauce looks a little lumpy, don’t worry—it’s all part of the magic!
-
Serve Up Some Joy: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over rice or with warm naan. You’ve just made a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Cooking Tips for Success
- Not a spice person? No worries! Start with less seasoning and taste as you go to adjust to your liking.
- Short on time? Feel free to use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken—just add it to the sauce to warm through at the end.
- Leftover lovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish gets better with time, like a fine wine!
Personal Anecdotes
I remember the first time I made this recipe; I was running late from work and had some hungry kiddos at home. In a mad dash, I threw together this butter chicken, and you know what? It became a family favorite overnight! It was so quick and easy, and the looks on my kids’ faces when they tasted it were priceless. Now, it’s a staple in our dinner rotation!
FAQs About Butter Chicken
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Absolutely! You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free version or half-and-half if you want a lighter option.
How can I store leftovers?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave!
What can I serve with Butter Chicken?
It goes fabulously with basmati rice or naan bread—perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce!
So there you have it! This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is not just another dish; it’s a heartwarming meal that can easily become a tradition in your home. By embracing simplicity, flavor, and comfort, you’re one step closer to putting a smile on your family’s faces and conquering those busy weeknights like a pro!
Feel free to explore more of my recipes for a variety of options, from wholesome family meals to decadent desserts! Check out my weeknight dinner ideas for more time-efficient cooking solutions.
Now, go on, grab your apron, and let’s get cookin’—because incredible homemade meals are just a recipe away!
Meta Description
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner solution. Quick, easy, and delicious, this dish will become your go-to meal. Try it today!
Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until they are golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the garam masala, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Stir for about 30 seconds to release the spices' fragrances.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and bring it to a simmer. Let it bubble for about 5 minutes before adding the heavy cream and returning the chicken. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until everything is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over rice or with warm naan.