Easy Homemade Butter Chicken: The Ultimate Recipe Guide

Easy Homemade Butter Chicken: just the name conjures up images of creamy, fragrant, and utterly irresistible comfort food, doesn’t it? Forget ordering takeout tonight because I’m about to show you how to create restaurant-quality butter chicken right in your own kitchen, and trust me, it’s easier than you think!

Butter chicken, or murgh makhani, boasts a rich history rooted in the culinary traditions of Northern India. Legend has it that this delectable dish was born from a desire to repurpose leftover tandoori chicken, transforming it into something even more spectacular. The creamy tomato-based sauce, enriched with butter and aromatic spices, is a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of Indian cuisine.

What is it about easy homemade butter chicken that makes it so universally loved? Perhaps it’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that dance on your palate. Or maybe it’s the incredibly tender chicken, bathed in a velvety smooth sauce that begs to be soaked up with warm naan bread or fluffy basmati rice. Whatever the reason, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion feast. I find that people love it because it is so flavorful and satisfying, but also because it is relatively simple to make. It is a dish that can be easily adapted to your own taste preferences, making it a truly personal culinary experience.

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken Marinade:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste (equal parts ginger and garlic, finely minced or blended)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup water (or more, to adjust consistency)
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar (or honey, to balance acidity)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish

Marinating the Chicken:

Okay, let’s get started! The first step to amazing butter chicken is marinating the chicken. This is where all the flavor really gets infused, so don’t skip this step!

1. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric powder, chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix everything together really well until you have a smooth and creamy marinade.
2. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade. Make sure each piece is well coated. I like to use my hands to really massage the marinade into the chicken.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a resealable bag. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably for 2-4 hours, or even overnight for the best flavor. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful the chicken will be.

Cooking the Chicken:

Now that the chicken has had a good soak in the marinade, it’s time to cook it. You have a couple of options here: you can pan-fry it, bake it, or even grill it. I usually prefer pan-frying because it’s quick and easy, but feel free to choose your favorite method.

1. Pan-Frying: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan). Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Grill for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.

Making the Butter Chicken Sauce:

This is where the magic happens! The sauce is what really makes butter chicken so irresistible. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor.

1. In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken (or a clean skillet), melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine.
5. Add the garam masala, turmeric powder, chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, sugar (or honey), and salt. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a simmer.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, or even longer for a richer flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. After simmering, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the sauce to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth. Be very careful when blending hot liquids!
8. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine.
9. Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and stir to coat.
10. Add water to adjust the consistency of the sauce. I usually start with 1/2 cup and add more if needed until it reaches my desired thickness.
11. Let the butter chicken simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serving and Garnishing:

Almost there! Now it’s time to serve up this delicious butter chicken.

1. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
2. Serve hot with basmati rice, naan bread, or roti. You can also add a dollop of yogurt or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder to your preference. If you like it mild, use less chili powder or omit it altogether. If you like it spicy, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Creaminess: For an even richer and creamier sauce, you can add a tablespoon or two of cashew cream. To make cashew cream, soak 1/2 cup of raw cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes, then drain and blend with a little fresh water until smooth.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cheese) or tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Smoked Paprika: Add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce for a smoky flavor.
• Fenugreek Leaves (Kasuri Methi): Crushed dried fenugreek leaves add a unique aroma and flavor to butter chicken. Add about 1 tablespoon of crushed fenugreek leaves to the sauce during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
• Slow Cooker: You can also make butter chicken in a slow cooker. Combine all the ingredients (except the heavy cream and cilantro) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the heavy cream and cilantro before serving.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this easy homemade butter chicken recipe! It’s one of my favorite dishes to make, and I’m sure it will become one of yours too. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spices and adjust the recipe to your liking. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe is truly a game-changer. Forget ordering takeout – you can whip up a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen, and trust me, the flavor is absolutely incredible. The creamy, tomato-based sauce, infused with aromatic spices, perfectly coats the tender chicken pieces, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s the kind of meal that leaves you feeling warm, satisfied, and wanting more.

But why is this recipe a must-try? Beyond the amazing taste, it’s the simplicity. I know, I know, “butter chicken” might sound intimidating, but I’ve broken it down into easy-to-follow steps, using readily available ingredients. You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to nail this recipe; even a beginner can achieve delicious results. Plus, making it at home means you control the ingredients, so you can adjust the spice level to your liking and ensure you’re using the freshest, highest-quality components.

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions! The classic pairing is, of course, fluffy basmati rice. The rice soaks up all that delicious sauce, making every bite a pure delight. But don’t stop there! Naan bread is another fantastic option for scooping up the butter chicken. Warm, slightly charred naan adds a wonderful textural contrast to the creamy sauce. For a lighter meal, consider serving it with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. A dollop of plain yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a refreshing touch.

Looking for variations? Feel free to experiment! If you’re vegetarian, you can easily substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cheese) or tofu. Simply follow the same steps, replacing the chicken with your chosen protein. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped chili to the sauce. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, a touch of honey or maple syrup can do the trick. You can also adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less cream.

Serving Suggestions:

• Basmati Rice
• Naan Bread
• Steamed Vegetables
• Plain Yogurt
• Fresh Cilantro

Variations:

• Substitute chicken with paneer or tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Add cayenne pepper or chili for extra spice.
• Add honey or maple syrup for a sweeter flavor.
• Adjust cream for desired sauce thickness.

I truly believe that this Easy Homemade Butter Chicken will become a staple in your household. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments below – I can’t wait to see your culinary creations! Happy cooking! I’m sure you will enjoy this easy homemade butter chicken recipe.

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