Description
This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe delivers a rich and creamy Indian-inspired dish perfect for a comforting meal. Tender chicken pieces are sautéed with aromatic spices, simmered in a luscious tomato and cream sauce, and garnished with fresh cilantro for a flavorful, satisfying dinner that’s simple to prepare in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
Spices & Aromatics
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
Other Ingredients
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat to prepare the base for the sauce.
- Sauté Onions: Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and golden, about 5 minutes, bringing out their natural sweetness.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, enhancing the flavor profile.
- Toast Spices: Add garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and chili powder to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 1 minute to toast the spices and deepen their aroma.
- Cook Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, stirring well to coat them in the spice mixture. Cook until browned and mostly cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir in Cream: Reduce the heat to low, add the heavy cream, and stir thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Simmer gently for another 5 minutes to incorporate all flavors.
- Season: Taste the sauce and add salt as needed to balance all the flavors perfectly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve hot with your choice of naan bread or rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs tend to stay more tender and juicy.
- Adjust chili powder according to your preferred spice level.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a mixture of milk and yogurt.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with basmati rice or warm naan bread.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors.
