Easy Butter Chicken

Easy Butter Chicken: I’ve always loved Indian food, but the thought of making it at home often felt daunting. The complex spice blends, the seemingly endless list of ingredients… it all seemed a bit overwhelming. But then I discovered this recipe, and let me tell you, it changed everything! This Easy Butter Chicken recipe is a revelation, proving that authentic-tasting, restaurant-quality Indian food can be surprisingly simple to create in your own kitchen.

While the origins of butter chicken are debated, many believe it originated in the 1950s in India, possibly as a way to use leftover tandoori chicken. Regardless of its precise history, this dish has become a global phenomenon, beloved for its rich, creamy sauce and tender, flavorful chicken. Its popularity is well-deserved!

What makes this Easy Butter Chicken so special? For starters, the taste is unbelievably delicious. The creamy tomato-based sauce, infused with aromatic spices like garam masala and ginger, is incredibly satisfying. The chicken itself is incredibly tender and juicy, perfectly complementing the rich sauce. Beyond the incredible flavor, this recipe is also incredibly convenient. It comes together relatively quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight meal, and requires minimal specialized equipment. You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to achieve restaurant-quality results with this Easy Butter Chicken recipe. So, are you ready to experience the magic? Let’s get cooking!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken Marinade:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons ginger paste
• 2 tablespoons garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons ginger paste
• 2 tablespoons garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish

Preparing the Chicken Marinade:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger paste, garlic paste, garam masala, paprika, turmeric powder, chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.
2. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful the chicken will be!

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Alternatively, you can cook the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
2. If using the oven, spread the marinated chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned. If using a skillet, cook the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
3. Once cooked, set the chicken aside.

Making the Butter Chicken Sauce:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the ginger paste and garlic paste and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic and ginger, as this can impart a bitter taste.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), garam masala, paprika, turmeric powder, cumin powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together. The sauce should thicken slightly.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and butter. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the sauce has reached your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Carefully add the cooked chicken to the sauce, ensuring it’s fully coated. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Garnishing and Serving:

1. Garnish the butter chicken with fresh chopped cilantro.
2. Serve hot with basmati rice, naan bread, or roti. Enjoy your delicious homemade butter chicken!

Tips and Variations:

1. For a smoother sauce, you can blend the sauce with an immersion blender after simmering.
2. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper.
3. Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers or peas.
4. For a richer flavor, use ghee (clarified butter) instead of vegetable oil.
5. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
6. To make this dish ahead of time, prepare the marinade and sauce separately. Combine and heat through just before serving.

Conclusion:

So there you have it – my recipe for Easy Butter Chicken! I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy. Even if you’re a complete beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe manageable and rewarding. The simple steps and readily available ingredients make it perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time but still crave something delicious and flavorful. Secondly, the taste is simply phenomenal. That rich, creamy butter sauce, perfectly balanced with aromatic spices, clings beautifully to the tender chicken, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience. It’s the kind of dish that will impress your family and friends, leaving them wanting more.

Beyond its ease and incredible taste, this Easy Butter Chicken recipe offers incredible versatility. I love to serve mine with fluffy basmati rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly. A side of naan bread is also a must, for scooping up every last drop of that creamy goodness. For a complete meal, consider adding a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. You could also add some sauteed spinach or peas for extra nutrients and a pop of color.

Feeling adventurous? Why not experiment with some variations? Add a touch of heat with some finely chopped chili peppers or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. For a richer flavor, try using coconut milk instead of heavy cream, or even a blend of both! You can also substitute the chicken with other proteins, such as paneer (Indian cheese) for a vegetarian option, or shrimp for a lighter, seafood-based twist. The possibilities are truly endless!

This Easy Butter Chicken recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s a chance to explore the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine without the fuss and complexity often associated with it. It’s a recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen, a go-to dish for those nights when you want something both satisfying and easy to prepare. It’s a recipe that will bring joy to your table and create lasting memories.

Ready to give it a try?

I sincerely hope you’ll give my Easy Butter Chicken recipe a go. I’m confident you’ll love it as much as I do. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and feedback on social media using the hashtag #EasyButterChicken – I can’t wait to see your culinary creations. Let’s connect and share our love for this incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple dish. Don’t forget to adjust the spice level to your preference – remember, cooking should be fun and adaptable to your own tastes!

Don’t be shy!

Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me improve and create even more amazing recipes for you. Whether you tweak the recipe to your liking or follow it to the letter, I encourage you to share your thoughts and photos. Let’s build a community of Easy Butter Chicken enthusiasts, sharing tips, tricks, and variations along the way. So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking, and let the delicious aroma of Easy Butter Chicken fill your kitchen!

Happy Cooking!