Homemade Butter Chicken: Easy Indian Dinner Favorite 🍗🍛✨
1. Introduction
Discover the secret to creating a delicious homemade butter chicken that will become your new favorite for an easy Indian dinner. This simple chicken curry is a perfect blend of tender chicken simmered in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce with aromatic spices. Whether you are a seasoned home cook or a beginner in Indian cuisine, this homemade butter chicken recipe offers a flavorful and satisfying experience. Ready to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills? Let’s dive into making this easy Indian dinner that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
2. Ingredients for Homemade Butter Chicken
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup tomato puree or canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free version
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Butter Chicken
Preparing the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken with a little salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili powder. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Sautéing Aromatics
In a large skillet or wok, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Then, add garlic and ginger paste, cooking until fragrant—about 2 minutes.
Spicing the Sauce
Add cumin, garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder to the sautéed aromatics. Stir well to coat the onions and release the spices’ aroma, enhancing the flavor of your simple chicken curry.
Cooking the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until they are browned on all sides. The spices will coat the chicken nicely, creating deep flavor profiles for this homemade butter chicken.
Simmering in Tomato and Cream
Pour in the tomato puree and stir to combine. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is tender. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk for a luscious, creamy consistency. Adjust salt to taste.
Final Touches
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot. For a complete meal, pair your homemade butter chicken with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread. Explore more Indian-inspired dishes like baked rosemary chicken meatballs or Parmesan chicken pesto pasta for variety.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Homemade Butter Chicken
Allow the butter chicken to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 2-3 days or frozen for up to a month. To reheat, microwave or gently simmer on the stove until heated through, adding a splash of cream or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
5. Serving Suggestions
Serve your flavorful homemade butter chicken over fluffy basmati rice or with soft naan bread. For added freshness, top with a sprinkle of extra cilantro or a squeeze of lemon. This dish pairs beautifully with side salads or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that delights every palate.
6. FAQs About Homemade Butter Chicken
What makes homemade butter chicken a favorite Indian dish?
Homemade butter chicken is a favorite because it combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce infused with aromatic spices, making it both comforting and flavorful. Its balanced blend of spice and creaminess appeals to a wide range of tastes.
Can I make homemade butter chicken dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to make this simple chicken curry dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.
How do I get a more authentic flavor in my homemade butter chicken?
Use freshly ground spices, quality tomato puree, and cook the sauce slowly to develop depth of flavor. Additionally, marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices before cooking can enhance authenticity.
Where can I find more Indian-inspired recipes?
Discover a variety of recipes like easy Indian dinner options and other flavorful dishes on our site, perfect for expanding your culinary repertoire.
7. Conclusion
In summary, this homemade butter chicken recipe offers a delicious easy Indian dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. With its savory sauce and tender chicken, it’s a favorite that everyone will love. Experience the joy of cooking authentic Indian cuisine at home and enjoy a satisfying, flavorful meal that’s just a few steps away. Try this simple chicken curry today and bring the taste of India into your kitchen!
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Homemade Butter Chicken: Easy Indian Dinner Favorite
Discover the rich and creamy flavors of Homemade Butter Chicken, a popular Indian dinner favorite. This easy recipe features tender chicken simmered in a luscious tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices, making it perfect for a satisfying homemade meal. Ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this butter chicken recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary rotation.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup tomato puree or canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free version
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by marinating the chicken with a little salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili powder. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.
- In a large skillet or wok, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Then, add garlic and ginger paste, cooking until fragrant—about 2 minutes.
- Add cumin, garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder to the sautéed aromatics. Stir well to coat the onions and release the spices’ aroma, enhancing the flavor of your simple chicken curry.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. The spices will coat the chicken nicely, creating deep flavor profiles for this homemade butter chicken.
- Pour in the tomato puree and stir to combine. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is tender. stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk for a luscious, creamy consistency. Adjust salt to taste.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot. Pair with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread for a complete Indian dinner experience.
Notes
- Use fresh spices for a more authentic flavor.
- You can substitute coconut milk for heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
- Marinate chicken in yogurt and spices overnight for deeper flavor.
- Adjust chili powder to match your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 510 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
