The moment you walk into a room filled with the intoxicating aroma of Homemade Butter Chicken, your senses are instantly awakened. The rich and creamy sauce, combined with tender pieces of chicken, makes your mouth water in anticipation. creamy chicken pasta dish Paired with fluffy naan or fragrant basmati rice, this dish is pure comfort food that warms both the heart and soul. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta recipe.
As a child, I remember my mom whipping up her version of Homemade Butter Chicken every Sunday. The kitchen would become our family’s favorite gathering spot, where laughter and delicious smells mingled in the air. honey garlic chicken dish Whether it was a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive occasion, this dish never failed to bring everyone together in delicious harmony. garlic butter chicken traybake.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This homemade butter chicken is easy to prepare and perfect for any night
- The flavors are rich and comforting, making it an instant family favorite
- Visually stunning, this dish adds a pop of color to your dinner table
- It’s versatile enough to pair beautifully with naan, rice, or even as a filling for wraps
I still remember my friend’s eyes lighting up the first time she tasted my Homemade Butter Chicken; she declared it “life-changing.” For more inspiration, check out this Savory Mexican Birria Tacos recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
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Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; they really amp up the dish’s aroma.
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Fresh Ginger: Use fresh ginger root for an aromatic kick that pairs wonderfully with spices.
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Onions: A couple of medium-sized onions add sweetness when sautéed until golden brown.
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Canned Tomatoes: Opt for crushed tomatoes to create a smooth base for your sauce.
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Cream: Heavy cream adds richness to the sauce; feel free to substitute with coconut milk for a lighter option.
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Butter: A generous amount of butter is essential for that authentic flavor—after all, it’s called butter chicken!
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Garam Masala: This warm spice blend brings depth; don’t skimp on it!
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Cilantro: Fresh cilantro makes a lovely garnish that adds brightness and color at serving time.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to elevate all those wonderful flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your onions finely and mincing the garlic and ginger. Having everything ready makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable.
Sauté Onions Until Golden Brown: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt some butter and add the chopped onions. Cook until they turn golden brown and fragrant—about 5-7 minutes.
Add Garlic and Ginger For Aroma: Toss in the minced garlic and ginger next. Sauté everything together until aromatic—this takes about 1-2 minutes; trust me; it will smell heavenly!
Incorporate Spices & Tomatoes Next!: Add garam masala along with your canned tomatoes to the pan. Stir well to combine everything so that it simmers together beautifully for about 10 minutes.
Add Cream & Cook Chicken Pieces Thoroughly : Lower the heat before adding heavy cream slowly while stirring continuously. Then add seasoned chicken pieces into the mix; cook until they’re tender and fully cooked through—about 15-20 minutes should do nicely.
Finish It Off With Fresh Cilantro & Serve!: Once cooked through, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top before serving! Pair with steaming naan or basmati rice for an unforgettable meal.
Now that you have all these steps laid out like breadcrumbs leading you straight to flavor town, you can confidently tackle this delightful Homemade Butter Chicken recipe! Enjoy every bite while basking in the joy it brings to your kitchen table! juicy chicken breast recipes.
You Must Know
- Homemade Butter Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience!
- The rich, creamy sauce and fragrant spices create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate
- Plus, it’s perfect for impressing guests or cozying up solo with a bowl of comfort
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating your chicken for at least one hour to infuse flavor. Sear it until golden, then prepare the sauce while the chicken cooks to achieve perfect tenderness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for paneer or tofu for a vegetarian twist. Adding fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime can brighten the dish beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of cream if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best flavor, use full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream
- Don’t rush the marination process; it makes all the difference in taste
- Always taste and adjust spices as you go for perfect results
Cooking homemade butter chicken brings me back to my first attempt when I accidentally set off the smoke alarm! My friends still joke about my “fire safety” skills whenever we enjoy this dish together.
FAQ
What can I serve with homemade butter chicken?
Homemade butter chicken pairs wonderfully with naan bread, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Can I make homemade butter chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and reheat before serving.
Is homemade butter chicken spicy?
You can adjust spice levels by modifying chili quantities to suit your taste buds.
Homemade Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Homemade Butter Chicken is a beloved comfort food that combines tender chicken pieces with a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions and pairs beautifully with fluffy naan or fragrant basmati rice. With its vibrant flavors and inviting aroma, this dish will surely become a family favorite, bringing warmth and joy to your dining table.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tsp garam masala
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by chopping the onions and mincing the garlic and ginger.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté onions until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
- Add garlic and ginger; sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in garam masala and crushed tomatoes; simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Gradually add heavy cream while stirring; then incorporate seasoned chicken pieces. Cook until chicken is tender and cooked through (15-20 minutes).
- Finish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy with naan or basmati rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
