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- Chicken and Marinade Components - 500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup plain yogurt - Spice Mix for Flavor - 2 tablespoons garam masala - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Additional Cooking Ingredients - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated - 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes - 1 tablespoon sugar - 1 cup heavy cream - Salt, to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish Gather these items, and you’re ready to start! The chicken thighs give a juicy bite. Yogurt makes the chicken tender and tasty. The spices bring rich flavor. You can adjust the chili powder for more heat. The cream adds a lovely richness to the dish. Fresh cilantro adds color and freshness, making your meal pop! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, we need to marinate the chicken for maximum flavor. In a mixing bowl, combine 500g of boneless chicken thighs with 1 cup of plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons of garam masala, 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to coat the chicken pieces. The recommended marination time is at least 30 minutes. However, if you have the time, let it marinate for a few hours. This helps the spices soak in and makes the chicken taste amazing. Next, we will sauté the onions. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes. You want them to turn a nice golden brown color. Stir them occasionally to cook them evenly. Adding garlic and ginger is very important in butter chicken. After the onions are golden, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1-inch piece of grated fresh ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes. This will make your kitchen smell wonderful! Now it’s time to cook the chicken. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Spread it out evenly. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. You want the chicken to be browned on all sides. This step is crucial for flavor. Once the chicken is browned, it's time to add the tomatoes. Pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes and add 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir everything together to combine. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps all the flavors develop nicely. Now, we will make the sauce creamy. Lower the heat and slowly stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Make sure it blends well into the sauce. Let it cook for an extra 5 minutes. This step makes the sauce luscious and rich. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. It’s important to make sure the flavors are just right! For garnishing, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top. This adds color and flavor. Serve the butter chicken over fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan bread. For a stunning finish, drizzle a little cream over the top. Enjoy your meal with a smile! Quick Cooking Techniques You can save time by using boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster and stay moist. Also, cut your chicken into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly and quickly. Prepping Ingredients Ahead of Time Chop your onions, garlic, and ginger the night before. You can also marinate the chicken a few hours or even a day early. This lets the flavors soak in. Ready ingredients make cooking much faster. Using Fresh vs. Dried Spices Fresh spices give a brighter taste. Use fresh ginger and garlic when you can. Dried spices are great too, but fresh adds a punch. Try to use both for a deeper flavor. Marination and Its Impact on Taste Marinating chicken in yogurt and spices is key. It makes the chicken tender and full of flavor. A longer marination time means more taste. Aim for at least 30 minutes; however, a few hours is best. Customizing Heat to Suit Preferences You can control how spicy your butter chicken is. Use less chili powder for mild flavor. If you want more heat, add extra chili powder or fresh chilis. Taste as you go for the best balance. Balancing Flavors in the Sauce If the sauce is too spicy, add sugar or cream. This helps mellow the heat. Always taste before serving. Adjust salt and sugar to make the dish just right for your taste. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Depth: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken thighs for a few hours or overnight. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat more deeply, resulting in a richer taste. Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the chili powder and garam masala. Conversely, if you like it spicier, consider adding fresh chopped green chilies or a pinch of cayenne. Use Homemade Garam Masala: For an authentic taste, consider making your own garam masala blend using whole spices. Toasting and grinding your spices will significantly enhance the flavor profile of the dish. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Always garnish with fresh cilantro just before serving. This not only adds a pop of color but also a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors of the butter chicken. {{image_4}} Using Chicken Breast vs. Thighs I prefer chicken thighs for butter chicken. They stay juicy and tender. Chicken breast can work, but it may dry out. If you want a leaner option, use chicken breast. Just watch the cooking time to keep it moist. Plant-Based Options for Vegetarian Versions For a tasty vegetarian butter chicken, use tofu or chickpeas. Firm tofu absorbs flavors well. Cut it into cubes and use the same marinade. Chickpeas add protein and a nice texture. You can also try cauliflower for a veggie twist, or lentils for heartiness. Instant Pot Butter Chicken The Instant Pot makes this dish quick and easy. Start by marinating the chicken as usual. Sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger in the pot. Then add the marinated chicken and crushed tomatoes. Cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes. Stir in cream after releasing the pressure for a creamy finish. Slow Cooker Method for Convenience For a set-it-and-forget-it option, use a slow cooker. Marinate the chicken and place it in the cooker. Add the sautéed onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and spices. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream at the end for richness. Incorporating Different Spices You can change the flavor with different spices. Try adding cumin for warmth or cinnamon for sweetness. A bit of cardamom can add a nice touch, too. Adjust spices according to what you enjoy most. Adding Vegetables or Legumes Feel free to add veggies to your butter chicken. Spinach or peas brighten up the dish. You can also mix in lentils for added protein. This keeps the meal balanced and nutritious while boosting flavor. - Best Containers for Storage: Use airtight containers to keep your butter chicken fresh. Glass containers work well and are easy to clean. You can also use plastic containers that seal tightly. Make sure they are food-safe. - Refrigeration vs. Freezing: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating. - Maintaining Creaminess When Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of heavy cream or milk. This keeps the sauce creamy and smooth. Stir well to blend the cream into the sauce. - Suggested Methods for Flavor Retention: The best way to reheat is on the stove over low heat. Stir often to prevent burning. You can also use the microwave, but cover it to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between to keep it even. Butter chicken is a popular Indian dish. It features tender chicken cooked in a rich and creamy tomato sauce. The dish uses spices like garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder for flavor. You can serve butter chicken with rice or naan. The creamy sauce makes it comforting and delicious. Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Use gluten-free yogurt instead of regular yogurt. Make sure to check the spices for any hidden gluten. You can also serve it with rice instead of naan. This way, everyone can enjoy it without worry. To make butter chicken spicier, add more chili powder to the marinade. You can also use fresh green chilies for extra heat. Consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper while cooking. Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the spice to match your liking. You can use store-bought curry sauce for a quicker option. It saves time, but the flavor may differ from homemade. Always check the ingredients for quality. If you want a richer taste, add fresh cream and spices to the sauce. This way, you can enjoy a balance of convenience and flavor. Butter chicken lasts for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When reheating, do so on low heat to avoid separating the cream. This ensures your meal stays delicious. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious butter chicken from scratch. We covered key ingredients, marinating techniques, and cooking steps for the best flavor. I shared tips on adjusting spices and saving time in the kitchen. You learned about different cooking methods and variations to keep it fresh. Don’t forget to store leftovers properly and reheat them to keep the creaminess. Enjoy your cooking journey and make this dish your own!

Quick Homemade Butter Chicken

A delicious and easy recipe for butter chicken, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (400g)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • to taste salt
  • for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to coat the chicken thoroughly. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  • In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they turn a golden brown color.
  • To the skillet, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant.
  • Add the marinated chicken into the skillet, spreading it out evenly. Cook for approximately 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is browned on all sides.
  • Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet along with the sugar. Stir everything together to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes.
  • Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream, ensuring it blends well into the sauce. Allow it to cook for an extra 5 minutes until the sauce is luscious and creamy.
  • Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt as necessary.
  • Before serving, sprinkle the dish generously with fresh chopped cilantro.

Notes

Serve over basmati rice or with naan bread for a complete meal.
Keyword butter chicken, chicken curry, Indian cuisine