Introduction
Butter chicken is a classic and popular Indian dish that is loved by many for its creamy and flavorful sauce. While it may seem intimidating to make at home, this quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe will have you enjoying this delicious dish in no time. With simple ingredients and straightforward directions, you can impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Step-by-step Directions
- In a large bowl, marinate the chicken pieces in yogurt and a pinch of salt. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Stir in the garam masala, turmeric, paprika, cumin, and coriander, cooking for another minute until the spices are toasted.
- Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts may cook faster than thighs.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the butter chicken ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. The flavors will actually develop more over time.
Q: Can I freeze leftover butter chicken?
A: Yes, you can freeze any leftover butter chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
Conclusion
With this quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe, you can enjoy the rich and creamy flavors of this classic Indian dish right in your own home. Impress your loved ones with this flavorful meal that is sure to become a favorite. Don’t be intimidated by making butter chicken at home – with simple ingredients and clear directions, you’ll be a pro in no time. Enjoy!
