Name: Irresistible Homemade Butter Chicken
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free); 4 tbsp butter; 2 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp turmeric; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

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There’s nothing quite like the aroma of spices sizzling in a pan, mingling with creamy tomato sauce and tender chicken. The moment you smell that irresistible homemade butter chicken recipe, your taste buds start dancing, and your stomach lets out a little growl. It’s as if your kitchen has transformed into an Indian restaurant, complete with a warm atmosphere and the promise of blissfully delicious bites. For more inspiration, check out this delicious dinner recipes recipe.

I remember the first time I made this dish; my family gathered around the dinner table, their eyes wide and stomachs rumbling in anticipation. The laughter echoed as we savored each bite, our forks clinking against the plates, creating a symphony of flavors. Butter chicken is perfect for cozy dinners or when you want to impress unexpected guests—everyone will be asking for seconds! For more inspiration, check out this more dinner options recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This irresistible homemade butter chicken recipe is quick to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free
The rich flavors dance on your palate, while the vibrant colors bring life to your plate
It’s versatile enough for any occasion, whether served over rice or with warm naan, and guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters

I still chuckle thinking about how my cousin tried to convince me he could handle spicy food until he accidentally grabbed the hottest curry instead of this buttery delight.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless Chicken Thighs: I prefer thighs for their juiciness and flavor; they stay tender during cooking.
Onion: Use yellow onions for sweetness; they’ll caramelize beautifully in the sauce.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch; don’t skimp on it!
Ginger: Use freshly grated ginger for zing; it brightens up the entire dish.
Canned Tomatoes: Opt for crushed tomatoes to create that luscious sauce base you’ll love.
Cream: Heavy cream adds richness; feel free to use coconut milk for a dairy-free option!
Butter: You can’t have butter chicken without butter! It creates that signature silky texture.
Spices (Garam Masala & Turmeric): These spices are essential for authentic flavor; they add warmth and depth.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens up the dish; don’t forget to sprinkle some on top before serving!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare the Chicken:

Start by cutting boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season them generously with salt and pepper before letting them marinate briefly while you prepare other ingredients.

Sauté Aromatics:

In a large skillet, melt a generous amount of butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and sweetly aromatic—about 5 minutes.

Add Garlic and Ginger:

Stir in minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Cook until fragrant; this should take about 1-2 minutes. You’ll want to inhale deeply at this point because it smells divine!

Cook the Chicken Pieces:

Add marinated chicken pieces into the skillet. Stir occasionally until they begin browning nicely—around 8-10 minutes should do it. Don’t worry if they stick a little; that’s extra flavor!

Create the Sauce:

Pour in crushed tomatoes along with garam masala and turmeric. Let everything simmer together for about 15 minutes until thickened while stirring occasionally.

Add Creamy Goodness:

Lower the heat before adding heavy cream into your bubbling sauce mixture. Stir well until combined and let simmer gently for another 5-7 minutes.

Final Touches!:

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over your beautiful butter chicken just before serving. Pair it with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up all that amazing sauce.

And there you have it—a delightful experience that will leave everyone craving more! Your kitchen will be filled with mouthwatering scents, making all your hard work truly rewarding!

You Must Know

This irresistible homemade butter chicken offers a creamy, rich taste that’s perfect for any dinner table
The vibrant spices and tender chicken create a dish that smells divine while cooking
You can easily serve it with rice or naan for the ultimate comfort meal

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least an hour. Sear it until golden, then prepare your sauce while it cooks to maximize flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap plain yogurt for coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Add red chili flakes for extra heat or toss in some spinach for added nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to maintain creaminess.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use fresh spices instead of pre-ground ones; they elevate the flavor significantly
Cut chicken into even pieces for uniform cooking
Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving to ensure balance

Cooking this irresistible homemade butter chicken recipe always brings back memories of family gatherings, where everyone eagerly awaited seconds and thirds.

FAQ

What can I serve with butter chicken?

Butter chicken pairs wonderfully with basmati rice or warm naan bread for dipping.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes! Adjust the chili powder and add fresh chilies to suit your heat preference.

Is there a vegetarian option for butter chicken?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with paneer or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian alternative.