Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a beloved dish that originated from the Indian subcontinent. Renowned for its rich and creamy tomato sauce, this dish tantalizes your taste buds and provides a warm, comforting meal perfect for any time of year. Making Butter Chicken at home might seem daunting, but with this quick and easy recipe, you can create this iconic dish in no time!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• 500g (about 1 lb) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste

For the Butter Chicken Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
• 1 tablespoon sugar (to balance acidity)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for a lighter option)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, red chili powder, turmeric, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and mix well to ensure they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for more flavor).

2. Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet or pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken (discard any excess marinade) and cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce

In the same pan, add the remaining butter and heat until melted. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn soft and translucent. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Next, add the crushed tomatoes, sugar, garam masala, cumin powder, and salt. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend it briefly using an immersion blender.

4. Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to coat it with the sauce. Pour in the heavy cream or coconut milk and mix well. Allow the Butter Chicken to simmer for an additional 5 minutes so the flavors meld.

5. Serve

Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve hot. Butter Chicken pairs exceptionally well with basmati rice, naan, or roti.

Tips for the Best Butter Chicken

• Make it Spicy: Adjust the amount of red chili powder to make your Butter Chicken spicier.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with paneer or chickpeas for a vegetarian alternative.
• Meal Prep: This dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to develop.

Conclusion

With just a few simple ingredients and an efficient cooking method, you can enjoy a delightful homemade Butter Chicken that rivals your favorite Indian restaurant. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress! Enjoy your culinary adventure in making this classic comfort food!