EASY HOMEMADE BUTTER CHICKEN

Craving that rich, creamy, tomato-y goodness of butter chicken but want to skip the restaurant and control the ingredients? Get ready to transform your kitchen into your favorite Indian spot, because this recipe for Homemade Butter Chicken is about to become your new weeknight go-to – and trust me, it’s easier than you think!

The Star of the Show: Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi), crushed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, and lemon juice.
2. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor. The longer the better!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat butter and oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step; well-caramelized onions are key for flavor!
3. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!

Step 3: Build the Sauce

1. Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato puree to the skillet.
2. Stir in the garam masala, red chili powder (if using), sugar, and salt.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
4. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

1. Add the marinated chicken to the simmering sauce.
2. Stir well to coat the chicken with the sauce.
3. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: The Finishing Touches

1. Stir in the crushed dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) and heavy cream.
2. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the cream to incorporate and the sauce to thicken slightly.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt or chili powder to your liking.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
2. Serve hot with naan bread, rice, or your favorite side dish.

Pro Tips for Butter Chicken Perfection

• Marinate like a pro: Don’t skimp on the marinating time! Overnight is ideal, but even 30 minutes makes a difference. The yogurt tenderizes the chicken and the spices infuse it with flavor.
• Don’t burn the ginger-garlic: Burnt ginger-garlic can make the whole dish bitter. Keep the heat moderate and stir frequently.
• Kasuri Methi Magic: Don’t skip the dried fenugreek leaves! They add a unique, slightly bitter flavor that’s characteristic of butter chicken. Crush them between your palms before adding to release their aroma.
• Spice it Up (or Down): Adjust the amount of red chili powder to your liking. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small amount and add more to taste.
• Blend for extra smoothness: For an ultra-smooth sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend the sauce before adding the cream. Be careful when blending hot liquids!
• Leftovers are your friend: Butter chicken tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Variations to Spice Things Up

• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cheese) or tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in some cooked vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or cauliflower for added nutrition and flavor.
• Coconut Milk: Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free and vegan option.
• Smoked Butter Chicken: After cooking, place a small steel bowl with a piece of burning charcoal in the center of the pot, drizzle some oil on the charcoal, cover tightly, and let it smoke for a few minutes to infuse a smoky flavor.

Side Dish Suggestions for a Complete Meal

• Naan Bread: Warm, fluffy naan bread is the perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Basmati Rice: Steamed basmati rice is another great option for serving with butter chicken.
• Raita: A cooling yogurt-based raita with cucumber and mint can balance the richness of the butter chicken.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can add some freshness to the meal.

Other Recipes You Might Love

If you’re a fan of creamy, flavorful chicken dishes, you should definitely check out these other amazing recipes:

• Try this classic Butter Chicken for an authentic taste.
• For an easy weeknight meal, try the Creamy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken.
• Looking for something with pasta? The Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a delicious fusion dish.
• Need a quick and easy skillet meal? Check out the Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet.
• Craving something extra creamy? The Marry Me Chicken is a must-try!
• And for an even easier version of Marry Me Chicken, try the Crockpot Marry Me Chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs? While chicken thighs are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, you can use chicken breast. Just be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! Butter chicken is a great make-ahead dish. The flavors actually develop and deepen overnight.
• How long does butter chicken last in the refrigerator? Butter chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Can I freeze butter chicken? Yes, you can freeze butter chicken. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

So there you have it! A simple, step-by-step guide to making incredibly delicious Homemade Butter Chicken in your own kitchen. Don’t be intimidated – with a little patience and these tips, you’ll be serving up restaurant-worthy butter chicken in no time. Happy cooking!