Introduction
Welcome to a little corner of comfort where spices dance and flavors flourish! This quick and easy homemade butter chicken recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something rich and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. With tender chicken bathed in a creamy, aromatic sauce, this dish is sure to warm your heart and please your taste buds. Served with fluffy rice or warm naan, it’s like a warm hug on a plate!
Ingredients
- 500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or naan for serving
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions and Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it is bubbling gently.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent, about 5 minutes, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma.
- Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until their fragrance envelops the air.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes.
- Mix in the ground cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder, ensuring that every piece of chicken is generously coated in the vibrant spices.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and season with a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, letting the sauce simmer gently for another 5 minutes until it’s rich and creamy.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, then remove from heat and let the fragrant dish rest for a moment.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro before serving hot with fluffy rice or warm naan to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Notes or Tips
For a little extra heat, feel free to increase the amount of chili powder. If you want to lighten the dish, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a slightly different but equally tasty flavor. This recipe also works wonderfully with leftover cooked chicken; just add it in during the last few minutes of cooking to warm through!
Cooking Techniques
The technique of sautéing the onions until they’re soft and translucent is key to building the foundational flavors of this dish. Additionally, allowing the spices to cook with the chicken helps release their essential oils, infusing the protein with rich aromas. Simmering the sauce gently with heavy cream creates a luscious, velvety texture that is simply irresistible.
FAQ
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! Butter chicken tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Can I make it dairy-free? Absolutely! Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut milk in place of the heavy cream for a delicious dairy-free option.
What should I serve with butter chicken? This dish pairs perfectly with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread, which are ideal for soaking up the amazing sauce!
Conclusion
This quick and easy homemade butter chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with warmth and flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or a cozy night in, this recipe will surely become a staple on your dinner table. Enjoy every creamy, delicious bite, and don’t forget to share the love with those around you!