Alright, come on in, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s chat! Today, we’re diving headfirst into one of my absolute favorite comfort foods: Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. This isn’t just any recipe, mind you. This is the recipe, the one that’s been requested at countless family dinners, potlucks, and “I’m having a rough week” nights. The aroma alone – that blend of warm spices, creamy tomato, and rich butter – is enough to transport me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. I still remember the first time I tried to recreate it. I was so nervous! I overcooked the chicken, the sauce was way too thin, and the whole thing tasted…well, not like my grandmother’s Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. It was a disaster! But, like with most things in life, perseverance (and a whole lot of taste-testing!) paid off. This Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is now a staple in our house.
What I love most about this Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is how it fits into my busy life. I can prep a lot of it ahead of time, and on those chaotic weeknights, it comes together so quickly. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser every single time. I think I first discovered the magic of Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe when I was in college. I was missing home like crazy, and a friend shared a simplified version with me. Over the years, I tweaked it, adapted it, and eventually, turned it into what I’m sharing with you today. My cooking philosophy is simple: make it delicious, make it from the heart, and make it shareable. And this Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe embodies all of that! So, let’s get started, shall we? Don’t be intimidated, I promise this Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is easier than it looks. I’m here to guide you every step of the way!
What You’ll Need for This Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Alright, let’s gather our troops! Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delectable Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. Don’t worry; most of these ingredients are probably already hanging out in your pantry.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces: I always use chicken thighs for my Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. They stay so much more tender and juicy than chicken breast, even if you accidentally overcook them (we’ve all been there!).
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste: You can find this pre-made in most Indian grocery stores, or you can easily make your own by blending equal parts ginger and garlic.
- 1 tsp turmeric powder: This gives the chicken a beautiful golden color and a warm, earthy flavor.
- 1 tsp red chili powder: Adjust this to your spice preference. I like a little kick, but you can reduce it if you’re not a fan of heat.
- 1 tsp garam masala: This is a blend of warming spices that’s essential for authentic butter chicken.
- 1/2 tsp salt: To season the chicken.
- 2 tbsp butter: Unsalted, of course! We’ll be adding more later.
- 1 large onion, finely chopped: Yellow or white onion works perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced is always best!
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: I prefer crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the butter chicken sauce so incredibly rich and creamy.
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt: This helps to tenderize the chicken and add a slight tang to the sauce.
- 1 tbsp sugar: A little bit of sugar balances out the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 1/2 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi): This adds a unique, slightly bitter flavor that’s characteristic of Indian butter chicken.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: For garnish.
When making this Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe, you can often find garam masala and kasuri methi at international grocery stores or even online. Here’s a Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe trick I learned from my mom: marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor! You can also use frozen ginger-garlic paste to save time. To save money, buy spices in bulk from an international grocery store. Store any leftover Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep things fresh, consider storing leftover spices properly to maintain their potency, ensuring the best flavor for your authentic butter chicken.
Let’s Make This Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe Together
Okay, now for the fun part! Let’s get cooking. I promise this Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is easier than you think, even if it seems intimidating at first. Just follow along, and we’ll have a delicious murgh makhani recipe ready in no time!
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, yogurt, and salt. Mix well, ensuring all the chicken pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will be. Don’t worry if your Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe marinade looks a little thick; that’s perfectly normal! If you want to make it extra flavorful, marinating it overnight really allows the spices to penetrate the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken (in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding) and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. I learned the hard way with Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe that overcrowding the pan leads to steaming instead of browning.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, and the remaining garam masala. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. This Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe usually takes about 45 minutes from start to finish in my kitchen.
- Blend the Sauce (Optional): For a super smooth sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend the sauce directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the sauce to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids! This step is optional, but it definitely elevates the texture of the sauce. While the Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is cooking, I usually prep my rice and chop the cilantro.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken. Pour in the heavy cream and dried fenugreek leaves. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together even more. Your Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe should smell like a warm hug at this point! This step ensures your incredible homemade butter chicken is as rich and creamy as it can be.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice, naan bread, or roti.
How I Love to Serve This Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
My family loves this Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe when I serve it with fluffy basmati rice and warm naan bread. There’s just something so satisfying about scooping up that creamy sauce with a piece of naan. Sometimes, I’ll also make a simple cucumber and yogurt raita to cool things down. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for my other family favorites.
This Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a casual get-together with friends, or even a special occasion. I’ve made it for birthdays, anniversaries, and even a few holiday dinners. It’s always a hit! For presentation, I like to drizzle a little extra cream on top and sprinkle with a generous amount of cilantro.
If you have extra Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe, it’s even better the next day! The flavors have had a chance to meld together even more. You can also use leftovers to make butter chicken wraps or quesadillas. Friends always ask for this Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe recipe, and I’m always happy to share! In the summer, I sometimes grill the chicken before adding it to the sauce for a smoky twist. In the winter, I like to add a pinch of cinnamon to the sauce for extra warmth. This easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is one of the best!
Your Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe Questions Answered
Alright, let’s tackle some of the most common questions I get about this Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. I’ve been there, made those mistakes, and learned from them! These tips help ensure that your delicious homemade butter chicken is cooked just right.
- Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs? While chicken thighs are my preference, you can definitely use chicken breast. Just be sure not to overcook it, or it will become dry. Reduce the cooking time slightly and keep a close eye on it. You know what I do when my Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe calls for chicken breast? I marinate it for a longer time!
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cheese) or tofu. Just pan-fry or grill the paneer/tofu until golden brown before adding it to the sauce.
- My sauce is too thin. How do I thicken it? If your butter chicken sauce is too thin, you can simmer it for a longer period of time, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water (a slurry) to the sauce and simmer until thickened.
- My sauce is too thick. How do I thin it? Add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out. Stir well and simmer until you reach the desired consistency.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, absolutely! Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is a great make-ahead dish. In fact, the flavors often develop even more overnight. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
- How can I make this recipe spicier? Add more red chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also add a few chopped green chilies for extra heat. My family prefers a medium spice level, so I usually stick to 1 teaspoon of red chili powder.
- Can I freeze this recipe? Yes, you can freeze Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. However, the texture of the sauce may change slightly after freezing and thawing. The cream can sometimes separate a bit. To minimize this, let the dish cool completely before freezing it in an airtight container.
My Final Thoughts on This Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
This Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it represents comfort, family, and shared meals. It’s a dish that always brings a smile to everyone’s face, and that’s what cooking is all about for me. If you are feeling like something soupy, check this out turmeric chicken soup!
My Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe Pro Tips:
- Don’t skip the marinating step! It really makes a difference in the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. Everyone’s spice preferences are different, so don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe to your liking.
- Use good quality ingredients. It really does make a difference in the final flavor.
I’ve tried a few variations of this recipe with my family and their reactions have been… interesting! My son loves it with a little bit of mango chutney on the side for sweetness. My daughter prefers it with brown rice instead of white rice. My husband, on the other hand, likes it just the way it is – classic Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe with naan bread. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out my butternut squash soup.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe your own. Add your favorite vegetables, adjust the spice level, or try different garnishes. The possibilities are endless! I hope you give this Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe a try. I truly believe that cooking should be a joyful and rewarding experience, and this recipe is a perfect example of that. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and let’s get cooking! You got this! I know you’ll create a Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe masterpiece that your family will absolutely love.
Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Enjoy restaurant-quality Butter Chicken in the comfort of your home! This recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken in a creamy, aromatic tomato-based sauce, perfect with naan bread or rice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup cashew nuts, soaked in warm water for 30 minutes
- 1 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), crushed
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric powder, chili powder, ginger-garlic paste, and salt. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
- Prepare the sauce: Heat butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the tomatoes: Add crushed tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the raw smell of tomatoes is gone.
- Add the cashews: Blend the soaked cashews with a little water into a smooth paste. Add this paste to the tomato sauce and stir well.
- Cook the chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the sauce and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Finish the dish: Stir in heavy cream and crushed kasuri methi. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with naan bread or rice.
Notes
For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Serve with a dollop of fresh cream and a sprinkle of cilantro.