Easy Butter Chicken

As the chill of the evening sets in, there’s nothing quite like the warmth of a comforting dish. That’s when I often find myself dreaming about Easy Butter Chicken. This dish, with its creamy sauce, evokes memories of family gatherings, where laughter mingles with the enticing aroma of spices wafting through the kitchen. I recall the first time I tried making it; I was nervous but excited, eager to recreate the flavors I loved. In just a short span of time, I found myself captivated by how simple ingredients could transform into something so luxurious and satisfying. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, Easy Butter Chicken never fails to impress. With its rich, buttery sauce and tender chicken, it’s a dish that brings people together, inviting second helpings and smiles all around.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Easy Butter Chicken

The ingredients for Easy Butter Chicken come together to create a dish that’s rich and satisfying. Each component plays a crucial role in building the flavors that make this recipe so beloved. From the tender chicken to the fragrant spices, let’s explore what you’ll need to bring this dish to life.

• 1 tablespoon oil – Essential for sautéing; it adds a base for the flavors to build upon.
• 1 tablespoon butter – Adds richness and a beautiful flavor to the sauce.
• 1 medium onion, diced – Provides sweetness and depth to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely minced – Adds a zesty warmth and aroma.
• 2-3 cloves garlic, finely minced – Enhances the overall flavor profile with its aromatic qualities.
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ¾-inch chunks – The star of the dish; tender chicken soaking up all those flavors.
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste – Provides richness and a deep tomato flavor.
• 1 tablespoon garam masala – A must-have spice blend that brings warmth and complexity.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder – Adds a kick to the dish; adjust based on your heat preference.
• 1 teaspoon fenugreek – Optional, but it adds a unique flavor characteristic to Indian cuisine.
• 1 teaspoon cumin – Earthy and warm, it complements the other spices beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a subtle warmth.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Creates that luscious, creamy sauce that brings everything together.
• Hot cooked rice and naan – Perfect for serving; they soak up the sauce wonderfully.

Directions for Easy Butter Chicken

Making Easy Butter Chicken is a rewarding and straightforward process. With just a few steps, you’ll create a meal that’s full of flavor and sure to satisfy. Let’s dive into the directions!

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil, butter, and onions. Cook the onions down until they are lightly golden, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Look for a soft texture and a sweet aroma.
2. Add the ginger and garlic to the skillet, cooking for about 30 seconds. Stir constantly to avoid burning, and enjoy the aromatic experience that fills your kitchen.
3. Next, introduce the chicken pieces, along with the tomato paste and the spices: garam masala, chili powder, fenugreek, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together, ensuring the chicken is coated well, and cook this mix for 5 to 6 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to bubble softly for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps to meld the flavors together while thickening the sauce.
5. Once done, taste your creation! You might want to adjust seasoning or add a bit more cream depending on your preference.
6. Serve Easy Butter Chicken over hot cooked rice or with warm naan. Make sure to have extra naan on hand for dipping into that incredible sauce!

Expert Tips about Easy Butter Chicken

To ensure you get the best out of your Easy Butter Chicken, here are some expert tips that will elevate your cooking game:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked easy butter chicken for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a light cucumber salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Variations: Feel free to add veggies like spinach or bell peppers to the dish for added nutrition and flavor.
• Serving Suggestion: For a festive touch, serve with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top.

How to Enjoy Easy Butter Chicken

When it comes to serving Easy Butter Chicken, the possibilities are delightful. Here are some practical ways to enjoy this tasty dish:

• With Rice: Serve over fluffy basmati rice, allowing the creamy sauce to seep in and flavor each grain.
• With Naan: Warm naan is perfect for scooping up the sauce, making every bite a joy.
• Casual Dinner: It’s a great option for a relaxed family dinner, where everyone can help themselves.
• Festive Gatherings: Impress your guests at gatherings or holidays with this crowd-pleasing dish.
• Lunch Prep: Make it ahead for work lunches, as the flavors develop beautifully over time.
• Seasonal Pairings: Enjoy this dish in winter for a warming meal, or during the summer with a side of refreshing salad.

FAQ

Conclusion

Easy Butter Chicken is truly a standout dish that combines rich flavors with a comforting texture. It not only satisfies your hunger but also your soul, making it an ideal choice for any day of the week. I encourage you to try making it yourself; the process is simple and rewarding. Your friends and family will thank you for introducing them to such a delightful meal!

Easy Butter Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Easy Butter Chicken is a creamy, rich dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. With tender chicken and a luxurious sauce, every bite is sure to satisfy your cravings. Make it tonight for an unforgettable meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Indian

Calories: 560

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely minced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, finely minced or crushed
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ¾-inch chunks
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon fenugreek, optional
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Hot cooked rice and naan for serving

Equipment

• Large Skillet

Method

 

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil, butter, and onions. Cook the onions down until they are lightly golden, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Look for a soft texture and a sweet aroma.
2. Add the ginger and garlic to the skillet, cooking for about 30 seconds. Stir constantly to avoid burning, and enjoy the aromatic experience that fills your kitchen.
3. Next, introduce the chicken pieces, along with the tomato paste and the spices: garam masala, chili powder, fenugreek, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together, ensuring the chicken is coated well, and cook this mix for 5 to 6 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to bubble softly for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps to meld the flavors together while thickening the sauce.
5. Once done, taste your creation! You might want to adjust seasoning or add a bit more cream depending on your preference.
6. Serve Easy Butter Chicken over hot cooked rice or with warm naan. Make sure to have extra naan on hand for dipping into that incredible sauce!

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
• Tip 2: You can freeze the cooked easy butter chicken for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Tip 3: This dish pairs wonderfully with a light cucumber salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Tip 4: Feel free to add veggies like spinach or bell peppers to the dish for added nutrition and flavor.
• Tip 5: For a festive touch, serve with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top.

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Meet Isla Banks

We eat with our eyes first, so I strive to make every dish look as bountiful as it tastes. I work on every stage of the process, from sourcing the freshest ingredients to styling the final shot. I tested this recipe repeatedly to provide you with the visual inspiration and reliability you need to cook with confidence.