Astonishing Quick & Easy Butter Chicken in Under 1 Hour

Okay, let’s talk about dinner, shall we? Specifically, let’s talk about my *Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe* – because, trust me, you NEED this in your weeknight rotation. I mean, who doesn’t love butter chicken? But the thought of making it from scratch? Forget about it, right? Too many ingredients, too much time… WRONG!

This recipe is seriously a game-changer. We’re talking ready-in-under-an-hour territory, and the ingredient list? Totally manageable. I’ve been making butter chicken for ages, experimenting with different spices and ratios until I landed on this absolute winner. Seriously, it’s simpler than ordering takeout, and tastes a million times better. My family begs for this all the time! This *Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe* is the perfect solution.

Why You’ll Love This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Okay, so why *should* you try this recipe? Let me tell you:

• Ready in under an hour – seriously, from craving to plate lickin’ good in less time than it takes to watch a movie.
• Minimal ingredients – no need to hunt down obscure spices. You probably have most of this stuff already!
• Customizable spice level – want it mild? No problem! Fiery hot? Go for it! You’re in control.
• Family-friendly – even my picky eaters devour this. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Tastes better than takeout – seriously, ditch the delivery apps. This is the real deal, and you made it yourself!

Ingredients for This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Alright, let’s gather our superstars for this *Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe*! Don’t be scared by the list—it’s mostly spices, and they’re what pack the flavor. Trust me, it’s all stuff you can find at your regular grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces – Chicken thighs are the way to go! They stay juicy and tender.
• 1 tsp salt – Gotta have it!
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder – For that beautiful golden color and earthy flavor.
• 1 tsp red chili powder – Adjust to your spice preference! I like mine with a little kick.
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste – You can buy this pre-made, or make your own by grinding equal parts ginger and garlic. Score!
• 2 tbsp oil – Any neutral oil will do. Vegetable, canola, whatever you’ve got.
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped – No big chunks here, we want it to melt into the sauce.
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste – Yes, more of it! This stuff is flavor GOLD.
• 1 tsp garam masala – This is key for that authentic butter chicken taste.
• 1 tsp red chili powder – More spice, are you sure?
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder – Some more turmeric!
• 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes – Crushed tomatoes make the base of our sauce.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream – Don’t skimp on this! It’s what makes it butter chicken!
• 2 tbsp butter – Unsalted, please! Because flavor.
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish – Gotta have that fresh pop of flavor at the end!

How to Make This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe: Step-by-Step

Okay, buckle up! Here’s the lowdown on how to nail this *Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe*. I promise, it’s easier than it looks. Just follow along, and you’ll be licking your plate clean in no time. Okay, let’s make some magic happen!

1. Marinate the Chicken: Grab those 1-inch chicken pieces and toss them in a bowl with 1 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp of turmeric powder, 1 tsp of red chili powder (go easy if you’re spice-sensitive!), and 1 tbsp of ginger-garlic paste. Mix it all up so the chicken is evenly coated and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Seriously, don’t skip this! It makes the chicken so much more flavorful. You can even marinate it overnight in the fridge if you’re planning ahead.
2. Sauté the Onions: Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add that finely chopped onion and cook until it’s golden brown and softened. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush it—we’re building flavor here! Then, add another 1 tsp of ginger-garlic paste and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Wow, that’s smells good!
3. Spice It Up: Add 1 tsp of garam masala, 1 tsp of red chili powder, and 1/2 tsp of turmeric powder– and be ready for a beautiful fusion of colors! Sauté it for about a minute. Careful not to burn the spices; keep the heat on medium and stir constantly.
4. Build the Sauce: Pour in the (14.5 oz) can of crushed tomatoes. Stir well, and cook until the oil starts to separate from the tomato mixture – usually around 8-10 minutes. You’ll see little pools of oil forming on top. This is how you know you’re on the right track! I know there is a similar garlic butter chicken recipe you can look for more inspiration.
5. Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the pan and stir to coat evenly. Cook until the chicken is cooked through – about 8-10 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces. Make sure there’s no pink inside! Nobody wants raw chicken.
6. Creamy Dreamy Finish: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 2 tbsp of butter. This is where the magic truly happens! Simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. The butter chicken needs you now. Watch out, it splatters a little!
7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan bread. Boom! You just made the best *Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe*, congratulations. Seriously, you deserve a medal. Your family will love you forever!

Tips for the Best Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Want to take your *Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe* from “good” to “OMG AMAZING!”? Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned over the years. Seriously, these make a difference:

• Don’t skip the marinating time! I know, I know, you’re hungry. But trust me, even 30 minutes makes a huge difference in flavor and tenderness. Overnight is even better!
• Use good quality butter. This IS butter chicken, after all. Splurge on the good stuff; it makes a difference in the richness and flavor of the sauce.
• Adjust the spice level to your liking (of course!). Don’t be afraid to experiment with the amount of red chili powder. Start with less and add more to taste. You can always add, but you can’t take away!
• Simmer, simmer, simmer! Give the sauce some time to simmer and thicken. The longer it simmers, the richer and more flavorful it becomes. Plus, it gives the chicken a chance to soak up all that goodness.

Serving Suggestions for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing *Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe* ready…now what? Here’s what I usually do: Plain basmati rice is a must! It soaks up all that delicious sauce. Some warm, fluffy naan bread is *amazing* for scooping up every last bit. And if you’re feeling fancy, a side of cooling raita (yogurt dip) is the perfect contrast. Or, you can quickly prepare my lentil curry, goes very well with butter chicken If you want something fresh? A simple salad with a light vinaigrette does the trick.

Storage & Reheating Instructions for Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This *Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe* tastes even BETTER the next day, seriously! To store, just pop it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure it’s completely cooled down before freezing! To reheat, you can microwave it (easy peasy!), or heat it up in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat. If it seems a little thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Got questions about this *Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe*? I get it! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked, and my answers. Hopefully, makes your cooking experience smooth!

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

You *can*, but I don’t recommend it. Chicken thighs are much more forgiving and stay juicy and tender during cooking. Chicken breast tends to dry out more easily. If you *do* use chicken breast, be sure not to overcook it!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I often do. The flavors meld together even more as it sits in the fridge. You can make the entire dish a day or two in advance and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve. It’s the perfect make-ahead meal!

Can I freeze this butter chicken?

Yep! Just let it cool completely before popping it into a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.

How can I make this spicier?

Easy peasy! Just add more red chili powder to the marinade and the sauce. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Or, if you’re feeling really brave, throw in a chopped chili pepper or two! Careful though!

Can I use coconut milk instead of cream?

Sure thing! Coconut milk is a greatDairy-free alternative. It will give the butter chicken a slightly different flavor, but it’s still delicious. Just make sure to use full-fat coconut milk for the best results.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Alright, quick disclaimer: I’m not a nutritionist, so these numbers are just estimates! But, each serving of this *Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe* likely packs about 450 calories, 30g of fat, 30g of protein, and 15g of carbs. Remember, your mileage may vary!

Enjoyed This Recipe? Leave a Comment and Rating!

Hey, if you loved this *Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe* as much as my family does, I’d be thrilled if you left a comment and a star rating below! It really helps others discover this deliciousness. Happy cooking!

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