Flavorful Homemade Butter Chicken for Easy Weeknight Dinners

© Original recipe by The Daily Dishboard ©

Flavorful Homemade Butter Chicken for Easy Weeknight Dinners 🍛🔥✨

1. Introduction

Looking for a delicious, flavorful butter chicken recipe that can be whipped up quickly on busy weeknights? This homemade butter chicken recipe offers a perfect blend of tender chicken, rich spices, and creamy sauce, making it an ideal choice for a quick dinner idea. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or craving comfort food, this recipe delivers authentic taste without hours of slow cooking. Let’s dive into how you can create this irresistible dish in your own kitchen!

2. Ingredients Needed for this Butter Chicken Recipe

• 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free option
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Butter Chicken

Prep the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper, and set aside. For even faster cooking, you can marinate the chicken in some yogurt and spices beforehand, though it’s optional for a quick dinner.

Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, and cook until they are golden brown on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics and Spices

In the same pan, add the remaining butter. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika, and chili powder to toast the spices briefly, enhancing their flavors.

Make the Tomato Sauce

Add the tomato puree to the spice mixture. Stir well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let this simmer for 8-10 minutes to develop richness.

Add Cream and Chicken

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, coating it with the sauce. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Finish and Garnish

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot with basmati rice or warm naan bread. For more quick dinner ideas, check out this garlic Parmesan chicken skewers recipe.

4. Storage Tips for Leftover Butter Chicken

Store any leftover homemade butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through. This dish also freezes well—just transfer to a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months. Reheating in the oven or on the stovetop preserves the flavor and texture best.

5. Serving Suggestions & Variations

This flavorful butter chicken pairs perfectly with steamed basmati rice, fluffy naan bread, or a fresh side of vegetables. For a complete meal, consider adding a green salad or roasted vegetables. Want to make this dish healthier? Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream or add extra vegetables like spinach or peas.

6. FAQs about This Butter Chicken Recipe

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more flavorful and moist, making them a great option for this meal prep chicken recipe. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This homemade butter chicken holds up well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated easily. Prepare in advance to save time during busy weekdays.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Definitely. Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk to create a dairy-free version that still boasts rich flavor.

How long does it take to prepare and cook?

All together, this delicious butter chicken recipe takes approximately 30-40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for quick dinner ideas.

7. Kitchen Tools That You Might Need for This Recipe

• Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer: This versatile appliance enables quick reheating or cooking leftover chicken with less oil.
• T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set: Essential for sautéing onions and cooking the chicken perfectly.
• Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo: Ideal for grilling chicken or warming naan bread for serving.

8. Additional Tips to Elevate Your Homemade Butter Chicken

• Use fresh, high-quality spices for a more vibrant flavor.
• Let the sauce simmer gently to deepen the flavors.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for brightness.
• Fresh cilantro adds a colorful finishing touch and aromatic freshness.

9. Conclusion

This butter chicken recipe is a fabulous way to enjoy a restaurant-quality dinner at home with minimal effort. Its rich flavors, tender chicken, and creamy sauce make it a favorite for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep, or when entertaining guests. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can impress everyone at your table. Give this homemade butter chicken a try tonight and enjoy the comforting tastes of Indian cuisine in your own kitchen!

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