Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the first time I tried homemade butter chicken! The moment I took a bite, I was transported to a world of creamy textures and rich, aromatic flavors. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! I remember my friend’s mom making it for us after a long day, and I couldn’t get enough. The way the spices dance together, combined with tender chicken in that luscious sauce – it’s no wonder it’s a staple in Indian cuisine. Trust me, once you try making it at home, you’ll never want to order takeout again!
Ingredients for Homemade Butter Chicken
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best homemade butter chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp ginger garlic paste
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 2 tbsp garam masala
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go; it’ll make the cooking process so much smoother and more enjoyable. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than realizing you forgot an ingredient halfway through! So, let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Homemade Butter Chicken
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the magic of making homemade butter chicken! It’s a straightforward process, so don’t worry! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
Marinating the Chicken
First things first, let’s marinate that chicken! In a bowl, combine the cubed chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, ginger garlic paste, turmeric, red chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Make sure every piece is well-coated. Cover it and let it marinate for at least an hour—this is crucial for developing those amazing flavors. If you can, let it sit overnight in the fridge for an even richer taste!
Cooking the Base
Once the chicken is marinated, heat the cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s golden brown and fragrant—this is where the magic begins! Now, throw in the marinated chicken. Cook it until the chicken is no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. The aroma will be incredible!
Adding the Tomato Sauce and Cream
Next up, add the crushed tomatoes to the pan and let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes. This allows those flavors to blend beautifully. After that, stir in the heavy cream and garam masala, and let it cook for another 5 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce becoming thick and creamy, and trust me, you’ll want to dive right in!
Final Touches
Once everything is cooked to perfection, it’s time to garnish! Sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your homemade butter chicken warm with fluffy rice or warm naan to soak up all that delicious sauce. Enjoy every bite—you’ve earned it!
Nutritional Information for Homemade Butter Chicken
Let’s talk nutrition! Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect from each serving of this delicious homemade butter chicken. Each cup contains approximately 450 calories, 30g of fat, and a generous 30g of protein. You’ll also be getting about 12g of carbohydrates and 2g of fiber. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but it’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to please!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners
- Rich, creamy flavors that make every bite irresistible
- Ideal for family gatherings or impressing guests
- Versatile—pair it with rice, naan, or even veggies
- Customizable spice levels to suit everyone’s taste
- Made with simple ingredients you can find in your pantry
Trust me, this homemade butter chicken will become a favorite in your household in no time!
Tips for Success
To make your homemade butter chicken truly unforgettable, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t skimp on the marinating time; the longer you let that chicken soak up the flavors, the better! If you like it spicy, feel free to adjust the red chili powder to your taste, but start small—you can always add more later. And remember, fresh ingredients make all the difference, especially when it comes to the spices. Trust me, you’ll taste the love in every bite!
Variations of Homemade Butter Chicken
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your homemade butter chicken! You can toss in some colorful bell peppers or peas for added nutrition and a pop of color. Want to spice things up? Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of coconut milk for a unique twist. For a healthier option, swap out the heavy cream for Greek yogurt, which still gives you that creamy goodness. The possibilities are endless—get creative and find your favorite version!
FAQ Section
Got questions about homemade butter chicken? I’ve got answers! One common concern is about the spice level. If you’re worried it might be too spicy, start with less red chili powder and adjust to your taste as you go! You can always add more heat, but it’s tough to take it out once it’s in there.
As for cooking times, make sure you cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink inside—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes after marinating. If you want to substitute the heavy cream, Greek yogurt is a fantastic option for a lighter version, just be sure to add it off the heat to prevent curdling. And don’t hesitate to swap out the chicken for tofu or paneer if you’re looking for a vegetarian twist! Happy cooking!
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Homemade Butter Chicken: 7 Steps to Irresistible Flavor
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and flavorful dish made with marinated chicken in a spiced tomato sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp ginger garlic paste
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 2 tbsp garam masala
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, ginger garlic paste, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt for at least 1 hour.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
- Add marinated chicken and cook until it is no longer pink.
- Add crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and garam masala. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Serve with rice or naan.
- Adjust spice level to your preference.
- Can add vegetables like bell peppers or peas for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: homemade butter chicken, Indian cuisine, chicken curry