Quick and Easy Butter Chicken
Why make this recipe
Quick and Easy Butter Chicken is a fantastic dish for anyone who loves rich and creamy flavors. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. This recipe uses simple ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. You can impress your family and friends with this delicious Indian-inspired dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s great for serving over rice, making it a complete meal that satisfies everyone.
How to make Quick and Easy Butter Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
Directions:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the onions and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and ginger; cook for an additional minute.
- Add the diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, heavy cream, garam masala, and paprika; stir well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for about 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot over cooked rice.
How to serve Quick and Easy Butter Chicken
Serve Quick and Easy Butter Chicken over a bed of warm, fluffy rice. You can also garnish it with fresh cilantro for added flavor. Some people love to serve this dish with naan bread, which is great for scooping up the sauce. It makes for a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.
How to store Quick and Easy Butter Chicken
To store leftovers, let the butter chicken cool down to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to make Quick and Easy Butter Chicken
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for a few hours before cooking.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less garam masala or paprika based on your taste preference.
- For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with paneer or tofu.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables. Peas or bell peppers make great additions. Simply toss them in when you add the chicken and cook them until tender for a colorful and nutritious twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: No, Quick and Easy Butter Chicken is not very spicy. The flavors are rich and creamy, but you can add chili powder if you prefer a spicier version.
Q: Can I use coconut milk instead of heavy cream?
A: Yes, coconut milk is a great alternative if you want a dairy-free option. It will give the dish a different flavor but will still be delicious!
Quick and Easy Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the onions and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and ginger; cook for an additional minute.
- Add the diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, heavy cream, garam masala, and paprika; stir well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for about 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot over cooked rice.
