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- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs - Unsalted butter - Onion, garlic, and ginger For this quick butter chicken, you need boneless chicken thighs. They cook fast and stay juicy. I love using unsalted butter because it adds richness. You also need a medium onion, garlic, and fresh ginger. These three create a flavorful base. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic. Grate the ginger for a burst of freshness. - Garam masala, turmeric, and cumin - Crushed tomatoes and coconut milk Next, we need spices. Garam masala gives warmth, while turmeric adds color. Ground cumin brings a nutty flavor. You will also need crushed tomatoes. They add tanginess and depth. Coconut milk makes the sauce creamy and smooth. This combination creates a rich, satisfying dish. - Sugar for balance - Fresh cilantro and serving suggestions Sugar can help balance the spices. It’s optional but worth trying. Fresh cilantro adds a bright touch to the dish. When serving, pair butter chicken with cooked rice or warm naan. These sides soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy creating your meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Sautéing the onions Start by melting 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a spacious pan over medium heat. Once the butter bubbles, add 1 medium onion, finely chopped. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onion turns soft and translucent. - Adding garlic and ginger Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often. You want the mixture to become fragrant. - Browning the chicken pieces Now, add 1 pound of boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt, 1 tablespoon of garam masala, 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and no longer pink inside. - Seasoning with spices Stir the spices well to coat the chicken. This step is key to getting that rich flavor that makes butter chicken so special. - Mixing in crushed tomatoes Once the chicken is cooked, pour in 1 cup of crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine everything. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld. - Stirring in coconut milk Gradually add 1 cup of creamy coconut milk. If you want a touch of sweetness, add 1 tablespoon of sugar. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 10 more minutes. This lets it thicken and ensures the chicken is cooked through. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. When it's perfect, garnish with fresh cilantro. Enjoy your meal! To make your butter chicken even better, play with the seasonings. Start with salt. If it tastes flat, add more salt. For a sweeter touch, add a bit of sugar. This helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes. It makes the dish rich and smooth on your palate. Prepping your ingredients ahead saves time. Chop your onion, garlic, and ginger the night before. This makes cooking quicker and easier. You can also choose canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones. Canned tomatoes are just as tasty and save you time in the kitchen. For a lovely presentation, serve your butter chicken over fluffy rice or with warm naan. Rice soaks up the sauce well. Naan is perfect for scooping. Add fresh cilantro on top for a pop of color. A lime wedge on the side adds brightness and flavor. Your meal will look as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices can significantly enhance the flavor of your butter chicken. Consider grinding whole spices just before use for an aromatic experience. Marinate the Chicken: For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking. This will tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a richer sauce, you can add an extra half cup of coconut milk or cream. This will give the dish a more luxurious texture. Garnish Smartly: A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving can brighten the dish and add a refreshing contrast to the spices. {{image_4}} For a tasty twist, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Chicken breasts are leaner and cook faster. Just cut them into small pieces like thighs. If you want a vegetarian version, try chickpeas or paneer. Both options soak up flavors well. They also add great texture to the dish. You can sauté the chickpeas or cubes of paneer just like the chicken. This way, you keep the dish rich and satisfying. Do you love heat? Add chili or spicy peppers for a kick! You can sprinkle in red chili flakes or diced fresh peppers. This gives the dish a warm, spicy flavor. If you're cooking for kids, keep it mild. Skip the extra spices and focus on the creamy sauce. You can still enjoy all the rich flavors without the heat. This makes it a perfect dish for the whole family. You can get creative with the sauce! Try different cream bases, like heavy cream or yogurt. Each option will change the flavor and texture. For a lighter dish, use low-fat yogurt. Want to add some greens? Incorporate vegetables like spinach or peas. Stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking. This adds color and nutrients to your dish. Plus, it makes your butter chicken even more delicious! To store leftovers, cool the butter chicken to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for later. The butter chicken lasts up to three days in the fridge. When reheating, use a pan over medium heat. Stir it gently to warm it through. You can also microwave it in short bursts. Just remember to cover it to avoid splatters. If you want to freeze butter chicken, let it cool completely first. Transfer it into a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it in a pan over low heat. Stir often until it’s hot. You can also use the microwave, but keep an eye on it to prevent drying out. In the fridge, butter chicken lasts about three days. In the freezer, it stays good for three months. Keep an eye out for signs of spoilage. If it smells sour or looks off, it’s best to throw it out. Always trust your senses to ensure your meal is safe to eat. Butter chicken is a creamy, spiced dish from India. It started in the 1950s in Delhi. Chefs mixed leftover chicken with rich sauce made from tomatoes and butter. This dish became famous for its rich taste and smooth texture. Yes, you can! For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil instead of butter. Swap the cream for coconut milk. This keeps the dish creamy and flavorful without dairy. Butter chicken can be mild or spicy. The main spices are garam masala, turmeric, and cumin. If you want less heat, use less garam masala. You can also add sugar to balance the spice. Butter chicken pairs well with fluffy rice or warm naan. You can also add a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. This makes for a complete, delicious meal. This blog post guides you through making delicious Butter Chicken. We covered key ingredients, from chicken thighs to spices, ensuring you enhance flavors. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for easy prep and better presentation. We explored variations, storage tips, and answered common questions. Butter Chicken can be a crowd-pleaser with a few simple tweaks. Enjoy experimenting in your kitchen to find your perfect version!

Savory Quick Butter Chicken Delight

A quick and flavorful butter chicken dish with aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes (canned or freshly blended)
  • 1 cup creamy coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon sugar, optional (for balance)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • as needed Cooked rice or warm naan, for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a spacious pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is bubbly, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent and softens.
  • Incorporate the minced garlic and grated ginger into the pan, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes. Stir frequently until the mixture becomes aromatic and fragrant.
  • Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken to the pan, seasoning generously with salt, garam masala, turmeric powder, and ground cumin. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is browned on all sides and no longer pink in the center.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, which enables the flavors to create a harmonious blend.
  • Gradually stir in the creamy coconut milk, adjusting sweetness with sugar if desired. Allow the sauce to return to a gentle simmer and cook for an additional 10 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and the chicken finish cooking thoroughly.
  • Taste your creation and adjust the seasoning further, adding more salt or sugar if necessary to enhance the flavor profile.
  • Once ready, remove the pan from heat and generously garnish the dish with freshly chopped cilantro.

Notes

Serve with rice or naan for a complete meal.
Keyword butter chicken, chicken, coconut milk, quick recipe