If you're looking for a delicious family dinner, this Quick And Easy Butter Chicken is just the ticket. I remember one evening when my son, Jake, declared this dish his new favorite after just one bite. It’s creamy, flavorful, and comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love It
- It's a family favorite that everyone enjoys.
- You can whip it up in under 30 minutes.
- It pairs perfectly with rice and veggies.
Pure Comfort
This dish is pure comfort food, with its rich sauce and tender chicken. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce your family to Indian flavors without overwhelming their taste buds.
What You Need
- 1 lb 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs – Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp vegetable oil – Can substitute with olive oil.
- 1 1 large yellow onion, diced – Adds sweetness to the dish.
- 3 cloves 3 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp ginger, minced – Fresh ginger adds a nice kick.
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp curry powder – Adjust to taste for spiciness.
- 1 can 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk – Provides creaminess; can substitute with heavy cream.
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp tomato paste – Enhances the sauce's richness.
- to taste Salt and pepper to taste – Season as desired.
- as needed Cooked rice and steamed vegetables for serving – Great for a complete meal.
Time to Cook
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Total: 30 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté until it turns translucent, about 5 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making everyone curious about dinner.
- Next, stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for another minute until fragrant. This is where the magic begins, and you'll want to keep stirring to prevent burning.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until they're no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. You'll know they're done when they're golden brown and sizzling in the pan.
- Sprinkle in the curry powder, mixing well to coat the chicken. Cook for another minute to let the spices bloom and release their flavors. Your kitchen will smell amazing right about now.
- Pour in the coconut milk and add the tomato paste. Stir everything together, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir and check the flavor. If you want a little more kick, feel free to add more curry powder.
- Serve the butter chicken over cooked rice and alongside steamed vegetables. Enjoy the creamy goodness with your family, and watch them go back for seconds!
Make It Perfect
- For a quicker meal, use pre-cooked chicken.
- If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Leftovers can be reheated easily in the microwave.
Mix It Up
- Try adding spinach for extra nutrients.
- Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with naan bread for a complete experience.
- Pair with a refreshing cucumber salad.
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FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store it in the fridge.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze butter chicken?
Yes, it freezes well! Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
What can I substitute for coconut milk?
You can use heavy cream or even yogurt for a different flavor.
Is this dish spicy?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust the curry powder to your preference.
Conclusion
This Quick And Easy Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the family together. With its creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’s bound to become a staple in your dinner rotation. So, gather your loved ones and enjoy this tasty meal!
Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- 2 tbsp tbsp vegetable oil Can substitute with olive oil.
- 1 large yellow onion, diced Adds sweetness to the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
- 1 tbsp tbsp ginger, minced Fresh ginger adds a nice kick.
- 2 tbsp tbsp curry powder Adjust to taste for spiciness.
- 1 can 14 oz coconut milk Provides creaminess; can substitute with heavy cream.
- 1 tbsp tbsp tomato paste Enhances the sauce’s richness.
- to taste Salt and pepper Season as desired.
- as needed Cooked rice and steamed vegetables for serving Great for a complete meal.
Instructions
- Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté until it turns translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Next, stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until they’re no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the curry powder, mixing well to coat the chicken. Cook for another minute.
- Pour in the coconut milk and add the tomato paste. Stir everything together, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir and check the flavor.
- Serve the butter chicken over cooked rice and alongside steamed vegetables.