Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Why You’ll Love This Indian Butter Chicken
- The Secret to Authentic Flavor
- Perfect Pairings for Your Butter Chicken
- How to Make It Even Healthier
- Storing and Reheating Leftovers
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Notes & Tips
Key Takeaways
If you’re looking for a quick, creamy, and flavorful dinner, this 30-minute Indian Butter Chicken recipe is perfect. With rich spices and a smooth texture, it’s a family favorite that pairs beautifully with rice or naan. Simple ingredients, bold flavors, and easy steps make this a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Indian Butter Chicken
At Betty Cooks, we love easy recipes that bring restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen. This Indian Butter Chicken is rich, creamy, and infused with a perfect balance of spices. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it one of the best dinner recipes for busy nights.
The Secret to Authentic Flavor
The key to a truly authentic butter chicken lies in its marinade. Marinating the chicken in yogurt, lemon juice, and a blend of warm spices tenderizes the meat and enhances the flavor. The combination of garam masala, turmeric, and cumin creates a deliciously fragrant dish that rivals any takeout.
Perfect Pairings for Your Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is best enjoyed with fluffy basmati rice or warm garlic naan. For a low-carb option, try serving it over cauliflower rice. This easy recipe with rotisserie chicken is also a great way to repurpose leftovers for a quick, satisfying meal.
How to Make It Even Healthier
Want a lighter version? Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk to make it dairy-free, or use Greek yogurt for extra protein. This quick and easy recipe is adaptable to fit any diet while keeping its rich, comforting taste.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Got leftovers? Store your butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to maintain its creamy consistency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overcooking the chicken, making it dry. To avoid this, cook it just until tender. Another mistake is skipping the marination step—this quick step makes all the difference in flavor. Lastly, always use quality spices to ensure the best taste!
Notes & Tips
This homemade butter chicken recipe is incredibly versatile. Add a handful of spinach for extra greens, or top it with slivered almonds for a bit of crunch. Whether you’re meal prepping or making it fresh, it’s sure to become a household favorite!
30-Minute Indian Butter Chicken – Easy Recipes for Dinner
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- Cooked basmati rice or naan for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika, and salt.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight).
- Heat butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until soft.
- Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook until no longer pink.
- Pour in the heavy cream and cayenne pepper (if using), and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in honey or sugar for balance, then garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve hot with basmati rice or naan.
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