Easy Butter Chicken: A Quick and Delicious Recipe for Busy Nights

Butter chicken, or "Murgh Makhani," is a classic Indian dish known for its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken. It’s a favorite comfort food, but making it traditionally can be time-consuming. Fortunately, you can whip up a simplified version of this beloved dish that’s just as flavorful and satisfying, all in a fraction of the time. Here’s a straightforward recipe for easy butter chicken that you can prepare on even the busiest nights.

Ingredients

Chicken: 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Butter: 4 tablespoons

Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped

Garlic: 3 cloves, minced

Ginger: 1 tablespoon, freshly grated

Tomato Sauce: 1 cup

Heavy Cream: 1 cup

Yogurt: 1/2 cup (plain, full-fat)

Ground Coriander: 1 teaspoon

Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon

Paprika: 1 teaspoon

Turmeric: 1/2 teaspoon

Garam Masala: 1 teaspoon

Salt: To taste

Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional, to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)

Cilantro: Fresh, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet or pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Spice It Up: Add the ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, and garam masala to the onions. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes to let the spices release their flavors.

Combine and Simmer: Pour in the tomato sauce and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Finish the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and yogurt, mixing well. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of water to reach your desired consistency. Add sugar if you like a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Season with salt to taste.

Return the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce, stirring to coat the pieces thoroughly. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through and has absorbed the flavors.

Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if desired. Serve the butter chicken over steamed rice or with naan bread for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts: Chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness and flavor, but breasts work fine if that’s what you have on hand.

Spice Level: Adjust the spices according to your preference. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce.

Creaminess: For an extra creamy texture, you can use more heavy cream or even a splash of milk.

This easy butter chicken recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal in no time, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors with minimal effort!