The Quick and Easy Butter Chicken Recipe You’ll Crave Every Night! The Quick and Easy Butter Chicken Recipe You’ll Crave Every Night!

Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a beloved dish that’s known for its rich, creamy tomato sauce and tender, flavorful chicken. It’s a staple in Indian cuisine and a favorite in households around the world. But did you know you can make this restaurant-quality dish at home with minimal effort? This Quick and Easy Butter Chicken recipe is perfect for those nights when you want something delicious and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you’ll have a dish that’s so good, you’ll be craving it every night!

Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken Recipe
Quick and Easy: This recipe is designed to be straightforward and quick, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table fast.
Rich and Flavorful: Despite its simplicity, this Butter Chicken is full of rich, complex flavors that will satisfy your taste buds.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: You don’t need to go out to enjoy amazing Butter Chicken—this recipe delivers the same great taste you’d expect from your favorite Indian restaurant.
Customizable Spice Level: Whether you like it mild or spicy, you can easily adjust the heat to suit your preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make this mouthwatering Butter Chicken:

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon ground fenugreek (optional but recommended)
1 can (14.5 ounces) tomato sauce or puree
1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
Although this step is optional, marinating the chicken can add extra flavor and tenderness. Combine the chicken pieces with a little yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, and salt. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, or overnight in the fridge for more flavor.

2. Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add the butter and allow it to melt. Add the chopped onion, and sauté until golden brown and softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Add the Spices
Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and fenugreek (if using). Cook the spices with the onion mixture for 1-2 minutes, allowing them to toast and release their flavors.

5. Make the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce or puree, stirring well to combine with the spice mixture. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken and develop its flavor.

6. Finish the Dish
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk, creating a rich and creamy sauce. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, stirring to coat it in the sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes until it’s fully cooked and the flavors have melded together.

7. Serve and Enjoy
Garnish the Butter Chicken with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot with basmati rice, naan, or your favorite flatbread. Enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation!

Tips for the Best Butter Chicken
Use Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are more tender and flavorful than breasts, making them a great choice for this dish. However, if you prefer chicken breasts, they work well too.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili powder. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra chili powder.
Make It Ahead: Butter Chicken tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to eat.
Serving Suggestions
Butter Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:

Basmati Rice: The perfect accompaniment to soak up the rich sauce.
Naan or Roti: Use these to scoop up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
Vegetable Side Dishes: Consider serving with sautéed spinach, roasted cauliflower, or a fresh cucumber salad for a balanced meal.
Final Thoughts
This Quick and Easy Butter Chicken recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves the flavors of Indian cuisine but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’s a dish that will satisfy your cravings and become a regular part of your meal rotation. So, next time you’re in the mood for something comforting and delicious, give this recipe a try—you’ll be craving it every night!

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