Quick and Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a mouthwatering dish that can be whipped up in no time, look no further than this 20 Minute Butter Chicken recipe. This delightful meal combines tender chicken pieces with a rich and creamy tomato sauce, resulting in an irresistible flavor explosion. Perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress everyone at your table.

In just 20 minutes, you can prepare a restaurant-quality butter chicken without spending hours in the kitchen. The ingredients are simple and easily accessible, making it an ideal choice for both novice cooks and experienced chefs alike. Moreover, the creamy texture of the sauce paired with aromatic spices makes this dish a comforting favorite that you will want to make over and over again.

Not only is this recipe quick to prepare, but it also allows for customization based on your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you enjoy it mild or spicy, with naan bread or rice, this versatile dish can cater to various tastes. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to indulge in the delightful flavors of homemade 20 Minute Butter Chicken!

Main Ingredients

Chicken Breast

For this recipe, you’ll need about one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly, which makes it perfect for our speedy preparation. The tender texture absorbs the flavors of the spices beautifully while keeping the dish light.

Butter

You will need four tablespoons of unsalted butter. Butter adds richness to the sauce and enhances its creaminess. It also helps to sauté spices effectively, releasing their essential oils to create a fragrant base for your butter chicken.

Onion

One medium onion finely chopped contributes sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish. Onions should be sautéed until they turn translucent; this brings out their natural sugars while creating a flavorful foundation for our sauce.

Garlic

You will require four cloves of garlic minced for added depth. Garlic offers not only aromatic notes but also health benefits. It infuses the sauce with robust flavor that complements the creaminess perfectly.

Ginger

Fresh ginger is essential in adding warmth and spice to your butter chicken. Use about one tablespoon of grated ginger root; its zesty kick balances out the richness of the sauce while enhancing overall taste.

Tomato Puree

You’ll need one cup of tomato puree as a base for the sauce. Tomato puree provides acidity that cuts through the creaminess while giving color and body to our dish.

Heavy Cream

To achieve that signature creamy texture in your butter chicken, use half a cup of heavy cream. This ingredient is crucial as it gives the dish its luxurious consistency while mellowing out spicy flavors.

Spices

A blend of spices including garam masala (two teaspoons), cumin (one teaspoon), turmeric (half teaspoon), and chili powder (to taste) will elevate your dish’s flavor profile significantly. These spices are what truly make butter chicken special by adding warmth and complexity.

How to Prepare 20 Minute Butter Chicken

Step One: Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating two tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted add your chopped onions and cook until they are soft and translucent; this usually takes around five minutes. Stir frequently to prevent them from burning. Afterward add minced garlic and grated ginger; continue cooking until fragrant—about one minute more should suffice.

Step Two: Cook Chicken Pieces

Once your aromatics are ready, it’s time to add in your diced chicken breast pieces into the skillet alongside salt (to taste). Stir well ensuring each piece is coated with those beautiful aromatic flavors you’ve created thus far. Increase heat slightly to medium-high; allow them to cook undisturbed for about five minutes before stirring again until cooked through—around ten minutes total cooking time should do.

Step Three: Create Sauce Base

After your chicken has cooked through remove it temporarily from the skillet; set aside on a plate while you prepare your sauce base using tomato puree now added directly into that same skillet left behind from cooking meat along with remaining two tablespoons of butter already melted down there too! Mix well allowing everything together fully blending all flavors—about three minutes should help create an inviting aroma coming off!

Step Four: Add Cream & Spices

Now it’s showtime! Lower heat back down once more then pour half cup heavy cream into skillet followed by garam masala cumin turmeric chili powder if desired mixing thoroughly! Allow simmering gently allowing all those delicious flavors meld together forming harmonious medley perfect creamy consistency achieved after another five minutes passed!

Serving and Storing Tips

Serving Suggestions

Serve your 20 Minute Butter Chicken hot straight from skillet over fluffy basmati rice or alongside warm naan bread! Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves sprinkle some more chili flakes if desired enhance visual appeal add crunch texture too goes great together visually pleasing presentation! Don’t forget serving bowl filled extra creamy sauce so everyone can dunk their bread scoop up every last bite—essentially making meal complete without any waste!

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover butter chicken after enjoying it fresh consider carefully transferring cooled portions into airtight container then refrigerate promptly within two hours consuming leftovers within three days ensures maximum freshness safety don’t let deliciousness go unappreciated! Alternatively freezing individual portions works nicely extending shelf life up-to two months thaw overnight before reheating stovetop microwave might alter original texture slightly but still retains fantastic flavor profile!

By following these steps diligently you’ll not only enjoy homemade buttery goodness quicker than expected but also share great food memories cherished forever!

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Mistakes to avoid

Cooking the Chicken Incorrectly

When preparing your 20 Minute Butter Chicken, one common mistake is overcooking the chicken. This can lead to dry, tough meat that loses its tender texture. To prevent this, use boneless chicken breasts or thighs and cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Cook the chicken over medium heat until it is just cooked through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Remember, the chicken will continue to cook a bit once you add it to the sauce, so aim for a slightly underdone finish before mixing. Keeping an eye on the color is crucial; it should be white throughout with no pink remaining.

Skipping Marinade Time

Another mistake people often make is skipping the marinade for the chicken. While this recipe is quick, marinating even for just 10-15 minutes can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish. A simple marinade of yogurt and spices helps tenderize the chicken and infuses it with rich flavors. If you’re short on time, try to at least let the chicken sit in your marinade while you prepare other ingredients. This small step can elevate your 20 Minute Butter Chicken from ordinary to extraordinary.

Neglecting Fresh Ingredients

Using stale spices or old ingredients can drastically impact your dish’s flavor profile. Fresh spices release their essential oils and aromas when heated, making your butter chicken taste vibrant and full-bodied. Check your pantry for fresh ground spices like cumin and coriander, as well as fresh garlic and ginger. If possible, use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones for a more robust sauce. Investing in quality ingredients will ensure that your 20 Minute Butter Chicken tastes authentic and delicious.

Ignoring Sauce Thickness

The consistency of your sauce can make or break your 20 Minute Butter Chicken experience. Many cooks forget to adjust the thickness of their sauce according to personal preference. If you find the sauce too thick, simply add a splash of water or coconut milk until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if your sauce is too thin, allow it to simmer for a few extra minutes uncovered to evaporate some excess liquid. A well-balanced sauce will cling beautifully to your chicken and rice.

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Tips and tricks

Prep All Ingredients Before Cooking

One essential tip for creating a seamless cooking experience with your 20 Minute Butter Chicken is to prep all ingredients beforehand. Chopping onions, mincing garlic, and measuring out spices can save you valuable time during cooking. Have everything ready on hand before you start heating up your pan; this will allow you to focus solely on cooking without distractions or delays. By preparing ahead of time, you’ll be able to maintain a steady rhythm in the kitchen.

Use High-Quality Butter

Butter plays a vital role in achieving that beautiful creamy texture in your butter chicken sauce. Opt for high-quality unsalted butter instead of margarine or cheap alternatives—this choice directly influences flavor quality. The richness of good butter enhances other ingredients without overpowering them, bringing harmony to each bite of chicken soaked in sauce.

Incorporate Aromatic Spices

To maximize flavor in your 20 Minute Butter Chicken, incorporate aromatic spices during cooking rather than just relying on them in the marinade or final seasoning stage. Toasting whole spices like cumin seeds in hot oil releases their fragrance intensively before adding onions or garlic makes a significant difference in depth of flavor throughout your dish.

Finish with Cream

Adding a touch of heavy cream at the end elevates both texture and taste when making butter chicken quickly at home; it creates that signature creaminess everyone loves! Stir in cream right after simmering down your sauce but before serving—this gives it ample time to meld with existing flavors while allowing its richness not to overpower any other elements present within the dish itself.

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Suggestions for 20 Minute Butter Chicken

Pair with Basmati Rice

For an authentic experience with your 20 Minute Butter Chicken, pair it with fluffy basmati rice! The delicate grains soak up every drop of delicious sauce while providing an excellent balance against bold flavors from spices used throughout cooking process . Rinse basmati rice thoroughly before boiling; this removes excess starches ensuring that each grain stays separate rather than clumping together—no one wants sticky rice alongside their flavorful curry!

Serve with Naan Bread

Complementing butter chicken with warm naan bread adds another layer of indulgence! Use naan not only as an accompaniment but also as a tool—scooping up rich sauces straight from bowls makes every bite enjoyable! You can buy pre-made naan at grocery stores or whip up homemade versions easily; either way ,it’s sure to impress guests dining alongside you!

Add Vegetables

Incorporating vegetables into your butter chicken not only boosts nutritional value but also adds vibrant colors and textures! Consider adding spinach or bell peppers during simmering process; they cook quickly without losing crunchiness while enhancing overall dish appeal visually . This practice allows anyone following dietary restrictions or preferences enjoy hearty meals filled wholesome goodness!

Garnish Thoughtfully

Don’t underestimate garnishing when plating up deliciously aromatic dishes like these! Finish off by sprinkling fresh cilantro leaves atop finished plates right before serving; this adds brightness highlighting flavors present within meal itself visually appealing manner . It’s these small touches that elevate home-cooked meals into something restaurant-worthy!

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FAQs for 20 Minute Butter Chicken

What is the origin of butter chicken?

Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, originated in India during the 1950s. It was created by the chefs at the Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi. The dish combines tender chicken pieces with a creamy tomato sauce, enriched with butter and spices. Its popularity quickly grew beyond India, making it a beloved dish worldwide. By using simple ingredients and cooking techniques, this dish became accessible to many home cooks. Today, variations exist across different cultures, but the essence of butter chicken remains unchanged.

Can I make 20 Minute Butter Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare 20 Minute Butter Chicken ahead of time. This dish actually benefits from marinating the chicken in spices and yogurt for a few hours or overnight. This enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat. After cooking, allow the dish to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to three days in the fridge or can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.

What can I serve with butter chicken?

Butter chicken pairs wonderfully with several side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Traditional accompaniments include basmati rice or naan bread, which help soak up the delicious sauce. You can also serve it with roti or paratha for a hearty meal. For a lighter option, consider pairing it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish. Don’t forget to garnish your plate with fresh cilantro for added flavor and presentation.

Is butter chicken spicy?

The spice level of butter chicken can vary based on personal preference and regional recipes. Traditional butter chicken tends to be mildly spicy due to the inclusion of spices like garam masala and chili powder; however, it is usually balanced by creamy yogurt and butter that soften the heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder used in your recipe. You can also omit any added heat entirely while still enjoying a flavorful dish.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! While traditional 20 Minute Butter Chicken uses chicken as its primary protein source, you can easily substitute it with other options such as shrimp, tofu, lamb, or even vegetables like cauliflower and chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Each substitute will offer a unique twist on this classic recipe while maintaining its signature buttery sauce. Just remember that cooking times may vary depending on your chosen protein so adjust accordingly.

How do I store leftover butter chicken?

To store leftover 20 Minute Butter Chicken properly, let it cool down after cooking before transferring it into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within three days or freeze it for longer storage—up to three months works well! When reheating frozen portions, thaw them overnight in the fridge before warming them up on low heat on the stovetop or using a microwave until heated thoroughly.

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Conclusion for 20 Minute Butter Chicken

In summary, 20 Minute Butter Chicken is not only a quick and easy meal option but also one that delivers exceptional flavor and comfort in every bite. With its origins rooted deep in Indian cuisine, this dish has gained international acclaim thanks to its rich tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices and creamy butter. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner solution or entertaining guests, this recipe shines through as both satisfying and versatile.

Additionally, you can customize your 20 Minute Butter Chicken experience by adjusting spice levels or substituting proteins based on personal taste preferences. Pairing it with naan bread or basmati rice further elevates your dining experience while ensuring no delicious sauce goes uneaten! Don’t forget about proper storage methods for leftovers—making this dish even more convenient for meal prep enthusiasts.

Ultimately, whether enjoyed fresh off the stove or reheated later, 20 Minute Butter Chicken promises delightful flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

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