Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Butter Chicken is one of those dishes that feels deeply comforting while still tasting luxurious and special. Tender pieces of chicken are simmered in a velvety tomato-based sauce enriched with butter and cream, creating a balance of warmth, richness, and gentle spice. This recipe delivers restaurant-style flavor with simple techniques that are easy to manage at home.
What I enjoy most about making butter chicken myself is the control over flavor and texture. You can adjust the creaminess, spice level, and richness to suit your taste. When I first prepared this version, I was surprised by how smooth and well-balanced the sauce turned out without needing complicated steps. The result is a dish that pairs beautifully with rice or flatbread and works just as well for family dinners as it does for entertaining. If you are looking for a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe that feels indulgent yet approachable, this creamy butter chicken is an excellent choice.
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Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe: A Rich and Comforting Classic Made at Home
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Creamy Butter Chicken is a classic Indian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, buttery tomato cream sauce infused with warm spices and a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Kashmiri chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Heat oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and lightly golden.
- Stir in garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add tomato puree, garam masala, paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, and sugar if using.
- Simmer the sauce for 8–10 minutes until thickened and glossy.
- Add chicken pieces and cook for 8–10 minutes until fully cooked.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in yogurt, followed by heavy cream.
- Add remaining butter and gently simmer for 3–5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve with basmati rice or naan bread.
- Do not boil after adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Chicken thighs provide extra tenderness and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken thighs or chicken breasts
Chicken provides the protein base of the dish. Thighs remain especially juicy, while breasts offer a leaner option.
Plain yogurt
Yogurt is used in the marinade to tenderize the chicken and add subtle tang.
Garlic
Garlic brings aromatic depth and enhances the savory profile of the sauce.
Ginger
Ginger adds warmth and freshness that balances the richness of butter and cream.
Butter
Butter is essential for the signature flavor and luxurious mouthfeel of the sauce.
Olive oil
Olive oil helps cook the aromatics and prevents the butter from burning.
Onion
Onion adds sweetness and forms the foundation of the sauce.
Tomato puree
Tomato puree creates the smooth, slightly tangy base of the butter chicken sauce.
Heavy cream
Heavy cream adds richness and creates the creamy texture that defines this dish.
Garam masala
Garam masala provides warm, aromatic spice without overpowering heat.
Ground cumin
Cumin adds earthy depth and enhances the overall flavor.
Paprika or chili powder
Paprika adds color and mild warmth, while chili powder increases heat if desired.
Salt
Salt balances and enhances all the flavors.
Sugar
A small amount of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Fresh cilantro
Cilantro adds freshness and a bright finish.
Directions
Begin by combining the chicken with yogurt, garlic, ginger, salt, and spices in a bowl. Mix well and allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance tenderness and flavor.
Heat olive oil and half of the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same pan, add the remaining butter and sauté the onion until soft and golden. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking briefly until fragrant. Add the tomato puree, sugar, and spices, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens and deepens in color.
Lower the heat and stir in the cream, mixing gently to create a smooth sauce. Return the chicken to the pan and simmer for another 10 minutes until fully cooked and coated in the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves four people. Preparation takes approximately 15 minutes, marinating time about 30 minutes, and cooking time around 30 minutes. Total time is roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce thickens too much.
Variations and Customizations
Creamy Butter Chicken is very adaptable. For a lighter version, reduce the amount of butter and cream or substitute part of the cream with milk. I have tested this approach and found it still delivers excellent flavor with a slightly lighter finish.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne. Cashew paste can be added to the sauce for additional richness and a more traditional texture. You can also substitute chicken with paneer for a vegetarian variation that works beautifully with the same sauce.
These adjustments allow you to tailor the dish while maintaining its comforting, creamy character.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish is high in protein and rich in fats from butter and cream. It is naturally gluten-free and can fit into low-carbohydrate diets when served with appropriate sides. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced meal.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Tender Chicken
Marinate long enough to ensure juicy, flavorful meat.
Smooth Sauce
Simmer the tomato base thoroughly before adding cream.
Balanced Flavor
Adjust sugar and salt to balance acidity.
Gentle Heat
Keep heat low after adding cream to prevent splitting.
Fresh Finish
Add cilantro just before serving for brightness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but avoid overcooking to keep it tender.
Is butter chicken spicy?
It is mild by default and easily adjustable.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and dairy-free butter alternatives.
Can I freeze butter chicken?
Yes, it freezes well for up to two months.
What can I serve with butter chicken?
Rice, flatbread, or naan-style bread work well.
Why is my sauce too thin?
Allow it to simmer longer to reduce.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, the flavors improve after resting.
Is sugar necessary?
A small amount balances tomato acidity.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, peas or spinach work well.
How do I avoid curdled sauce?
Lower heat before adding cream and stir gently.
Conclusion
Creamy Butter Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings rich texture and balanced spice to the table. With its smooth sauce, tender chicken, and adaptable nature, this recipe is a dependable favorite that delivers satisfying results whether served for a casual dinner or a special occasion.
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