If there’s one comfort food that never fails to bring people together, it’s Butter Chicken. Creamy, fragrant, and gloriously rich, this iconic Indian dish features tender chicken in a spiced tomato and cream sauce that’s downright irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to Indian cuisine, you’ll be amazed by how easy it is to recreate the magic of restaurant-style Butter Chicken right at home—with just a handful of pantry staples and a little bit of love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a mile-long shopping list to create showstopping flavor. Every ingredient in Butter Chicken has a specific job: lending color, spice, or that signature silky texture. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this beloved classic to life in your own kitchen.
- Chicken Thighs: Juicy, tender, and perfect for soaking up flavor—these are key for authentic Butter Chicken texture.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: The tangy, creamy base for the marinade that keeps the chicken incredibly moist.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and a gentle tang that balances the rich sauce.
- Ground Cumin (divided): Delivers earthiness and warmth throughout the marinade and sauce.
- Garam Masala (divided): The signature blend of warming spices that give Butter Chicken its haunting aroma.
- Ground Turmeric: Brings a glorious golden hue and subtle earthiness.
- Chili Powder: Adds heat, color, and depth; customize to suit your spice level.
- Ground Coriander: Enhances citrusy, floral undertones in the sauce.
- Salt: Essential for balancing and magnifying all the flavors.
- Butter: The not-so-secret ingredient that makes the dish luxuriously smooth—don’t skimp!
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the butter from burning as you sauté.
- Large Onion: Adds sweetness and classic curry texture.
- Garlic Cloves: For robust, unmistakable aroma and taste.
- Fresh Ginger: Delivers bright, zippy warmth that pairs beautifully with the spices.
- Paprika: Lends extra warmth and vibrant red color without overpowering heat.
- Tomato Sauce: The main body of the sauce, making it silky and tangy.
- Heavy Cream: Swirls in at the end for that iconic, creamy finish.
- Fresh Cilantro: The classic garnish—herbal, aromatic, and a color pop.
How to Make Butter Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the yogurt, lemon juice, and all the spices for the marinade in a large bowl. Add the chicken pieces and toss until they’re well coated, making sure every nook and cranny is bathed in flavor. Cover and refrigerate—the longer the marination, the more deeply spiced and succulent your Butter Chicken will be, so aim for at least an hour if you can, but overnight is magic.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the butter and oil together in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and let it get soft and golden, stirring occasionally so it becomes naturally sweet—this is where the savory base for the sauce begins. Stir in the garlic and fresh ginger, allowing them to release their fragrance for about a minute. Next, sprinkle in the second round of cumin, paprika, and garam masala, cooking everything together until your kitchen smells absolutely irresistible.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for about ten minutes, stirring often. This stage helps the flavors meld together and thickens the sauce, forming the heart of Butter Chicken’s addictive richness.
Step 4: Simmer the Chicken
Scoop the marinated chicken (along with all that flavorful marinade) into the simmering sauce. Let it cook, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes. The chicken becomes meltingly tender while the sauce thickens around it, creating that lush texture Butter Chicken is famous for. Stir occasionally so everything cooks evenly and the bottom doesn’t scorch.
Step 5: Finish with Cream
With the chicken fully cooked and the sauce thick and glossy, lower the heat and swirl in the heavy cream. This is the “butter” in Butter Chicken—the finishing stroke that makes the dish sing with silkiness. Taste and season with a little additional salt if needed, then sprinkle over a generous handful of chopped cilantro before serving.
How to Serve Butter Chicken
Garnishes
A final flourish of fresh cilantro is classic, adding herbal brightness and a gorgeous pop of color. For an extra little touch, you can also drizzle on a bit more cream or a pat of butter just before serving, making your Butter Chicken look as decadent as it tastes.
Side Dishes
You truly can’t go wrong with fluffy basmati rice or a stack of pillowy naan to soak up all that dreamy sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving with cumin-scented jeera rice, garlic naan, or even a crisp cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the curry.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, spoon the Butter Chicken into individual bowls and top with crunchy fried onions, or pack it into lettuce cups for handheld bites at a party. It’s fantastic over cauliflower rice for a lighter option, or even piled onto baked potatoes for a new weeknight favorite—Butter Chicken’s versatility has no limits!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Butter Chicken actually gets better as it sits, making it a dream candidate for leftovers. Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors intensify overnight, so you’re in for a delicious encore.
Freezing
This dish freezes remarkably well. Simply portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. If your sauce thickens too much, just add a splash of cream or water as you warm it up.
Reheating
Gently rewarm Butter Chicken in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s piping hot. You can also heat it in the microwave, pausing to stir so it heats evenly. Add a little cream or water if the sauce seems thick, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to wake up those flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Butter Chicken?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine if you prefer a leaner cut. Just be mindful not to overcook them so they stay tender. You may notice a slightly less juicy texture compared to thighs, but the creamy sauce will help keep everything delicious.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for Butter Chicken?
Yes! You can swap the dairy for coconut cream and use a plain plant-based yogurt in the marinade. The sauce will still be luscious and dreamy, just with an extra hint of coconut that pairs beautifully with the spices.
How spicy is traditional Butter Chicken?
Butter Chicken is known for its mellow, creamy flavor with just a gentle kiss of heat. This recipe is mild, letting the spices shine through without burning your tastebuds. Feel free to add extra chili powder if you like things a little spicier!
Can I make Butter Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors deepen and mingle. You can prepare Butter Chicken fully and reheat it gently just before serving, so it’s perfect for entertaining or meal prep.
What’s the best way to thicken Butter Chicken sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply let it simmer a bit longer uncovered, stirring until it reaches your desired consistency. Avoid adding extra flour or thickeners—you want that creamy, saucy goodness to come from the tomato, cream, and slow reduction.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving a cozy, flavor-packed Indian dinner night at home, Butter Chicken is your ticket to instant comfort and crowd-pleasing magic. With just a few steps and everyday ingredients, you’ll find yourself ladling up a dish that’s both luxurious and totally achievable. Give it a try, and watch it become a favorite in your own kitchen!
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Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious and creamy Butter Chicken at home with this easy recipe. Marinated chicken cooked in a rich tomato and cream sauce, this Indian classic is sure to be a hit with your family.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, coriander, and salt. Add chicken, toss to coat, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Cook the sauce: Heat butter and oil in a skillet, sauté onion until soft, add garlic and ginger, then spices. Stir in tomato sauce, simmer for 10 minutes. Add marinated chicken and cook for 20–25 minutes. Stir in cream, simmer for 5 minutes.
- Finish and serve: Adjust salt to taste, garnish with cilantro. Serve hot with rice or naan.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and plant-based yogurt.
- Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
