Creamy Homemade Butter Chicken

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This homemade butter chicken recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish. The magic starts with marinated chicken pieces seasoned with garlic, paprika, and curry powder. The signature sauce combines butter, tomatoes, and cream with authentic Indian spices like garam masala. The result is incredibly tender chicken in a velvety, aromatic sauce that's perfect for soaking up with warm naan bread or serving over fluffy rice. While it tastes like it's been simmering all day, this comfort food classic comes together in just 45 minutes, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
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Updated on Fri, 07 Feb 2025 22:45:26 GMT
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Butter chicken wraps you in a warm embrace of aromatic spices and velvety sauce that's become a beloved comfort food worldwide. This treasured Indian dish transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece right in your home kitchen. The magic lies in the perfect balance of tender chicken pieces swimming in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce that's enhanced with carefully selected spices.

After countless attempts at perfecting this recipe in my own kitchen, I've found that the key lies in allowing the chicken to really soak in that yogurt marinade. My family particularly loves gathering around the table when they smell these aromatic spices wafting through our home.

Kitchen Essentials

  • Chicken thighs: Bring natural richness and stay tender even with longer cooking, making them ideal for this dish
  • Greek yogurt: Creates a tenderizing marinade that helps the spices penetrate deeply into the meat
  • Garam masala: Adds that authentic warmth and depth that makes butter chicken instantly recognizable
  • Fresh garlic cloves: Provide a robust foundation that dried alternatives simply can't match
  • Heavy cream: Creates that signature silky smoothness that defines a great butter chicken
  • Tomato sauce: Offers the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness to complement the rich cream

Creating Your Masterpiece

Starting the Journey:
Combine chicken pieces with yogurt and initial spices, allowing flavors to develop
Building the Base:
Transform your pan with aromatic garlic and onions until they reach golden perfection
Sauce Creation:
Introduce tomato sauce and cream, watching as they blend into that signature orange hue
Final Symphony:
Add remaining spices and let everything simmer until it reaches the ideal consistency
Finishing Touch:
Incorporate cold butter for that professional restaurant-style glossy finish

Growing up, my mother always emphasized the importance of patience when making butter chicken. She taught me that allowing the sauce to simmer slowly helps the spices bloom and meld together perfectly, creating that depth of flavor we all crave.

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Perfect Accompaniments

Transform your butter chicken into a complete feast by serving it with warm, freshly made naan bread for soaking up every drop of sauce. Fluffy basmati rice makes an ideal base, while a side of cucumber raita provides a cooling contrast to the rich main dish.

Customization Corner

Create your own signature version by adjusting the spice levels to your preference. For a lighter option, coconut cream can replace heavy cream while maintaining that luxurious texture. Vegetarians can substitute paneer or firm tofu for chicken, marinating and cooking them similarly.

Keeping Fresh

Your creation stays delicious when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers particularly delightful. When reheating, add a splash of cream to maintain that perfect sauce consistency.

Heritage Influences

The beauty of butter chicken lies in its fascinating history, originating in the bustling streets of Delhi. When I recreate this dish in my kitchen, I often think about how a simple solution for using leftover tandoori chicken evolved into one of the most beloved dishes worldwide. This speaks to the ingenuity of traditional Indian cooking, where no ingredient goes to waste and every dish tells a story through its flavors.

Nutritional Benefits

The combination of protein-rich chicken and dairy components makes this dish surprisingly nutritious. Each serving provides a substantial amount of protein, while the tomato-based sauce offers a healthy dose of vitamins and antioxidants. The addition of turmeric in the spice blend brings its well-known anti-inflammatory properties, while the yogurt marinade adds beneficial probiotics and calcium to your meal.

Time-Saving Tips

While traditional butter chicken recipes often require hours of preparation, I've discovered several ways to streamline the process without compromising flavor. Marinating the chicken overnight saves precious time during dinner preparation. Another time-saving technique involves preparing larger batches of the spice mixture in advance, storing it in an airtight container for future use. This simple step can reduce your prep time significantly while maintaining that authentic taste.

Special Occasion Serving

This dish never fails to impress at gatherings and special occasions. For a memorable presentation, serve your butter chicken in a traditional copper bowl, garnished with fresh cilantro and a swirl of cream. Arrange warm naan bread in a basket lined with a colorful cloth napkin, and complement the setup with small bowls of additional garnishes like finely chopped onions, lemon wedges, and extra garam masala for guests to customize their portions.

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Common Challenges

Many home cooks initially struggle with achieving the right sauce consistency or preventing the cream from curdling. Through years of experience, I've learned that maintaining a gentle simmer and tempering the cream by gradually warming it before adding it to the sauce prevents these issues. Another common challenge is balancing the spices - remember that you can always add more, but you can't take them away once they're in the dish.

Seasonal Adaptations

As seasons change, you can adapt this recipe to work with what's available. In summer months, I love incorporating fresh tomatoes into the sauce, while winter calls for richer, warming spices. During spring, fresh herbs make wonderful garnishes, and autumn's harvest offers perfect accompaniments like roasted squash or sweet potatoes.

After countless preparations of this cherished recipe, I've come to appreciate how it brings together technique, tradition, and creativity. Every time I serve this dish, it reminds me that cooking is both an art and an expression of care for those we feed. The way faces light up at the first taste of that rich, aromatic sauce makes every minute spent in preparation worthwhile.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for butter chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken breast, but thighs are preferred as they stay more tender and juicy. If using breast, reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent drying.
→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter version, though the sauce won't be quite as rich. Coconut cream also adds a subtle tropical flavor.
→ How long does butter chicken last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, butter chicken will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors often improve the next day.
→ Can butter chicken be frozen?
Yes, butter chicken freezes well for up to 3 months. Store in an airtight container and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
→ What sides go well with butter chicken?
Traditional sides include naan bread and basmati rice. You can also serve it with roti, jeera rice, or a simple cucumber raita for a complete meal.

Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

A classic Indian comfort dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with aromatic spices and butter.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Indian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken & Marinade

01 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
02 1 teaspoon salt
03 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
05 ½ teaspoon curry powder
06 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt

→ Butter Chicken Sauce

07 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
08 3 tablespoons butter, divided
09 6 garlic cloves, minced
10 1 medium onion, diced
11 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
12 1 teaspoon sugar
13 1 teaspoon salt
14 ½ teaspoon black pepper
15 2 cups heavy cream
16 ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
17 1 teaspoon garam masala
18 ½ teaspoon curry powder
19 ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

→ To Serve

20 Naan bread
21 Steamed rice

Instructions

Step 01

In a medium bowl, combine chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.

Step 02

Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, leaving the oil in the pan.

Step 03

Reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Deglaze the pan by scraping any browned bits, adding a splash of water if needed. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, along with a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

Step 04

Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes before adding the chicken back into the skillet. Mix well, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir until the sauce turns a beautiful orange hue.

Step 05

Add cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Add in the rest of the spices & salt to taste!

Step 06

Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter and let it melt into the sauce for a silky finish. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.

Step 07

Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice. Enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness!

Notes

  1. This recipe combines American and Indian cuisines for a delicious fusion dish
  2. Allow 15 minutes for marination time before cooking

Tools You'll Need

  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Large Skillet

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (yogurt, cream, butter)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~