Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Creamy Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken is one of the most loved Indian dishes around the world. Tender pieces of chicken are cooked in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices, butter, and cream. The result is a smooth, mildly spiced curry that’s perfect with naan bread, basmati rice, or jeera rice.
This homemade recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor using simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich and creamy sauce
Tender, juicy chicken
Better than takeout
Ready in under an hour
Family-friendly
Perfect with rice or naan
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
500 g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garam masala
Salt to taste
Butter Chicken Sauce
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
400 g tomato puree
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon coriander powder
½ teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Salt to taste
Garnish
Fresh coriander leaves
A drizzle of cream
Equipment
Large skillet or pan
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon
Blender (optional, for a smoother sauce)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, paprika, garam masala, and salt.
Add the chicken pieces and coat well.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, marinate for 2–4 hours.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the marinated chicken for 6–8 minutes until lightly browned. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
Transfer it to a plate.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In the same pan, melt the butter with the oil.
Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and lightly golden.
Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute.
Add the tomato puree, paprika, coriander, cumin, garam masala, sugar (if using), and salt.
Simmer for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
For an extra-smooth restaurant-style sauce, blend it carefully before returning it to the pan.
Step 4: Finish the Curry
Return the chicken to the pan.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently.
Simmer for another 10–12 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is rich and creamy.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish with fresh coriander and a drizzle of cream.
Serve hot with basmati rice, jeera rice, naan, or garlic naan.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 560
Protein: 35 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fat: 40 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 7 g
Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken
Chicken thighs stay juicier than chicken breasts.
Marinating the chicken enhances tenderness and flavor.
Blend the sauce for a silky, restaurant-style texture.
Use fresh cream for the richest taste.
Variations
Spicy Butter Chicken
Add ½ teaspoon red chili powder or cayenne pepper.
Lighter Version
Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or light cream.
Vegetarian Butter Paneer
Replace the chicken with paneer cubes for a delicious vegetarian option.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast?
Yes, but be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out more quickly than chicken thighs.
Is butter chicken spicy?
Traditional butter chicken is mildly spiced and creamy rather than very hot. You can adjust the chili level to suit your taste.
What should I serve with butter chicken?
Basmati rice, jeera rice, naan, garlic naan, roti, or a simple cucumber salad all make excellent accompaniments.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Butter Chicken is a timeless favorite that brings together tender chicken and a luxuriously rich tomato-cream sauce with warm Indian spices. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests. Once you make this homemade version, it may become your go-to butter chicken recipe.
