Butter Chicken is pure comfort in a bowl! This beloved Indian classic brings together tender pieces of chicken bathed in a luxuriously creamy, spiced tomato sauce that strikes the perfect balance between tangy, smoky, and gently sweet flavors. Each bite is packed with bold aromatics and buttery richness, making it irresistible whether you serve it with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan. You’ll want a second helping… and maybe even lick the spoon. Let’s dive right into this crowd-pleasing dish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a pantry full of specialty items to make Butter Chicken, but each carefully chosen ingredient plays a key role—the chicken soaks up all the flavors, the yogurt keeps things tender, and the spices bring that unforgettable depth! Here’s what brings this dish to life:
- Chicken thighs: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs—they stay juicy and absorb all those vibrant marinades.
- Plain yogurt: This acts as the marinade base, flavoring and tenderizing the chicken beautifully.
- Lemon juice: Adds a zesty brightness that balances the rich cream and butter later on.
- Ground cumin: Warm and earthy, cumin is essential for giving this dish its robust flavor foundation.
- Garam masala: This aromatic spice blend is the true soul of Butter Chicken, delivering complex notes in every mouthful.
- Ground turmeric: Not just for color—it brings a gentle, peppery note and that luscious golden hue.
- Chili powder: Adds a pleasant heat and deep red color; feel free to adjust to your spice tolerance.
- Ground coriander: Citrusy and mild, it lifts the sauce and complements the tomatoes perfectly.
- Salt: Enhances every ingredient and helps round out the flavor profile.
- Unsalted butter: The namesake ingredient! It enriches the sauce with classic creamy decadence.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion forms the flavor base and adds subtle sweetness when caramelized.
- Garlic: Don’t skip the fresh stuff—minced garlic infuses the sauce with cozy aroma and taste.
- Fresh ginger: Lively and slightly peppery; it teams up with garlic for authentic depth.
- Canned tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes: This is your shortcut to a velvety, tangy base without hours of cooking.
- Heavy cream: For that luscious, rich finish that makes Butter Chicken so hard to resist.
- Fresh cilantro: A bright and fresh garnish that helps balance all the creamy, spicy notes.
- Extra salt to taste: Always taste and adjust before serving—everyone’s palate is unique!
How to Make Butter Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by welcoming your chicken to a spa day! In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, half of your spices (cumin, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt), and the bite-sized chicken pieces. Toss them really well so every piece is luxuriously coated. Cover and let the flavors mingle for at least an hour—or go for the gold and marinate overnight in the fridge for even juicier results.
Step 2: Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Ginger
Melt the butter in a big skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it smells rich and just slightly nutty, stir in your finely chopped onion. Sauté until golden and softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for just a minute—this releases their fragrance without burning them.
Step 3: Bloom the Spices
Add your remaining cumin, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, coriander, and salt. Stir well for about 30 seconds. This simple step wakes up the spices, unlocking deep, layered aromas essential to authentic Butter Chicken!
Step 4: Make the Tomato Sauce
Pour in your tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes. The sauce thickens a bit and the flavors get to know each other—don’t rush this part!
Step 5: Cream It Up
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Instantly, you’ll notice the sauce turning velvety, creamy, and beautifully orange. Let the sauce come up to a gentle simmer so everything melds together perfectly.
Step 6: Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken (with every bit of marinade!) to the simmering sauce. Simmer gently over medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tantalizingly tender. Taste and adjust salt as needed. Tip: For a smokier flavor, you can grill or broil the marinated chicken separately and stir it in just before serving.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle on fresh cilantro right before serving for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot with fluffy basmati rice or warm, pillowy naan—you’re in for a treat!
How to Serve Butter Chicken
Garnishes
Give your Butter Chicken its finishing touch with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro. For extra flair, add a swirl of cream on top or a light dusting of garam masala. These quick toppings make the vibrant colors and flavors pop, and they bring a touch of restaurant-style elegance right to your table.
Side Dishes
The obvious choices are classic basmati rice or pillowy naan bread—these soak up every delicious bit of sauce like a dream. Fancy a crunch? Pair it with a fresh cucumber salad or cooling raita to balance the spices and add a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, ladle the Butter Chicken into small serving bowls or ramekins for individual portions at a dinner party. Or, serve it buffet-style with a make-your-own “naan wrap” bar, allowing everyone to load up their own naan with chicken, sauce, and garnishes. Butter Chicken sliders using mini burger buns are another crowd-pleaser for gatherings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Butter Chicken keeps wonderfully in the fridge! Transfer cooled leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen and develop overnight, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day.
Freezing
This dish is freezer-friendly: portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow the Butter Chicken to cool completely before freezing to help preserve its lovely texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce thickens too much. You can also microwave portions in short intervals, stirring every so often. Take care not to overcook, so the chicken stays tender!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast will work, though thighs offer extra juiciness and flavor. If you do use breast, just be careful not to overcook it so it stays tender.
Is Butter Chicken very spicy?
Classic Butter Chicken is full of warm spice but not particularly hot. You control the heat with the chili powder—start mild, then add more if you like things spicy!
Can I make this dairy-free?
You sure can! Substitute coconut milk for heavy cream and your favorite plant-based yogurt for the marinade. Swap in vegan butter, and enjoy a delicious dairy-free meal.
What is the difference between Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala?
Both are creamy tomato-based dishes, but Butter Chicken is richer and sweeter, with a silkier sauce and subtle spicing. Chicken Tikka Masala tends to have bolder tomato flavor and more pronounced spices.
Can I make Butter Chicken in advance?
It’s a brilliant dish to make ahead. The flavors deepen overnight, so you can easily make it a day in advance and simply reheat before serving—perfect for entertaining or meal prep!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an unforgettable comfort food experience, Butter Chicken should top your cooking bucket list. Gathering around the table to savor these creamy, spiced flavors makes any meal feel like a special occasion. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try, share it with friends, and create some delicious memories of your own!
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Butter Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Butter Chicken at home with this easy recipe. Tender chicken cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce, perfect with rice or naan.
Ingredients
Marinated Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Extra salt to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and chicken. Marinate for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the Sauce: Melt butter, cook onion until golden, add garlic, ginger, remaining spices, tomato sauce, and simmer. Stir in cream.
- Cook the Chicken: Add marinated chicken to the sauce, simmer until cooked through. Adjust seasoning, garnish with cilantro, and serve.
Notes
- For a smokier flavor, grill or broil the marinated chicken before adding it to the sauce.
- Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
