Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
There’s something magical about the first time you taste this Butter Chicken Recipe. For me, it wasn’t in a fancy restaurant or during a trip to India—it was on a rainy evening at a small family-run Indian restaurant. I remember the warmth of the creamy tomato sauce, the tender, spiced chicken, and the aroma that made me feel like I was wrapped in a cozy, flavorful hug. From that moment, I was hooked. But after a few takeout orders and slightly disappointing attempts at recreating it at home, I realized that Butter Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that’s worth making from scratch.
When I finally learned how to make it at home, it became my go-to comfort food. Not only could I control the flavors—adjusting the richness, the spice, and the creaminess—but I could also make enough to feed my friends and family. The homemade version has this richness and depth that store-bought sauces or takeout rarely match. And the best part? You can make it entirely on your schedule, without waiting for delivery.
This Butter Chicken Recipe is approachable for home cooks of all levels, whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a seasoned enthusiast. It uses simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and yields a creamy, luscious dish that tastes like it simmered for hours—without actually taking all day.
If you’ve ever wanted to replicate that iconic, restaurant-style Butter Chicken Recipe at home, this recipe is your golden ticket. Let’s get started.
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Ingredients for Butter Chicken Recipe
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ¾ cup plain yogurt
- 1½ tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a lighter version
- 1 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity)
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Optional for Serving
- Steamed basmati rice
- Naan or roti
- Sliced fresh chili for garnish
How to Prepare Butter Chicken Recipe
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with:
- Yogurt
- Lemon juice
- Garam masala
- Ground cumin
- Chili powder
- Turmeric
- Salt
- Minced garlic
- Grated ginger
Mix thoroughly, ensuring each piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4–6 hours for maximum flavor penetration.
Tip: Marinating overnight creates the most tender, flavorful chicken.
2. Cook the Chicken
You can either grill, pan-fry, or bake the chicken:
- Pan-fry: Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned but not fully cooked (about 5–6 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes.
The chicken will finish cooking in the sauce, which keeps it tender and juicy.
3. Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce
In a large pan or skillet:
- Melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown (5–7 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Next, add the spices:
- Ground cumin
- Ground coriander
- Garam masala
- Chili powder
- Turmeric
Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and enhance their aroma.
4. Add Tomatoes
Stir in the tomato puree and tomato paste.
Simmer for 10–12 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
Add a teaspoon of sugar and adjust salt to taste.
Tip: Use high-quality tomato puree or canned crushed tomatoes for a naturally sweet, rich base.
5. Finish the Sauce with Cream
Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 5–6 minutes, creating a rich, velvety texture.
6. Add the Chicken
Return the partially cooked chicken to the sauce.
Simmer for 8–10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and infused with the sauce’s flavor.
Tip: Avoid boiling the sauce after adding cream; gentle simmering prevents curdling.
7. Garnish
Finish the dish with:
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Optional: sliced fresh chili for heat
How to Serve Butter Chicken Recipe
Butter Chicken Recipe is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
1. Serve Over Rice
- Steamed basmati rice or jasmine rice
- Add a sprinkle of toasted cumin seeds or saffron for extra flavor
2. Pair with Indian Breads
- Warm naan, garlic naan, or roti to soak up the sauce
- Brush bread with butter for an extra indulgent touch
3. Add a Fresh Salad
- Cucumber and tomato salad with lemon juice
- Sliced red onions and green chilies
- Lightly dressed green salad for balance
4. Make a Family Meal
Serve butter chicken with rice, naan, and a small side of roasted vegetables for a full, comforting meal.
Tips for the Best Butter Chicken Recipe
- Use Chicken Thighs: They stay juicier and more flavorful than breast meat.
- Don’t Skip Marination: Yogurt tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with spice.
- Toast the Spices: Enhances flavor and aroma.
- Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic: Powdered versions can be used in a pinch but fresh produces the best depth.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: Gentle heat preserves creaminess and prevents curdling.
- Adjust Cream: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or coconut cream.
- Balance Flavors: Taste and adjust sugar and salt to ensure the sauce isn’t too acidic.
- Make Ahead: Marinate chicken overnight and cook the sauce a few hours ahead; combine before serving.
- Garnish Creatively: Add fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) for an authentic flavor.
- Serve Fresh: Butter chicken is best enjoyed immediately but keeps well for leftovers.
Variations of Butter Chicken Recipe
1. Spicy Butter Chicken
Add extra chili powder, cayenne, or fresh green chilies for heat.
2. Coconut Butter Chicken
Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a subtle tropical flavor.
3. Slow Cooker Version
Cook chicken and sauce on low for 4–5 hours for a hands-off approach.
4. Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Use the sauté function for the sauce, then pressure cook the chicken for 8 minutes for quick, flavorful results.
5. Vegetarian “Butter Paneer”
Replace chicken with paneer cubes or tofu. Cook in the same creamy sauce.
6. Low-Fat Version
Use yogurt instead of cream, and bake the chicken rather than sautéing in butter.
7. Grilled Butter Chicken
Grill marinated chicken pieces before adding them to the sauce for a smoky flavor.
8. Nutty Butter Chicken
Blend roasted cashews into the sauce for extra richness.
9. Keto-Friendly Butter Chicken
Skip sugar, use coconut cream, and serve with cauliflower rice.
10. Restaurant-Style
Add a pinch of fenugreek leaves, a swirl of cream, and extra butter for richness.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but be careful not to overcook them—they dry out faster than thighs.
2. Can I make this Butter Chicken Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate the chicken and store separately, then combine with sauce before serving.
3. Can I freeze butter chicken?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently.
4. Can I use canned chicken?
Not recommended; fresh chicken gives the best texture.
5. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, replace cream with coconut cream and butter with oil or vegan butter.
6. Can I make it spicier?
Absolutely—adjust chili powder or add fresh green chilies.
7. How do I prevent cream from curdling?
Simmer gently on low heat, and add cream after reducing the sauce slightly.
8. Can I serve it with pasta?
Yes! Butter chicken makes a delicious sauce for penne or fettuccine.
9. What is the best rice to serve with butter chicken?
Basmati rice is traditional; jasmine rice also works well.
10. Can I use pre-made garam masala?
Yes, it’s convenient and works perfectly if you don’t have individual spices.
Final Thoughts
Butter Chicken Recipe is more than a dish—it’s comfort, nostalgia, and a celebration of flavors in one creamy, savory package. Making it at home allows you to control the ingredients, the spice level, and the richness, giving you a restaurant-quality dish without leaving your kitchen.
This Butter Chicken Recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken coated in a rich, velvety tomato-cream sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro and ready to serve with rice or naan. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or even batch cooking for meal prep.
Once you’ve mastered this Butter Chicken Recipe, you’ll find endless ways to adapt it to your taste—spicier, creamier, lighter, or even vegetarian. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser and comfort food, guaranteed to impress friends, family, and your own taste buds.
So, grab your spices, butter, and cream, and bring the magic of this Butter Chicken Recipe to your table tonight. It’s a dish that will warm your heart, satisfy your cravings, and make your kitchen smell absolutely irresistible.