There is nothing quite like a rich, velvety sauce paired with tender, flavorful chicken to satisfy your cravings, and this Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe does exactly that with spectacular flair. This dish brings together aromatic spices, luscious cream, and a hint of tanginess to create an irresistibly smooth curry that feels like a warm hug on your plate. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just diving into Indian cuisine, this recipe is straightforward and delivers deep, comforting flavors that will have you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together beautifully, each playing a unique role to build the dish’s incredible taste, texture, and color. From spices that bring vibrant warmth to creamy elements that balance the heat, every component works harmoniously for the perfect Indian butter chicken experience.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, they hold the marinade and cook to perfection without drying out.
- Plain full-fat yogurt: Adds tang and helps tenderize the chicken during marination.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and enhances the marinade’s effectiveness.
- Garam masala: A fragrant spice blend that’s key to authentic Indian flavor.
- Ground turmeric: Provides a warm color and subtle earthiness.
- Ground cumin: Adds a nutty, smoky note.
- Chili powder: Brings a gentle heat to balance the creaminess.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Vegetable oil: For searing the chicken to a nice golden brown.
- Unsalted butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce and deepens the flavor.
- Large onion: Finely chopped to build a sweet and savory foundation.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for that punch of aromatic sharpness.
- Fresh ginger: Offers a bright, spicy zing to the sauce.
- Ground coriander: Adds a citrusy, slightly sweet undertone.
- Paprika: Balances color and mild smokiness.
- Tomato sauce: Gives a tangy richness and bright red hue to the curry.
- Heavy cream: Turns the sauce heavenly smooth and luscious.
- Sugar: Just a touch to mellow the acidity and tie the flavors together.
- Fresh cilantro: For garnish, lending a fresh, herbaceous finish.
How to Make Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt in a large bowl. Toss in the chicken pieces until fully coated, cover, and pop this in the fridge. Marinating for at least an hour, or preferably overnight, lets the chicken absorb all those spicy, tangy flavors deeply, making every bite incredibly tasty and tender.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in batches if needed, and sear until each piece is beautifully browned on all sides, about five to six minutes. This step locks in juices and adds a luscious caramelized flavor that forms the backbone of your dish. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the finely chopped onion. Cook slowly until the onion turns soft and golden, roughly six to eight minutes, allowing natural sweetness to develop. Then, stir in the minced garlic, fresh ginger, ground coriander, and paprika. Cook just one to two minutes until the spices release their intoxicating aromas, making your kitchen smell like an authentic Indian restaurant!
Step 4: Add Tomato Sauce and Simmer
Pour in the tomato sauce and stir well. Let it simmer gently for about ten minutes, stirring occasionally. This cooking time not only thickens the sauce but also lets the acidity mellow and the flavors deepen, setting a rich, flavorful stage for the creamy finish to come.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Cook Chicken in Sauce
Turn the heat down to low and mix in the heavy cream and a tablespoon of sugar to balance everything perfectly. Let this creamy mixture come together for about five minutes, then return the seared chicken to the pan. Let the butter chicken simmer gently in this luscious sauce for ten to fifteen minutes until the chicken is cooked through, and the sauce thickens up to a dreamy consistency.
How to Serve Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro on top brings a splash of color and a burst of fresh herbal brightness that balances the richness of the sauce wonderfully. You can also add a drizzle of cream or a dash of garam masala over the finished dish for an extra touch of elegance and flair.
Side Dishes
Butter chicken is incredible served alongside fluffy basmati rice, which soaks up every bit of the creamy sauce. Warm naan bread or roti also makes fantastic companions, perfect for scooping and savoring every bite. For a lighter option, a crisp cucumber salad or steamed greens can add freshness and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe in a colorful ceramic dish garnished with cilantro and thin slices of red chili for a pop of heat and visual appeal. For dinner parties, present it family-style with assorted breads and rice on the side to encourage sharing and conversation. You could even turn this classic curry into a rich pasta sauce for a decadent fusion twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Butter chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more satisfying. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep the texture and flavor at their best.
Freezing
If you want to save some for a longer time, this dish freezes well too. Portion the cooled butter chicken into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the creamy texture and tenderness of the chicken.
Reheating
Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce becomes too thick. Avoid using high heat or the microwave straight away, as this can cause the cream to separate and the chicken to become tough. Slow and steady wins the race for that silky finish.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but they tend to be leaner and can dry out faster. To keep them tender, marinate well and avoid overcooking. Consider slicing them thinner for quicker cooking.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a luscious, dairy-free twist. Full-fat coconut milk works best to maintain the creamy texture without losing richness or flavor.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe has a gentle warmth from the chili powder and spices—not overly spicy but pleasantly flavorful. You can adjust the chili powder amount to suit your heat preference easily.
Can I prepare this dish ahead for a party?
Definitely! You can marinate the chicken the day before and even make the sauce in advance. Just combine and reheat gently when ready to serve. It’s a great make-ahead option that tastes just as amazing.
What’s the difference between butter chicken and chicken tikka masala?
Butter chicken generally has a creamier, buttery tomato sauce and is milder, while chicken tikka masala is usually spicier with a thicker, more tomato-forward sauce. Both are delicious but have subtle differences in preparation and spice levels.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals. It’s comforting, flavorful, and comforting in that wonderfully indulgent way that makes every bite feel special. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, give it a try and watch it disappear from the plate with happy smiles all around.
Print
Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour marinating time)
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Indian Butter Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in aromatic spices and yogurt, then simmered in a luscious tomato and cream sauce. This classic Indian main course offers a perfect balance of savory spices and creamy texture, garnished with fresh cilantro for a delightful meal best enjoyed with basmati rice or warm naan.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain full-fat yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and mix thoroughly to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sear until browned on all sides, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter. Add finely chopped onions and cook until they are soft and golden, around 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, ginger, ground coriander, and paprika; cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and sugar. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes, blending all the flavors together.
- Cook the Chicken in Sauce: Return the browned chicken pieces to the sauce. Simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top before serving. Pair with basmati rice or warm naan for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, grill or broil the chicken after marinating before adding it to the sauce.
- Serve with basmati rice or warm naan bread to complement the creamy sauce.
- To make a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk for the heavy cream.
