If you have a craving for something soul-warming and richly flavorful, this Creamy Indian Spiced Butter Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Featuring tender chicken pieces steeped in a luscious blend of spices, creamy tomato sauce, and a touch of butter, this dish delivers authentic Indian comfort right to your dining table. It’s an irresistible combination of aromatic spices and velvety creaminess that makes every bite a delight. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe promises a satisfying and memorable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building the rich layers of flavor and silky texture that define the dish.
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs provide juicy tenderness, while breasts offer a lean option; cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 1 cup plain yogurt: Acts as a tenderizing marinade base and adds subtle tanginess.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brightens the marinade and balances the richness.
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin: Delivers a warm, earthy undertone fundamental to Indian flavors.
- 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper: Provides heat—adjust as you like to match your spice tolerance.
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander: Adds a citrusy and slightly sweet depth.
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric: Gives beautiful color and an earthy warmth.
- 1 tablespoon garam masala: The signature spice mix that layers complexity and aroma.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Used to sauté onions, infusing the dish with richness.
- 1 large onion, finely chopped: Caramelizes beautifully for body and sweetness.
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced: Lends pungent sharpness essential to the flavor base.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced: Adds a refreshing zing that complements the spices.
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes: Creates the tangy, robust sauce foundation.
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk: Provides the creamy, luxurious finish—coconut milk offers a dairy-free option.
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped: Bright, herbal garnish to lift the final dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhance and balance all the flavors perfectly.
- Additional butter (optional): For extra indulgence and silky texture.
How to Make Creamy Indian Spiced Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, cayenne, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the chicken pieces and coat them well with this fragrant marinade. Ideally, let the chicken rest in the fridge for at least an hour—overnight if you can—so all those spices can truly seep in and tenderize the meat for incredible flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onions and cook gently until they turn golden brown and sweet, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds the sweet and savory flavor base that the rest of the dish will develop from.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger
Stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. This fragrant duo is crucial for adding depth and a slight zing that balances the richness of the butter and cream.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet, spreading them out evenly. Let them brown nicely on all sides, which takes about 8 to 10 minutes. This browning develops the savory, complex flavors and seals in the juices.
Step 5: Introduce the Tomatoes
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine with the chicken and spices. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 15 minutes, reducing and thickening the sauce. This tomato base adds vibrant acidity and a beautiful red hue to the dish.
Step 6: Add Cream and Simmer
Turn the heat to low and slowly stir in the cream or coconut milk. Let everything simmer together for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the sauce is rich, creamy, and the chicken is fully cooked through. This finishing touch transforms the dish into a luscious, smooth delight.
Step 7: Final Seasoning and Garnishing
Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or cayenne pepper if you desire more spiciness. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top for a fresh, herbaceous contrast that brightens each bite.
Step 8: Ready to Serve
Serve your decadent butter chicken steaming hot, paired perfectly with fluffy basmati rice, soft naan, or your favorite bread to soak up the irresistible sauce.
How to Serve Creamy Indian Spiced Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a classic garnish, providing a burst of bright herbal freshness that cuts through the creamy richness of the dish. For a bit of crunch and contrast, some toasted cashews sprinkled on top work wonders. A light drizzle of extra cream or a squeeze of lemon juice can also enhance presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
To complement the creamy, spiced flavors, serve this dish with fragrant basmati rice or warm, soft naan bread for scooping up the sauce. You can also pair it with simple cucumber raita or a crisp salad to add freshness and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve your Creamy Indian Spiced Butter Chicken Recipe in elegant individual bowls, garnished with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. You could also spoon it into hollowed-out mini naan bread or over a bed of spiced couscous for a creative twist that impresses with both taste and style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making it even tastier the next day!
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat your butter chicken in a saucepan over low-medium heat to avoid curdling the cream. Adding a splash of water or cream while reheating helps restore the luscious sauce consistency perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used if you prefer leaner meat, but make sure not to overcook them to avoid dryness. Thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender, which is why they are often recommended.
Is there a dairy-free version for this recipe?
Yes! Simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative or oil. This keeps the dish wonderfully creamy while accommodating dairy restrictions.
How spicy is this butter chicken?
The spice level is adjustable depending on how much cayenne you add. The recipe suggests 1 to 2 teaspoons to suit mild to moderately spicy tastes. Feel free to reduce or increase according to your heat preference.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Definitely! Marinating the chicken overnight is ideal for deep flavor penetration and tenderizing. This is one of the secrets to making your Creamy Indian Spiced Butter Chicken Recipe taste incredible.
What can I serve instead of rice or naan?
If you’re looking for alternatives, try serving the butter chicken over quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even roasted vegetables for a lower-carb option. These choices still complement the rich sauce beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the way spices, cream, and butter come together in this Creamy Indian Spiced Butter Chicken Recipe. It’s comfort food at its finest—rich yet balanced, indulgent but satisfying. Give it a try, and you might just find that it becomes your go-to dish for gatherings or cozy nights in. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again!
Print
Creamy Indian Spiced Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This Creamy Indian Spiced Butter Chicken recipe features tender chicken pieces marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and yogurt, then simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. Balanced with warming spices like garam masala and cumin, this comforting dish is perfect served with basmati rice or naan for a flavorful Indian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 1/2 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1–2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
- Additional butter (optional for a richer flavor)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, cayenne pepper, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and mix well to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight in the refrigerator to deepen the flavors.
- Sauté Onions: Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook until they become soft and golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and fresh ginger, cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and well combined with the onions.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, approximately 8 to 10 minutes, ensuring it is seared well to lock in juices.
- Add Crushed Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir thoroughly to combine with the chicken and spices. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
- Incorporate Cream: Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes, letting the chicken cook through and the sauce become creamy and cohesive.
- Season and Garnish: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or cayenne pepper if needed. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves just before serving.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Indian spiced butter chicken hot, accompanied by basmati rice, naan, or your preferred bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier texture.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Use coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative instead of heavy cream.
- Additional butter can be added at the end for a richer, more indulgent flavor.
- Serve with basmati rice or naan to complement the sauce.
