If you have a craving for comfort food that bursts with bold, rich flavors, this Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe is your soon-to-be favorite go-to. The tender chicken coated in a luscious, spiced tomato-cream sauce makes every bite a celebration of traditional Indian cooking with a smooth, buttery twist. It’s the perfect dish to impress guests or simply treat yourself to something wonderfully cozy and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is crucial, but don’t worry—this recipe calls for familiar pantry staples and fresh aromatics that come together effortlessly to create a luxurious sauce and perfectly spiced chicken. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s building depth, balancing tanginess, or adding that beautiful burst of color.
- Chicken thighs, 1 1/2 pounds, boneless and skinless: Choose thighs for a juicy and tender texture that soaks up the marinade beautifully.
- Plain yogurt, 1 cup: Acts as a tenderizing marinade base and adds a subtle tang to the chicken.
- Lemon juice, 2 tablespoons: Brings fresh acidity that brightens the spices and enhances flavor layering.
- Garam masala, 2 teaspoons: A fragrant spice blend that’s the heart of classic Indian seasoning.
- Ground cumin, 2 teaspoons: Adds earthy warmth and depth to the marinade.
- Turmeric, 1 teaspoon: Gives the dish its iconic golden hue and a mild, peppery flavor.
- Paprika, 1 teaspoon: Adds a gentle smoky sweetness and rich color.
- Salt, 1 teaspoon: Essential for bringing all the flavors together perfectly.
- Butter, 2 tablespoons: The star ingredient for that velvety, rich sauce.
- Vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon: Helps in sautéing onions without burning the butter.
- Onion, 1 finely chopped: Forms a sweet, caramelized base for the sauce.
- Garlic, 3 cloves minced: Adds aromatic pungency.
- Fresh ginger, 1 tablespoon minced: Infuses a bright, zingy spice.
- Tomato sauce, 1 (15-ounce) can: Provides richness and a subtly sweet acidity to the sauce.
- Heavy cream, 1 cup: Creates the creamy texture that gives this recipe its name and indulgence.
- Sugar, 1 teaspoon: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances overall sweetness.
- Fresh cilantro for garnish: Brings a refreshing herbaceous note to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining plain yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika, and salt in a large bowl. Then add the chicken chunks and toss everything to coat each piece thoroughly. This marinade isn’t just about flavor—it tenderizes the chicken, ensuring each bite is juicy and infused with those signature aromatic spices. Cover the bowl and let it rest for at least 30 minutes, though an overnight soak will give you even deeper taste.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, gently heat butter and vegetable oil together over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the finely chopped onions and cook until they turn soft and golden brown. This step builds a flavorful foundation, caramelizing the onions to bring natural sweetness and richness to the sauce. Then stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking just a minute more until their inviting aromas fill your kitchen.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Next, add the marinated chicken pieces to your skillet, spreading them out evenly. Brown them on all sides, which seals in juices and adds a wonderful savory depth. Don’t worry that they’re not fully cooked at this stage—the chicken will finish cooking later in the sauce. This step ensures each bite is layered with flavor and has a beautiful texture.
Step 4: Simmer in Tomato Sauce
Pour in the canned tomato sauce along with a teaspoon of sugar. Simmer the mixture uncovered for about 15 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld. Stir occasionally as the sauce gently thickens and reduces, concentrating its rich, tangy taste. The sugar here is a subtle but important addition, balancing the acidity so the sauce isn’t too sharp but perfectly rounded.
Step 5: Add Cream and Finish Cooking
Lower your heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream. This transforms the sauce from tangy and spiced to luxuriously creamy. Let the dish simmer another 5 to 7 minutes, during which the chicken finishes cooking through and the sauce becomes silky and smooth. This is where the magic happens, as all the elements marry together into the classic dish you love.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Hot
Finally, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top for a burst of color and a fresh herbal brightness. Serve your creamy Indian butter chicken recipe hot and steaming alongside warm naan or fluffy basmati rice for a truly comforting meal.
How to Serve Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is the classic choice, bringing a gentle brightness that contrasts the richness of the dish. You can also add a dollop of Greek yogurt or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to add a hint of extra freshness and creaminess. Toasted fenugreek leaves sprinkled lightly can intensify the authentic flavor profile if you have them on hand.
Side Dishes
Butter chicken pairs wonderfully with simple, fluffy basmati rice that soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly. Soft, warm naan bread is a must-have for sopping every last drop. For a lighter side, try a crisp cucumber raita or a fresh salad to balance the richness with some cool crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress or elevate your presentation? Serve the butter chicken in rustic individual bowls garnished with chopped nuts like cashews for added texture, or drizzle a little garam masala spiced cream on top in an artistic swirl. For casual meals, stuffed naan pockets with butter chicken and fresh veggies make delicious handheld favorites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Butter chicken tastes even better the next day, allowing the flavors to further deepen. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep the texture smooth.
Freezing
This creamy Indian butter chicken recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the luscious texture of the sauce.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or cream to bring it back to the perfect consistency. Microwaving works too, but do so in short bursts and stir between intervals.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine but tend to be less juicy than thighs. To keep them tender, don’t overcook and consider marinating for a bit longer.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, full-fat coconut milk or yogurt can replace heavy cream, but keep in mind this changes the flavor profile slightly.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
While 30 minutes of marinating is enough to infuse flavor, letting the chicken marinate overnight results in even deeper and more tender perfection.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut oil instead of butter and coconut milk instead of heavy cream. The taste shifts a bit but remains delicious and creamy.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild and creamy by nature, but you can adjust the heat by adding chili powder or fresh green chilies if you like more kick.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and soul-satisfying about this Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe that makes it an instant classic for any home cook. The vibrant spices balanced with the rich, silky sauce create a dish that feels special yet is surprisingly simple to make. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dinner that brings warmth and joy to your table.
Print
Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This Creamy Indian Butter Chicken recipe features tender chunks of chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of yogurt and spices, then simmered in a rich tomato and cream sauce. Perfectly balanced with aromatic garam masala, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness, this classic dish is easy to prepare and perfect for serving with naan or basmati rice.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, ground cumin, turmeric, paprika, and salt. Add the chicken chunks and toss until fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Sauté Onions: Heat the butter and vegetable oil together in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and golden, approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and fresh ginger to the pan and cook for another minute until their aromas are released and fragrant.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked through at this stage, about 5-7 minutes.
- Simmer with Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and add the teaspoon of sugar. Stir well to combine and leave the sauce uncovered. Let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the chicken to cook through.
- Finish with Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for another 5-7 minutes until it becomes creamy and the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Stir occasionally to avoid curdling.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot with naan bread or basmati rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Adjust the amount of butter and cream for a lighter version.
- Add chili powder or fresh chilies for extra heat.
- Use fresh tomatoes blended for sauce if canned tomato sauce is unavailable.
