This Creamy Butter Chicken recipe offers a rich, indulgent experience with tender, marinated chicken coated in a velvety tomato-based sauce. Perfectly spiced and effortlessly satisfying, this dish brings together traditional Indian flavors in a modern, wholesome way—ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This butter chicken recipe is beloved for its deeply flavorful, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked chicken. It’s quick to prepare, comforting, and pairs beautifully with rice or naan. Whether you’re familiar with Indian cuisine or new to it, this dish offers a balanced flavor that’s both aromatic and satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to adapt with vegetables or alternative proteins.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
- Greek yogurt (for marination)
- Garlic and ginger paste
- Garam masala
- Ground cumin
- Ground coriander
- Paprika
- Turmeric powder
- Salt
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving
Directions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix yogurt, garlic paste, ginger paste, garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and salt. Add chicken pieces, coat well, and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
- Cook the chicken: In a large pan, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until lightly charred and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same pan, add more butter if needed. Sauté additional garlic and ginger paste until fragrant. Stir in tomato puree and simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
- Finish with cream: Stir in heavy cream and let the sauce simmer on low heat for another 5–10 minutes. Return chicken to the pan and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Marination time: 30 minutes (or overnight for best results)
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes (including marination)
Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with paneer or tofu. Marinate and cook similarly.
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped green chilies or increase the amount of paprika for extra heat.
- Low-Carb: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of traditional basmati rice.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover creamy butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of water or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
FAQs
How spicy is this butter chicken?
This recipe is mildly spiced. You can adjust the heat by modifying the amount of paprika or adding chili powder.
Can I use store-bought butter chicken sauce?
Yes, but homemade sauce provides fresher flavor and more control over ingredients.
What’s the best cut of chicken for butter chicken?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are most flavorful, but chicken breasts work well too.
Can I freeze butter chicken?
Yes, it freezes well. Cool completely, store in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with butter chicken?
It pairs perfectly with basmati rice, naan bread, or even roasted vegetables.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Add all ingredients except cream into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours. Stir in cream at the end.
Is butter chicken gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure all spice blends are certified gluten-free.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day after the flavors have developed.
What cream should I use?
Heavy cream is best for richness, but you can also use half-and-half for a lighter option.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes. Peas, bell peppers, or spinach make excellent additions for added nutrition and flavor.
Conclusion
Creamy Butter Chicken is a luxurious, comforting dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe delivers bold flavor and satisfying richness every time. With its versatility and easy customizations, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Print
This slow cooker shredded chicken curry is cozy, hands-off, and packed with flavor. Juicy chicken simmers in a rich coconut-tomato sauce that’s perfect over rice or with naan for a comforting weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: : 6 hours
- Total Time: : 6 hours
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Ingredients
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1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs
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1 onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp ginger
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2 tbsp curry powder
Instructions
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Add all ingredients (except garnish) to a slow cooker.
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Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender.
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Shred chicken with forks and stir to coat in sauce.
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Garnish and serve with rice or naan.
Notes
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Add spinach or peas in the last 30 minutes for extra veggies.
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Adjust spice level to your taste