This Creamy Butter Chicken recipe is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender pieces of chicken simmered in a luscious, buttery tomato-based sauce. Infused with warm spices and finished with cream, it delivers the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence. Served over a bed of fluffy rice, it’s a satisfying meal that brings the essence of Indian cuisine to your table with ease.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with warm, aromatic spices
- Creamy and comforting with a luxurious sauce
- Quick and easy to prepare for a weeknight meal
- Pairs beautifully with rice or naan
- Restaurant-style taste at home
- Mild enough for the whole family to enjoy
- Easily adaptable for spice level preferences
- Made with pantry staples
- Gluten-free by nature
- Reheats well for next-day meals
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Butter
- Onion
- Garlic
- Fresh ginger
- Tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- Heavy cream
- Garam masala
- Ground cumin
- Paprika
- Turmeric
- Chili powder (optional, for added heat)
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice (for serving)
Directions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and a little garam masala.
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt additional butter and sauté chopped onions until soft.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato puree, spices (garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric), and let simmer for a few minutes.
- Add heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for 5–10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over steamed rice.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 people.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Substitute chicken with tofu or paneer for a vegetarian option
- Use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free version
- Add green peas or spinach for extra vegetables
- Adjust spice level by increasing or omitting chili powder
- Serve with naan or roti instead of rice
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or water if the sauce thickens too much.
This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
What kind of chicken is best for butter chicken?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are preferred for their tenderness and flavor, but chicken breasts work well too.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, Butter Chicken tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Store in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Is Butter Chicken spicy?
It has mild heat with rich flavors, but you can adjust the spiciness by modifying the amount of chili powder.
Can I use canned tomato sauce instead of puree?
Yes, tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes can be used, but adjust the spices and sweetness as needed.
What can I serve with Butter Chicken besides rice?
Naan bread, roti, or even couscous make great alternatives to rice.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be used for a tangier flavor and lighter sauce. Add it off heat to avoid curdling.
How can I thicken the sauce?
Let the sauce simmer uncovered to reduce and thicken. You can also add a small amount of cashew paste or cornstarch slurry.
Is Butter Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels, especially for spice mixes.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, combine all ingredients except cream and cook on low for 4–6 hours. Stir in the cream at the end before serving.
How do I make it more authentic?
Use ghee instead of butter, marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices, and cook the sauce low and slow for deeper flavor.
Conclusion
Creamy Butter Chicken is a timeless favorite that brings together rich flavors and simple ingredients in a way that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress and become a regular addition to your meal rotation. Enjoy it fresh, or savor the leftovers—it’s delicious every time.
Print
This creamy butter chicken is rich, spiced just right, and incredibly comforting. With tender chicken chunks smothered in a velvety tomato-butter sauce, it’s the perfect Indian-inspired dish to serve over rice or naan.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
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1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
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1 tbsp oil
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2 tbsp butter
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1/2 onion, finely chopped
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tbsp grated ginger
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1 tbsp garam masala
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1 tsp turmeric
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1 tsp chili powder
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1/2 tsp cumin
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
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1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
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Fresh cilantro for garnish
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Cooked basmati rice, for serving
Instructions
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Heat oil in a skillet, add chicken and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
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In the same pan, melt butter and sauté onions until soft.
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Add garlic, ginger, and spices. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
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Stir in tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
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Add cream and return chicken to the pan. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until sauce thickens.
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Garnish with cilantro and serve over rice.
Notes
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Add a dollop of yogurt for extra creaminess.
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Can be frozen for up to 2 months.