Finger-Licking Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe for Your Table

Hey there, my secret weapon for crushing dinner plans is this delectable butter chicken recipe that never fails to impress.

Spices dance through tender marinated chicken, creating layers of rich, complex flavors.

Authentic northern Indian cuisine meets weeknight cooking convenience in this foolproof dish.

Succulent meat bathes in a creamy tomato sauce that whispers comfort with every bite.

Each forkful tells a story of culinary tradition and home-style cooking magic.

Fragrant herbs and carefully balanced spices turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that draws everyone to the table.

I promise this recipe will become your new go-to when you want to seriously wow your dinner companions.

Butter Chicken Classic Cooking Method

Step 1: Whip Up a Flavor-Packed Marinade

Create a zesty marinade by mixing tangy yogurt, zesty lemon juice, and a blend of aromatic spices.

• Plain yogurt
• Lemon juice
• Garam masala
• Cumin
• Turmeric
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger

Massage the marinade thoroughly into chicken pieces, ensuring every inch is coated.

Seal and let the chicken rest in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to dance and mingle for at least an hour.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium flame and drizzle vegetable oil.

Carefully place marinated chicken pieces, letting them sear and develop a golden-brown exterior.

Cook until the chicken is perfectly done, with juices running clear and edges beautifully caramelized.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and welcome chopped onions, sautéing until they turn translucent and soft.

Add minced garlic and ginger, creating an aromatic base.

Sprinkle in a symphony of spices – cumin, garam masala, coriander, and chili powder – toasting them to release their intense flavors.

Pour in crushed tomatoes and let the sauce simmer and thicken.

Step 4: Smooth Out the Sauce

Transform the sauce into silky perfection by blending until completely smooth.

Use a traditional blender or an immersion blender for convenience.

Return the velvety sauce to the skillet, warming it gently.

Step 5: Marry the Chicken and Sauce

Reunite the cooked chicken with the luscious sauce.

Stir in rich heavy cream and a touch of sugar to balance the flavors.

Allow the curry to simmer, letting the chicken absorb the incredible sauce and develop deep, complex tastes.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the butter chicken for a burst of fresh color and flavor.

Plate alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm, pillowy naan bread.

Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Cooking Advice for Butter Chicken Dishes

• Overnight marination intensifies flavor depths, allowing spices to fully penetrate chicken meat for a more robust and authentic taste experience.
• Use an immersion blender or standard blender to create a silky, restaurant-quality sauce without lumps or uneven textures.
• Add cream gradually and adjust to desired richness – less cream means lighter sauce, more cream creates a decadent, luxurious consistency.
• Replace chili powder with fresh green chilies for a fresher, more vibrant heat profile that elevates the overall flavor complexity.
• Cook chicken on medium heat to ensure even browning without drying out the meat, maintaining juicy and tender protein pieces.

Butter Chicken Reheat Tips

• Transfer leftover butter chicken to an airtight container, sealing tightly to prevent moisture loss and absorb other food odors. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled butter chicken into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, maintaining best quality and flavor.
• Gently warm the butter chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of water or cream to restore sauce consistency and prevent drying out.
• Place butter chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Delicious Add-Ons for Butter Chicken

• Pair with Creamy Lassi: Blend cool, tangy yogurt drink with mint and a pinch of salt to balance the rich, spicy butter chicken, creating a refreshing contrast that soothes the palate.
• Complement with Garlic Naan: Serve warm, buttery flatbread with crispy edges that perfectly scoop up the creamy sauce, providing a delightful textural experience and additional flavor dimension.
• Match with Fragrant Basmati Rice: Prepare light, fluffy rice with subtle aromatic notes that absorb the sauce's complex spices, enhancing the overall dining experience without overwhelming the main dish.
• Select Kingfisher Beer: Choose a crisp, cold Indian lager that cuts through the creamy sauce's richness, offering a clean, refreshing counterpoint to the intense butter chicken flavors.

Butter Chicken Creamy Twists

• Vegan Butter Chicken: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, using coconut milk instead of heavy cream and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
• Low-Carb Butter Chicken: Swap out rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free, using tamari instead of regular soy sauce and checking tomato sauce labels for potential gluten contamination.
• Instant Pot Variation: Adapt the recipe for pressure cooking by marinating chicken, then adding all sauce ingredients directly into the Instant Pot and cooking on high pressure for 8-10 minutes for faster preparation.

FAQs

• Is butter chicken very spicy?

The spice level is mild to moderate. You can adjust the heat by reducing or increasing chili powder according to your preference. The creamy sauce helps balance any intense spiciness.

• Why do I need to marinate the chicken?

Marinating helps tenderize the chicken and allows spices to deeply penetrate the meat, creating more complex and rich flavors. Longer marination time (overnight) produces better taste results.

• Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually recommended for butter chicken because they remain more juicy and tender compared to chicken breasts. They have higher fat content which enhances the overall dish’s flavor and texture.

• What makes this dish different from other Indian curries?

Butter chicken stands out due to its smooth, creamy tomato-based sauce and balanced spice profile. Unlike other curries, it has a distinctive sweet-tangy flavor from tomatoes and cream, making it universally appealing and less intimidating for those new to Indian cuisine.

Butter Chicken With Creamy, Spiced Perfection

Savor Flavor-Packed Comfort: Elevate Your Meal with Butter Chicken

• Quick Culinary Adventure: Transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality dish within 45 minutes, perfect for home cooks seeking exciting flavors without complicated techniques.
• Marination Magic: Overnight soaking allows spices to deeply penetrate chicken, creating incredibly tender and aromatic results that guarantee a mouthwatering experience every single time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Universally loved Indian recipe that appeals to both spice enthusiasts and mild-flavor lovers, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings.
• Flexible Meal Companion: Pairs beautifully with multiple sides like basmati rice, naan bread, or even cauliflower rice, offering versatility for different dietary preferences and meal styles.

Butter Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken: Tender meat that forms the heart of the dish, boneless and skinless for best results, preferably thighs or breasts for maximum flavor absorption.

• Yogurt, Lemon Juice: Tenderizing agents that add tanginess and help break down meat fibers, use full-fat plain yogurt for richness.
• Garam Masala, Cumin, Turmeric, Chili Powder: Spice blend that provides deep, complex flavor profile, freshly ground spices recommended for maximum taste.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic components that add depth and traditional Indian flavor, fresh grated versions preferred over dried.

• Butter, Vegetable Oil: Fat sources for cooking and adding richness, unsalted butter recommended for better control of salt levels.
• Onion: Flavor base that provides sweet undertones, yellow or white onions work best.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Creates the sauce's foundation, provides acidity and body.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious smoothness and mellows spice intensity, can substitute with half-and-half.
• Sugar: Balances tomato acidity and rounds out flavor profile.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb for garnishing, adds bright final touch.

• Basmati Rice, Naan Bread: Traditional serving suggestions that complement the dish's flavors.

Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy, aromatic butter chicken brings North Indian culinary magic to your dinner table. Rich tomato-based sauce and tender chicken pieces create a luxurious meal that delights with complex spices and smooth texture you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 500 grams boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

Marinade and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (400 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking together yogurt, lemon juice, aromatic spices, garlic, and ginger in a spacious mixing bowl.
2. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring each morsel is completely enveloped with the spice mixture.
3. Refrigerate the marinated chicken for a minimum of one hour, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply and tenderize the meat.
4. Preheat a large skillet to medium heat and introduce a touch of vegetable oil.
5. Carefully place marinated chicken into the skillet, discarding excess marinade, and cook until golden and fully cooked through.
6. Extract the cooked chicken and reserve on a separate plate.
7. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté finely chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly caramelized.
8. Introduce minced garlic and grated ginger, releasing their intense aromatics and creating a fragrant base.
9. Sprinkle ground spices into the skillet, stirring continuously to toast and awaken their complex flavors.
10. Pour crushed tomatoes into the spice mixture, allowing the sauce to simmer and reduce, developing a rich, deep flavor profile.
11. Transform the sauce into a silky smooth consistency by blending thoroughly, either using a traditional blender or an immersion blender.
12. Return the velvety sauce to the skillet and gently reintroduce the cooked chicken pieces.
13. Stream in heavy cream and a hint of sugar, stirring to create a luxurious, balanced sauce.
14. Simmer the curry, allowing the chicken to absorb the intricate spice blend and sauce to reach the perfect consistency.
15. Taste and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt if required.
16. Finish by scattering fresh cilantro over the dish.
17. Present piping hot alongside fragrant basmati rice or warm naan bread.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper, more intense flavor profiles that permeate every tender bite.
• Use full-fat yogurt to ensure maximum tenderness and create a rich, velvety sauce texture.
• Choose bone-in chicken thighs for extra moisture and more robust flavor compared to bland chicken breasts.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that maintains creamy consistency while adding subtle tropical undertones.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 665
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 43 g
• Saturated Fat: 27 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg