Butter Chicken (Creamy Indian Classic Made Easy)

Byloubna

Butter Chicken

Tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy tomato-butter sauce infused with warm spices. A comforting, restaurant-style classic made easy at home.
Prep Time: 15 minutesMarinate Time: 30 minutes (up to overnight)Cook Time: 30 minutesTotal Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Main CourseCuisine: Indian-InspiredKeyword: butter chickenServings: 4 servings

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken & Marinade
  • 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
  • ½ cup full-fat plain yogurt
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Butter Chicken Sauce
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 1 cup tomato purée or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • ½ tsp chili powder optional
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional Garnish
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Extra cream swirl

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, combine yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, paprika, and salt. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate at least 30 minutes.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with oil. Cook marinated chicken until lightly browned and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, melt butter. Add onion and cook until soft and lightly golden.
  4. Stir in cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook briefly until fragrant.
  5. Add tomato purée and simmer 8–10 minutes until thickened and rich.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream gently until smooth.
  7. Return chicken to the pan and simmer 5–10 minutes until tender and coated in sauce.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Rest briefly before serving. Garnish if desired.

Final Thoughts

Butter chicken is more than just a recipe—it’s a dish that represents comfort, warmth, and timeless flavor. This version captures everything that makes it so beloved: tender chicken, rich tomato-butter sauce, and a gentle blend of spices that feel both familiar and exciting.

What makes this recipe truly special is how achievable it is at home. You don’t need a long list of hard-to-find ingredients or advanced techniques—just patience, balance, and good ingredients. The result is a meal that feels luxurious without being intimidating.

This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or anytime you want to cook something that feels meaningful and satisfying. It brings people together, fills the kitchen with comforting aromas, and turns an ordinary meal into something memorable.

If you’re looking for a dependable, crowd-pleasing recipe that never goes out of style, butter chicken deserves a permanent place in your kitchen. It’s rich, comforting, and endlessly rewarding—the kind of dish you’ll come back to again and again.