There's something absolutely magical about Butter Chicken that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a culinary adventure. This butter chicken recipe has become our family's most requested dish, especially after my daughter tried it at an Indian restaurant and begged me to recreate it at home.
The rich, creamy tomato sauce with perfectly tender chicken creates pure comfort in every spoonful, while the aromatic spices fill your kitchen with the most incredible fragrance. Whether you're new to quick easy indian recipes or looking to master this traditional indian dinner classic, this version delivers all the authentic flavors without requiring a trip to specialty stores or hours of complicated prep work.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This butter chicken strikes the perfect balance between restaurant authenticity and home kitchen simplicity. Unlike complicated chicken recipes international that require hard-to-find ingredients, this creates incredible results using spices you can find at any grocery store. My husband was amazed when he tasted it, saying it was even better than our favorite Indian restaurant, and honestly, I felt pretty proud of that accomplishment.
The creamy sauce is rich but not overwhelming, with just the right amount of heat that even my spice-sensitive mom can enjoy. Plus, it's one of those authentic chicken recipes that actually improves as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd without stress.
Jump to:
What You'll Need
Creating this restaurant-worthy dish requires a blend of aromatic spices and simple ingredients that work together to build those complex, layered flavors. The magic happens in the balance between the spiced chicken and that signature creamy tomato sauce.
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Butter Chicken Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Extras
Serve this over fluffy basmati rice, with warm naan bread, or even over cauliflower rice for a lighter option. My family loves adding a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh cilantro for extra richness and color.
This chicken and curry recipes approach is super easy, full steps are in the recipe card.
How to Make Butter Chicken
Season the Chicken Perfectly
Cut chicken into uniform pieces and season generously with salt, pepper, and half of your spice blend. Let this marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prep other ingredients.
Build the Flavor Base
Heat oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes total.
Create the Aromatic Foundation
Remove chicken and add diced onion to the same pan. Cook until softened and lightly golden, then add garlic, ginger, and remaining spices, cooking until fragrant.
Develop the Sauce
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then add crushed tomatoes. Let this simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and deepens in color. How do you make butter chicken sauce creamy without curdling? The secret is tempering the cream by adding it slowly while stirring constantly, and keeping the heat at medium-low to prevent separation.
Add the Cream and Finish
Slowly stir in heavy cream and remaining butter, then return the chicken to the pan. Simmer gently for 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is perfectly creamy.
Taste and Adjust
Season with salt and add a touch of sugar if needed to balance the acidity. This final seasoning step makes all the difference in achieving that perfect flavor balance.
Top Tip
The secret to exceptional butter chicken lies in building layers of flavor at each step, something I learned from watching countless cooking videos and experimenting in my own kitchen.
Don't rush the onion-cooking phase, let them get properly golden before adding the aromatics.
This creates a deep, sweet base that makes all the difference in the final sauce.
My sister used to skip this step to save time, but once she tried my version with properly caramelized onions, she became a convert.
The extra 5 minutes of patience transforms the entire dish from good to absolutely restaurant-quality, and now even my picky teenagers request this for their birthday dinners.
Storage & Serving Tips
This better butter chicken actually tastes even more incredible the next day as the flavors continue to meld and develop. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream if needed to restore the silky texture.
What to Serve With Butter Chicken
This rich, creamy curry pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice, warm naan bread, or even roasted vegetables for a complete meal. My family loves it with garlic naan and a simple cucumber salad to balance the richness, creating a perfect traditional indian dinner experience right at home.
FAQs About Butter Chicken
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs stay more tender and flavorful. If using breasts, reduce cooking time to prevent drying out.
Is butter chicken very spicy?
This version is mild to medium, with warmth rather than heat. Adjust cayenne to your preference.
What's the difference between butter chicken and tikka masala?
Butter chicken is creamier and milder, while tikka masala has more tomato and spice complexity.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! This works great as buttered chicken instant pot style - sauté aromatics, add chicken and sauce, pressure cook for 8 minutes.
More Authentic Chicken Recipes You'll Love
If you're exploring more international flavors, these recipes deliver the same satisfying comfort with simple preparation:
Thai Basil Chicken, Bold, aromatic flavors that come together quickly Moroccan Chicken Tagine, Warm spices with dried fruits and tender meat Greek Lemon Chicken, Bright, herb-forward flavors perfect for any season
Gave this recipe your own spin? Share it on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes, I can't wait to see your take on it! You'll find more amazing chicken recipes international in my global flavors collection, where every recipe brings the world to your dinner table.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe:
Leave a Reply