Creamy Butter Chicken

Category: Inspiring Dinner Ideas

This homemade butter chicken combines yogurt-marinated chicken with a rich, creamy tomato sauce flavored with traditional Indian spices. A restaurant favorite made easily at home.
Sarah
Created By Sarah John
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:36:07 GMT
A bowl of butter chicken served with steamed white rice and naan bread, garnished with fresh cilantro. Save
A bowl of butter chicken served with steamed white rice and naan bread, garnished with fresh cilantro. | kitchenscroll.com

My kitchen fills with the most intoxicating aromas whenever I make this butter chicken. After years of testing different spice combinations I've finally nailed this 30 minute version that rivals my favorite Indian restaurants. The sauce is pure velvet rich with butter and warming spices that wrap around tender pieces of chicken like a cozy blanket.

A Taste of Home

This dish saved my sanity during busy weeks. The magic happens when those aromatic spices meet creamy tomato sauce creating layers of flavor that taste like they've simmered all day. Even my pickiest eater asks for seconds of the sauce soaked rice.

From My Spice Cabinet to Yours

  • The star protein: I use chicken thighs they stay juicy and tender every time.
  • Creamy starter: Whole milk yogurt works its tenderizing magic during marination.
  • Spice treasures: My carefully measured blend of garam masala turmeric and fenugreek creates that authentic taste.
  • Sauce base: Rich tomato sauce gives us that gorgeous color and depth.
  • Luxurious finish: Heavy cream turns everything silky smooth.
  • Golden touch: Real butter or ghee there's no skimping here.
  • Flavor foundation: Fresh garlic and ginger make all the difference.

Let's Get Cooking

Love your chicken:
Mix up that yogurt marinade with all those gorgeous spices. Let the chicken soak up all that flavor.
Searing magic:
Get your pan nice and hot. We want that chicken golden brown on the outside.
Sauce dreams:
Start with fragrant garlic and ginger in ghee then build those layers of spice and tomato.
Bring it together:
Add your cream let everything simmer until the sauce hugs each piece of chicken perfectly.
Final touches:
Fresh cilantro on top then serve it up with warm naan or fluffy rice.

My Kitchen Secrets

Keep those chicken pieces similar in size they'll cook evenly that way. I always measure my spices before starting the heat under that pan. The longer you can marinate the better but even 30 minutes works magic with the yogurt.

A bowl of butter chicken curry served with basmati rice and naan bread, garnished with fresh cilantro. Save
A bowl of butter chicken curry served with basmati rice and naan bread, garnished with fresh cilantro. | kitchenscroll.com

Making It Work For Everyone

This recipe works beautifully for all my friends with dietary needs. Skip the dairy and use coconut milk and oil instead of cream and ghee. The flavors still sing and everyone gets to enjoy this comfort food favorite.

Slow Cooker Love

On extra busy days I prep everything in the morning and let my slow cooker do the work. The house smells amazing all day and dinner is ready when we walk in the door hungry and tired.

Pressure Cooker Magic

My Instant Pot turns this into a 20 minute miracle. Brown the chicken first then let pressure do its thing. A final stir of cream at the end and dinner is served. The sauce comes out just as rich and velvety.

Perfect Pairings

Nothing beats warm naan bread for soaking up every drop of sauce. I love serving this with fragrant basmati rice and a simple cucumber salad on the side. The cool crunch balances all those warm spices perfectly.

Saving Some For Later

This beauty actually tastes better the next day. The spices have time to mingle and deepen. I often make a double batch and stash some in the freezer for busy nights when we need comfort food fast.

A plate of rice served with a creamy chicken curry and a piece of naan bread, garnished with fresh cilantro. Save
A plate of rice served with a creamy chicken curry and a piece of naan bread, garnished with fresh cilantro. | kitchenscroll.com

A Taste of History

Every time I make this I think about the brilliant chef who created it in Delhi back in the 1950s. What started as a way to use leftover tandoori chicken has become a beloved dish around the world.

Good For You Too

Those warming spices aren't just about flavor. Turmeric has amazing health benefits and all that protein keeps us satisfied. When I'm watching calories I use light coconut milk and just a touch of butter.

Your Questions Answered

  • No cream? Coconut milk works beautifully here.
  • Heat level? You control it add more or less chili to make it your own.
  • Best chicken? Thighs are my go to but breasts work perfectly too.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I toss in some fresh spinach at the end or swap the chicken for paneer cheese. The sauce welcomes any vegetables you have on hand. Make it work for your family's taste some days I add extra ginger when we need that warming kick.

From My Table to Yours

This butter chicken has become my go to recipe for everything from busy weeknights to dinner parties. It's the kind of meal that makes everyone feel special while being surprisingly simple to prepare. Give it a try in your kitchen I know it'll become a favorite.

A plate of creamy chicken curry garnished with cilantro, served with white rice and flatbread. Save
A plate of creamy chicken curry garnished with cilantro, served with white rice and flatbread. | kitchenscroll.com

Common Questions About Cooking

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?
While 30 minutes is minimum, marinating for up to 24 hours will give you the best flavor. The longer marination allows the spices to really penetrate the meat.
→ Can I use coconut milk instead of cream?
Yes, you can use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream. Use mostly the solid cream part from the top of the can for the best results.
→ What's the best cut of chicken to use?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best as they stay tender and juicy. Cut them into even, bite-sized pieces for quick and consistent cooking.
→ How can I adjust the spice level?
Taste the sauce while cooking and adjust the spices to your preference. You can add more chili powder or cayenne for extra heat, or reduce them for a milder version.
→ What should I serve with butter chicken?
Traditionally, butter chicken is served with naan bread and basmati rice. They're perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Creamy Butter Chicken

Classic Indian butter chicken featuring tender marinated chicken pieces in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with aromatic spices. Perfect for a family dinner.

Preparation Time
5 minutes
Cooking Duration
25 minutes
Total Time Required
30 minutes
Created By: Sarah John

Recipe Category: Dinner Delights

Skill Level Required: Moderate Skills Needed

Cuisine Style: Indian

Recipe Output: 6 Number of Servings (6 servings)

Dietary Preferences: Low in Carbs, Gluten-Free

What You'll Gather

Contains 01 items 2-3 pounds boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks.
Contains 02 items 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt.
Contains 03 items 9 garlic cloves, minced (divided use).
Contains 04 items 1 tablespoon minced ginger.
Contains 05 items 3 teaspoons garam masala (divided use).
Contains 06 items 1 teaspoon turmeric.
Contains 07 items 2.5 teaspoons cumin (divided use).
Contains 08 items 2 teaspoons red chili powder (divided use).
Contains 09 items 2.5 teaspoons sea salt (divided use).
Contains 10 items 2 tablespoons cooking oil.
Contains 11 items 2 tablespoons ghee or butter.
Contains 12 items 1 teaspoon ground coriander.
Contains 13 items 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
Contains 14 items 14 ounces tomato sauce.
Contains 15 items 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk.
Contains 16 items 1/2 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves.
Contains 17 items Fresh cilantro for garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Mix yogurt with spices. Add chicken and coat well. Chill 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

Step 02

Heat oil in large pan. Cook marinated chicken in batches until browned. Set aside.

Step 03

Heat ghee, cook garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add spices and stir 30 seconds.

Step 04

Pour in tomato sauce. Simmer 5 minutes. Add cream, fenugreek, and browned chicken.

Step 05

Cook 8-10 minutes until chicken is done and sauce thickens. Top with cilantro.

Important Tips

  1. Marinate longer for better flavor.
  2. Measure spices before starting to cook.
  3. Use full-fat coconut milk if substituting cream.

Essential Tools

  • Large skillet.
  • Mixing bowls.

Allergen Guidance

Double-check ingredients for allergens and consult a health expert if needed.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutrition info is provided as a guide and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 440
  • Fat Amount: 31 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Protein Amount: 33 g