Creamy Indian Butter Chicken

Get ready to experience Creamy Indian Butter Chicken — a dish so rich, velvety, and bursting with flavor that you’ll swear it came from your favorite restaurant. Tender chicken bathed in a spiced, buttery tomato cream sauce… it’s the kind of meal that makes you want to lick your plate clean. And the best part? It’s easier to make at home than you think!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Indian Butter Chicken

Unbelievably Flavorful: Every bite is a delicious dance of spices, butter, and cream. It’s bold without being too spicy — just full of warm, cozy flavors.

Restaurant-Quality at Home: You can make authentic-tasting butter chicken in your own kitchen without any complicated steps.

Comfort Food Central: The creamy sauce + tender chicken + fluffy rice or naan = total comfort food heaven.

Customizable: Prefer a little heat? Want it extra creamy? You can easily tweak the recipe to fit your taste.

Great for Leftovers: Like many Indian dishes, butter chicken tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make the ultimate butter chicken:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for juicy, tender bites, but chicken breasts also work if you prefer.

Yogurt: Used in the marinade to tenderize the chicken and add flavor.

Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the rich, creamy sauce.

Garam Masala: The magical spice blend that gives butter chicken its signature flavor.

Ground Cumin: Adds a deep, earthy flavor.

Ground Turmeric: Brings a subtle warmth and beautiful color.

Paprika: Adds a sweet-smoky note and enhances the dish’s vibrant color.

Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning.

Butter: The heart of the sauce — rich and luscious!

Garlic and Ginger: Fresh is best for that aromatic punch.

Tomato Sauce: Forms the base of the creamy sauce.

Heavy Cream: Creates that silky, dreamy texture.

Sugar: Just a pinch to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Cilantro: For a fresh, herbal finish.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

• In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Add the chicken pieces and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for the most flavor).

Cook the Chicken:

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and sear the chicken pieces until browned on all sides (they don’t have to be fully cooked through yet). Remove and set aside.

Make the Sauce:

• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant (about 1 minute).
• Stir in the tomato sauce, garam masala, cumin, paprika, and sugar.
• Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

Add the Cream and Chicken:

• Stir in the heavy cream, then add the seared chicken pieces back to the skillet.
• Simmer gently for another 10–15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is rich and creamy.

Finish and Serve:

• Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
• Serve hot with basmati rice, naan, or even over cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

Nutrition Facts

(Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings)
Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 380
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour marinating)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (with marinating)

How to Serve Creamy Indian Butter Chicken

Classic Style: Serve over fluffy basmati rice and warm naan bread for soaking up all that luscious sauce.

Low-Carb Option: Try it over cauliflower rice or with a big side of roasted veggies.

Party Style: Serve it in a big pot and keep it warm with a buffet spread of naan, rice, and a variety of chutneys.

Meal Prep: Butter chicken is perfect for making ahead. Store portions with rice in meal prep containers for flavorful lunches all week.

Additional Tips

• Marinate Longer: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
• Creaminess Level: Adjust the amount of cream depending on how rich you want the sauce.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced green chili for some heat.
• Use Ghee: For even more authentic flavor, swap butter for ghee.
• No Yogurt? You can use buttermilk as a marinade substitute in a pinch.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A1: Yes! Chicken breasts work too; just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster.

Q2: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A2: You can swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and the butter for dairy-free butter or oil.

Q3: Is butter chicken spicy?
A3: Traditionally, it’s flavorful but not spicy. You can always add a bit of cayenne if you like heat.

Q4: Can I freeze butter chicken?
A4: Absolutely! Butter chicken freezes well for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat gently.

Q5: What’s the difference between butter chicken and tikka masala?
A5: They’re similar, but butter chicken is usually creamier and slightly sweeter, while tikka masala tends to have a more intense tomato flavor.

Q6: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A6: You can, but marinating raw chicken gives better flavor. If using cooked chicken, just simmer it in the sauce long enough to heat through.

Q7: How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
A7: Let it simmer uncovered a little longer or stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste.

Q8: How do I make it more authentic?
A8: Use ghee instead of butter and add a pinch of fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) to the sauce!

Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Yes, it doubles beautifully — just use a bigger pan and adjust the simmering time slightly.

Q10: What sides go best with butter chicken?
A10: Basmati rice, naan, cucumber raita, and a simple green salad all pair wonderfully.

Conclusion

This Creamy Indian Butter Chicken is comfort food at its finest — rich, creamy, spiced just right, and downright craveable. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy family dinner or a weekend feast with friends, it’s guaranteed to impress. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!

Would you also like me to create a printable recipe card version for it?

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