If you have ever wanted to dive into a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, then this Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. It’s a luscious blend of tender chicken soaked in a spiced, tangy, and buttery tomato cream sauce that dances happily on your taste buds. This recipe isn’t just about bold flavors; it’s about comfort, tradition, and the joy of cooking something utterly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this dish turns any meal into a special occasion worth savoring.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet flavorful ingredients is the first step toward achieving that authentic taste and gorgeous creaminess in this recipe. Each component plays a critical role in building the rich layers of taste, aroma, and color that make this dish unforgettable.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1 1/2 pounds): These pieces stay juicy and tender, absorbing the marinade beautifully for the best texture.
- Plain yogurt (1 cup): Acts as a tenderizing marinade base that helps the chicken soak up spices while adding subtle creaminess.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Provides just the right tang to brighten the marinade and balance richness.
- Garam masala (2 teaspoons): This fragrant spice blend is the soul of the dish, offering warm and complex flavors.
- Ground cumin (2 teaspoons): Adds a nutty earthiness that supports the dish’s depth.
- Turmeric (1 teaspoon): Not only gives vibrant color but also delivers a gentle, aromatic warmth.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings mild smokiness and red color to the sauce.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for amplifying all the other flavors perfectly.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): For richness that gives this recipe its signature creamy texture and buttery finish.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sauté the onions and spices evenly without burning.
- Onion, finely chopped (1): Creates a savory, sweet base with a golden-brown hue.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Adds pungent, aromatic depth that wakes up the palate.
- Fresh ginger, minced (1 tablespoon): Offers sharp, zesty notes that balance the heavier flavors.
- Tomato sauce (1 15-ounce can): Provides the vibrant acidity and body for the sauce.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Melts into the sauce to create the luscious, velvety finish every butter chicken needs.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Just enough to soften the tomato’s acidity and round out the flavor.
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish): Brings a burst of freshness and color at the final touch.
How to Make Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing the plain yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika, and salt in a large bowl. Toss your chicken pieces into this fragrant marinade and coat them evenly. Cover and let the flavors meld for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, leave it overnight. This step is magical because it tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with those warm Indian spices that define the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the butter and vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook them slowly until they turn soft and golden brown. This slow cooking draws out the sweetness in the onions, forming the flavorful base your sauce needs. Once done, stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for just another minute until your kitchen smells like heaven.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Now it’s time to add your marinated chicken pieces to the skillet. Let them brown on all sides; this adds a slight caramelized crust that enhances both texture and flavor. Don’t worry if they don’t cook through completely now — they will finish cooking when simmered in the sauce.
Step 4: Simmer in Tomato Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle the teaspoon of sugar over the mixture. Leave the pan uncovered and let everything simmer gently for about 15 minutes. This slow simmer allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to deepen into a harmonious blend of tangy and sweet.
Step 5: Stir in the Cream
Lower the heat and carefully stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for another 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce reaches a rich, creamy consistency and the chicken is fully cooked. This final step transforms the dish into the silky, luscious masterpiece that makes the Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe so beloved everywhere.
How to Serve Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is the classic garnish and brings a bright, herbal lift that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the sauce. For an extra pop of texture and color, you can also sprinkle a few toasted cashews or drizzle a little extra cream on top.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with warm, fluffy naan bread, perfect for scooping up every delicious bite. Basmati rice is another great option as its fragrant grains absorb the sauce perfectly, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. For a lighter side, a cucumber raita or simple salad can add refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, serve the butter chicken in individual copper bowls or rustic ceramic dishes to highlight its Indian roots. Accompany it with colorful serving platters of sliced onions, lemon wedges, and fresh herbs for a vibrant feast on the table. Even layering the sauce and chicken over a bed of saffron-infused rice adds elegance and flavor dimensions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen, making it even tastier the next day, so don’t hesitate to make extra.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled butter chicken into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain its creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warmth. Add a splash of water or cream if the sauce becomes too thick. Microwaving works too, but be sure to cover the dish to lock in moisture and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are leaner and will work fine, but thighs remain juicier and more flavorful, which helps in achieving that classic tender texture in the Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
Overnight marination is ideal for maximum flavor and tenderness, but if time is short, even 30 minutes will impart plenty of spice and moisture into your chicken.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version. The flavor profile will shift slightly, but it still makes a delicious, creamy meal.
What can I use instead of garam masala?
If you don’t have garam masala on hand, you can create a simple blend of ground cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and coriander as an alternative. It won’t be identical but will bring similar warmth and complexity.
How spicy is this recipe?
This classic recipe is mildly spiced, focused on aromatic warmth rather than heat. If you love spice, adding a little chili powder or fresh green chilies during cooking can bring up the heat level beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavor, tradition, and comfort all wrapped up in a bowl. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making it at home—it’s easier than you might think and endlessly rewarding. Whether it becomes a weeknight staple or your go-to recipe for sharing with friends, it’s destined to bring smiles and full bellies to your table.
Print
Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
Creamy Indian Butter Chicken is a flavorful and rich dish featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in yogurt and spices, cooked in a luscious tomato and cream sauce. This classic North Indian recipe is perfect for a comforting meal served with naan or basmati rice.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Sauce and Cooking
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, ground cumin, turmeric, paprika, and salt. Add the chicken chunks and toss well to coat all pieces thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
- Sauté Onions: Heat butter and vegetable oil together in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and turns a golden brown color, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until their aromas release and they become fragrant.
- Cook Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan, cooking over medium heat until the pieces are browned on all sides. The chicken does not need to be cooked fully through at this stage, about 6-8 minutes.
- Simmer with Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and add the teaspoon of sugar to balance acidity. Stir well and let the mixture simmer uncovered for around 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, allowing the chicken to cook through and the sauce to thicken.
- Finish with Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce gently simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until it becomes creamy and rich, and the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves on top just before serving. Serve hot accompanied by warm naan bread or fluffy basmati rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use boneless chicken thighs for juicier texture compared to chicken breasts.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder or paprika for heat preference.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, but flavor will vary.
- Serve with naan or basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
