Silky Indian Butter Chicken Recipe: A Dreamy Spiced Delight

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy butter chicken recipe strikes the perfect balance between comfort and exotic flavors.

Rich, velvety butter chicken brings a taste of North Indian cuisine straight to your kitchen.

Tender chicken pieces bathe in a luscious tomato-based sauce that promises to tantalize every taste bud.

Marinating the meat ensures each bite bursts with deep, complex spices.

Aromatic and smooth, this dish pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread.

Restaurants can’t compete with the homemade magic you’ll create with this simple yet extraordinary recipe.

Prepare to transport your senses to the vibrant streets of Delhi with every delectable spoonful.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 4

Butter Chicken Ingredient Rundown

• Plain Yogurt: Tenderizes chicken and adds tangy complexity.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors and helps break down protein fibers.
• Cumin, Coriander, Turmeric, Garam Masala: Builds deep, authentic Indian spice profile.
• Chili Powder: Introduces warm heat and vibrant color.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and helps protein retain moisture.

• Chicken Pieces: Primary protein that absorbs rich spice blend.
• Oil: Prevents sticking and helps achieve beautiful golden sear.

• Butter, Oil: Creates luxurious, silky texture and rich flavor base.
• Onion: Provides sweet, caramelized undertones.
• Garlic, Ginger: Adds aromatic depth and traditional Indian flavor complexity.
• Tomato Puree: Delivers smooth, slightly tangy sauce base.
• Cinnamon: Introduces subtle warmth and exotic hint.

• Heavy Cream: Softens spices and creates velvety sauce texture.
• Sugar: Balances tomato's acidity and enhances overall flavor harmony.
• Fresh Cilantro: Adds bright, fresh garnish with herbal notes.

Tools for a Smooth Indian Butter Sauce

• Large bowl: Perfect for mixing marinade ingredients and coating chicken thoroughly.
• Large skillet or grill pan: Essential for cooking chicken and preparing the rich, creamy sauce.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, ginger, and cilantro.
• Sharp knife: Helps in precise ingredient preparation.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients evenly.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and spice quantities.
• Measuring cups: Helps with precise liquid measurements.

Cook Chicken in a Rich, Tomato-Based Sauce

• Whip Up the Marinade

Blend tangy yogurt with zesty spices in a large bowl. Coat chicken pieces generously, ensuring every inch is covered. Let the flavors mingle and dance in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

• Sear the Chicken

Fire up a skillet with a touch of oil. Grill the marinated chicken until beautifully golden, creating a delicious outer crust. Set aside while preparing theal sauce.

• Create the Sauce Base

Melt butter in the same skillet, sautéing onions until they turn a rich golden brown. Toss in aromatic garlic and ginger, filling the kitchen with incredible scents.

• Build the Flavor Symphony

Pour in velvety tomato puree and sprinkle exotic spices. Let the sauce simmer and thicken, developing deep, complex flavors that will make taste buds dance.

• Marry the Chicken and Sauce

Gently fold the seared chicken into the luscious sauce. Splash in cream and let everything bubble together softly. The chicken will become tender and absorb all the incredible spice notes.

• Final Touch and Serve

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of brightness. Slide this creamy, spice-laden masterpiece onto a bed of fluffy rice and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Flavor Tips to Layer in Spices Properly

• Let chicken marinate overnight for deeper, more intense flavor absorption. The longer it sits, the more tender and delicious the meat becomes.
• Adjust chili powder quantity to make the dish mild or extra spicy. For heat lovers, add fresh green chilies or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Easily substitute chicken with paneer, tofu, or vegetables for vegetarian and vegan-friendly versions. Cauliflower and chickpeas work wonderfully as meat alternatives.
• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture. Use less butter or swap with olive oil for a lighter preparation.
• This dish tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat before serving for maximum taste experience.

Serve With Naan, Basmati, or Paratha

• Flavor Fusion Plating: Create a stunning presentation by serving butter chicken in a traditional copper kadai or ceramic bowl, surrounded by fluffy basmati rice arranged in a circular pattern.
• Cooling Companion Sides: Pair the rich, spicy dish with a refreshing cucumber raita or cool mint chutney to balance the intense flavors and provide a creamy, tangy contrast.
• Bread Basket Delight: Accompany the butter chicken with warm, freshly baked garlic naan or soft whole wheat roti, perfect for scooping up the luxurious sauce and adding a delightful textural element to the meal.
• Herbal Freshness Finish: Sprinkle extra chopped cilantro and a few fresh mint leaves just before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the dish's visual appeal and provides a burst of fresh flavor.

Store Butter Chicken for Flavors That Deepen Overnight

• Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for maximum 3-4 days to maintain optimal flavor and food safety.
• Separate sauce and chicken before freezing to prevent texture breakdown. Place in freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and store up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm gently in microwave or stovetop, adding splash of cream or water to restore sauce consistency. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent sauce separation.
• Prepare marinade and sauce components separately in advance. Store marinated chicken and sauce in refrigerator for convenient weeknight cooking, reducing total preparation time by 50%.

FAQs

• Is butter chicken very spicy?

Butter chicken is mildly spicy with a creamy and slightly tangy flavor. The heat level can be adjusted by reducing or increasing chili powder, making it suitable for most spice tolerances.

• What makes butter chicken different from other chicken curries?

Unlike other Indian curries, butter chicken has a signature smooth, creamy tomato-based sauce with a perfect balance of tanginess and mild sweetness. The marination process and butter-cream combination create its unique flavor profile.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Chicken thighs work excellently for butter chicken. They are more flavorful, tender, and less likely to dry out during cooking compared to chicken breasts. The dark meat absorbs marinade better and remains juicy.

• Do I need to use all the spices mentioned in the recipe?

Each spice contributes to the authentic butter chicken flavor. While you can slightly modify, using most spices like cumin, garam masala, and turmeric ensures the traditional taste and complexity of the dish.

Silky Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mastering Butter Chicken reveals complex flavors from Northern India’s culinary landscape. Rich tomato-cream sauce and tender marinated chicken create a memorable dining experience you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup (120 g) plain yogurt
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) tomato puree
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsps butter
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter (for finishing)
• 2 tsps ground cumin
• 2 tsps ground coriander
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp chili powder (or paprika for a milder heat)
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Marinate: Combine yogurt, citrus essence, ground spices, and seasoning in a large bowl. Submerge chicken pieces completely, ensuring thorough coverage. Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld.
2. Sear Chicken: Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat with a light oil coating. Sear marinated chicken segments until golden-brown, about 3-4 minutes per side, keeping slightly undercooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Build Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt butter with oil. Caramelize onions until rich amber, then quickly sauté minced garlic and ginger to release their aromatic essence.
4. Develop Flavor Profile: Add tomato puree and spices (cumin, garam masala, chili powder, cinnamon). Reduce and thicken the mixture, creating a complex sauce foundation.
5. Integrate and Simmer: Return chicken to the skillet, coating thoroughly in the aromatic sauce. Stream in heavy cream, reducing heat to low. Allow chicken to complete cooking and sauce to reach a luxurious, velvety consistency.
6. Finalize and Garnish: Incorporate additional butter and optional sweetener to balance flavors. Season carefully. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro across the surface for a vibrant finish.
7. Serve: Present immediately alongside basmati rice or traditional bread, ensuring the dish is piping hot and fragrant.

Notes

• Marinate Perfectly: Allow chicken to soak in yogurt mixture for at least 2-4 hours or overnight for deeper, more intense flavor penetration and tender meat texture.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat while searing chicken to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning, creating delicious caramelized crust while keeping interior moist.
• Cream Consistency Matters: Add cream gradually and simmer on low heat to prevent sauce from splitting or becoming grainy, ensuring smooth, silky butter chicken sauce.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust chili powder and garam masala according to personal heat tolerance, using mild alternatives for sensitive palates or increasing spice for adventurous eaters.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 529
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 786 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 126 mg