If you love rich, creamy, and flavorful dishes that warm your soul, then this Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. This classic Indian chicken curry combines tender pieces of chicken in a luscious tomato and cream-based sauce, spiced perfectly to deliver just the right balance of heat and sweetness. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary adventure, making butter chicken from scratch is so rewarding – and it tastes absolutely unbeatable compared to store-bought versions. Prepare to wow yourself and anyone you serve with this glorious, comforting dish that feels like a big, delicious hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a crucial role in making this dish shine—the spices create the signature depth of flavor, the butter brings indulgent richness, and the fresh aromatics infuse vibrant, irresistible fragrance that will fill your kitchen with pure joy.
- Chicken thighs: Boneless and skinless, these stay juicy and tender throughout cooking, perfect for absorbing the sauce flavors.
- Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess while tenderizing the chicken in the marinade.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the marinade and balances richness.
- Garam masala: The heart of Indian spice blends, offering warming notes.
- Ground turmeric: Gives a beautiful golden color and subtle earthiness.
- Ground cumin: Adds smoky depth and complexity.
- Chili powder: Brings a gentle heat to awaken the palate.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a silky richness that defines “butter chicken.”
- Onion: Finely chopped to melt into the sauce, enriching its texture.
- Garlic: Minced, it infuses pungent aroma and taste.
- Fresh ginger: Grated for a zingy freshness balancing the creamy sauce.
- Paprika: Adds color and mild sweetness.
- Ground coriander: Offers a citrusy, nutty flavor complement.
- Cinnamon: Just a pinch for subtle warmth and depth.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): To boost the heat if you like it spicier.
- Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes: The tangy base of the sauce, bringing acidity and body.
- Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, velvety texture butter chicken is famous for.
- Sugar: Balances acidity and spices with gentle sweetness.
- Fresh cilantro: For garnish, adding a fresh, herbal note and vibrant color.
How to Make Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by giving your chicken a flavor-packed bath. Combine the chicken pieces with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt in a bowl. Mix it all together so every morsel is coated generously. Cover and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour to really let the flavors seep in and tenderize the meat. If you have the time, marinating overnight will make the taste even more unforgettable.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Next, melt that luscious unsalted butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and let it cook gently until it becomes soft and golden brown, about 5 to 6 minutes. This is where the sauce starts building those deep flavors. Then add the minced garlic, fresh grated ginger, paprika, ground coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper if you’re using it. Stir and cook for about a minute until the spices release their warm, fragrant aroma.
Step 3: Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step allows the tomatoes and spices to meld into a velvety, flavorful base that perfectly complements the marinated chicken.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken in Sauce
Add the marinated chicken along with all the leftover marinade straight into the simmering sauce. This is where all the magic happens! Let the chicken cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s tender and cooked through. The sauce will thicken slightly and coat the chicken in every bite-sized piece.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Sugar
To complete that signature buttery creaminess, stir in the heavy cream and sugar. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 5 minutes, giving everything a chance to come together beautifully. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then your homemade butter chicken is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro on top adds a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness that beautifully offsets the rich sauce. You can also consider a drizzle of extra cream or a few toasted fenugreek leaves if you want to impress even further.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed basmati rice or warm, soft naan bread for scooping up every last bit of sauce. For a complete meal, add a side of lightly sautéed greens or cucumber raita to cool your palate after the spices.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to elevate your presentation? Serve the butter chicken in individual rustic bowls placed on a wooden board, accompanied by small dishes of pickled vegetables or an assortment of Indian chutneys. Adding a wedge of lemon or lime on the side invites everyone to customize their tangy kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover butter chicken tastes fantastic the next day after the flavors fully meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to keep the sauce fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover butter chicken for up to two months. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the tender texture and flavor integrity.
Reheating
Gently reheat your butter chicken on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water, cream, or broth if the sauce seems too thick or has reduced too much. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent drying out the chicken and breaking the creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast can be used, but keep in mind that it is leaner and can dry out more easily, so watch your cooking time carefully. Marinating helps keep chicken breast tender too.
Is this recipe very spicy?
This Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe has a mild to moderate heat level. You can adjust the cayenne pepper or chili powder to make the spice level perfect for your taste buds, or omit the cayenne for a completely mild curry.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use a plant-based yogurt for marinating to make this dish dairy-free while still maintaining great flavor and creaminess.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 1 hour is recommended to let the chicken soak up all those wonderful spices and yogurt. For best results, marinate overnight to deepen the flavor even more.
What’s the difference between butter chicken and tikka masala?
While both are creamy tomato-based Indian dishes, butter chicken tends to have a slightly sweeter, less smoky flavor and includes butter in the sauce. Tikka masala often has a smokier element from grilled chicken and differs slightly in spice blends.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is a total game-changer. From the first tender bite to the last drop of creamy sauce, it’s a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and impressive flavor right to your kitchen table. So gather your ingredients, try this recipe soon, and get ready to enjoy a homemade classic that will quickly earn a special place in your dinner rotation.
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Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus at least 1 hour marinating, overnight preferred)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Homemade Butter Chicken is a rich and creamy Indian chicken curry featuring marinated tender chicken thighs simmered in a spiced tomato and cream sauce. Perfectly balanced with aromatic spices and buttery texture, this classic dish makes for a satisfying main course served best with rice or naan.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, ground turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly to coat all the chicken evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to penetrate. For best taste, marinate overnight.
- Sauté Onions and Spices: Heat the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion and cook for 5–6 minutes until soft and golden brown. Stir in the minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, paprika, ground coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook for about 1 minute until the spices become fragrant and well combined with the onion.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken along with its marinade into the simmering tomato sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken with the sauce. Maintain medium heat and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Finish with Cream and Season: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and sugar. Let the curry simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes to blend all the flavors and create a rich, creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the curry. Serve hot alongside steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread for a delicious meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- You can use chicken breast in place of thighs, though the texture may be less tender.
- This dish’s flavors develop more deeply if eaten the next day.
