If you are craving a dish that wraps you in the warm embrace of rich spices and silky textures, this Creamy Indian Spiced Butter Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s one of those magical meals where tender chunks of chicken soak up a fragrant marinade, then simmer in a luscious tomato and cream sauce infused with authentic Indian spices. The result is so luscious and comforting that every spoonful feels like a celebration of flavors, colors, and aromas. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a kitchen newbie, this dish promises to bring a little bit of Indian culinary magic right into your home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Creamy Indian Spiced Butter Chicken Recipe plays a special role in crafting its unforgettable taste, texture, and inviting color. From the tangy yogurt marinade to the fragrant garam masala and the velvety cream that coats every bite, these simple yet essential components come together to make a truly remarkable dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, 1 1/2 lbs (700g): Using thighs offers extra juiciness, but breasts work well too, cut into bite-sized pieces for perfect cooking.
- Plain yogurt, 1 cup: Tenderizes the chicken while adding subtle tang and creaminess to the marinade.
- Lemon juice, 2 tablespoons: Brightens the marinade, balancing the rich spices with a fresh zing.
- Ground cumin, 2 teaspoons: Brings a warm, earthy undertone essential to the spice profile.
- Cayenne pepper, 1-2 teaspoons: Adds heat that you can adjust to your liking, from mild warmth to full-on kick.
- Ground coriander, 2 teaspoons: Offers a citrusy, floral note that elevates the overall flavor.
- Ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon: Gives the dish its signature golden color and subtle earthiness.
- Garam masala, 1 tablespoon: The star Indian spice blend that packs a punch of warm, complex aromas.
- Butter, 1 tablespoon plus extra optional: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel that butter chicken is famous for.
- Large onion, finely chopped: Creates a sweet, caramelized base that enriches the sauce.
- Garlic cloves, 3-4 minced: Infuses bold aroma and savory depth.
- Fresh ginger, 1 tablespoon minced: Lends a sharp, fragrant lift that balances the creaminess.
- Crushed tomatoes, 1 can (14 oz): Provides the tangy body and color in the luscious sauce.
- Heavy cream or coconut milk, 1 cup: Creams the sauce to perfection, making it irresistibly smooth and rich.
- Cilantro leaves, 1/4 cup chopped: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness as a finishing touch.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into harmony.
How to Make Creamy Indian Spiced Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken to Infuse Flavor
This is where the real magic begins. In a large bowl, you’ll combine the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, cayenne, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, salt, and pepper. Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces into this vibrant marinade and let them sit for at least one hour; overnight is even better if you can plan ahead. This marinade tenderizes the chicken and ensures every morsel is bursting with spice and tang.
Step 2: Sauté Onions Until Golden and Sweet
Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add the finely chopped onions. Let them gently cook until soft and golden brown, around 5 to 7 minutes. This creates a rich caramelized flavor that forms the flavorful base of your sauce, so take your time here—it’s worth every second!
Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger for Aromatic Depth
Next, stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the kitchen fills with that inviting aroma, creating layers of savory and slightly spicy notes that’ll make your mouth water.
Step 4: Brown the Marinated Chicken Pieces
Add the marinated chicken into the skillet with the onions, garlic, and ginger. Let the chicken brown evenly on all sides, which takes about 8 to 10 minutes. This browning step locks in flavor and texture, giving your dish that irresistible caramelized edge.
Step 5: Simmer with Crushed Tomatoes to Develop the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir everything together, letting the tomato meld with the spices and chicken. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes so the sauce thickens and the flavors deepen into a rich, tangy base that will soon become creamy perfection.
Step 6: Finish with Cream for a Velvety Texture
Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Let your butter chicken cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to turn silky smooth and the chicken to become tender and perfectly cooked. This step is what transforms the dish into the indulgent comfort food you’re craving.
Step 7: Season and Garnish
Give the sauce a taste and adjust the salt or cayenne if you want a little more spice. Finally, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and freshness that lifts the whole dish.
Step 8: Ready to Serve and Enjoy
Serve your creamy Indian spiced butter chicken hot with fluffy basmati rice, warm naan, or your favorite bread to soak up every drop of that heavenly sauce. Get ready for compliments at the dinner table!
How to Serve Creamy Indian Spiced Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is the classic choice and for good reason—it adds a bright herbal punch that complements the rich, creamy sauce beautifully. You can also sprinkle a little crushed kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves) if you have it on hand, for that authentic touch. A final drizzle of extra butter or a swirl of cream right before serving amps up the decadence even more.
Side Dishes
Butter chicken pairs wonderfully with plain or lightly spiced basmati rice, which captures the sauce effortlessly. Naan bread, especially garlic or butter naan, is the perfect finger-friendly companion for scooping. For something lighter, some fresh cucumber raita or a crisp salad provides a cooling contrast that balances the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, serve the butter chicken in a beautiful shallow bowl garnished with cilantro and accompanied by small bowls of different chutneys or pickles to give your guests a flavor adventure. It also looks stunning atop a bed of fragrant saffron rice or wrapped in warm flatbread with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime for an easy, elegant handheld treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover creamy Indian spiced butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! Transfer cooled butter chicken to a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results, then reheat gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the butter chicken slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from separating. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water, cream, or coconut milk to bring it back to that perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine and will give a leaner option. Just make sure not to overcook them to keep the pieces tender and juicy in the creamy sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the yogurt with a plant-based alternative like coconut yogurt and use coconut milk instead of cream. This keeps the dish creamy while being suitable for those avoiding dairy.
How spicy is the cayenne in this recipe?
The amount of cayenne pepper can be adjusted to your heat preference. Start with less if you prefer mild, and add more for that satisfying spicy kick that balances the rich creaminess perfectly.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor even more. You can also fully prepare the dish, then reheat it gently before serving.
What’s the best way to serve butter chicken for a crowd?
Keep the sauce warm in a slow cooker and serve with large bowls of rice and naan for guests to help themselves. Offering a few chutneys or pickles on the side adds fun layers of flavor everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Indian Spiced Butter Chicken Recipe enough if you want a dish that’s bursting with authentic flavors but simple enough to make any night of the week. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug and brings people together. So roll up your sleeves, gather those essential ingredients, and treat yourself to a dinner that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe box.
Print
Creamy Indian Spiced Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 1h 0m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 1h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
Creamy Indian Spiced Butter Chicken combines tender pieces of marinated chicken cooked in a rich, aromatic tomato and cream sauce infused with classic Indian spices. This comforting and flavorful dish is perfect for serving with basmati rice or naan, offering an authentic taste of Indian cuisine in the comfort of your home.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1–2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Butter Chicken Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter (plus additional for richer flavor if desired)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, cayenne pepper, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and mix well to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator to enhance the flavor.
- Sauté Onions: Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes, which forms the flavor base for the sauce.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring the spices release their aroma.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces brown on all sides, approximately 8-10 minutes. This seals in the juices and develops flavor.
- Add Crushed Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet and stir to combine thoroughly with the chicken and spices. Reduce heat slightly and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes to thicken the sauce and meld flavors.
- Incorporate Cream: Lower the heat to low, then slowly stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Continue simmering for 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to become creamy and the chicken to finish cooking through.
- Season and Garnish: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or cayenne pepper if desired. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top as a fresh garnish.
- Serve: Serve hot alongside basmati rice, naan bread, or your preferred accompaniment to enjoy this rich and flavorful Butter Chicken.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavor and tenderness of the dish.
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Using chicken thighs instead of breasts results in a juicier and more flavorful dish.
- Additional butter can be added at the end for a richer, silkier sauce.
