Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Picture this: the rich aroma of fragrant spices swirling through your kitchen, the vibrant crimson hue of tomato and cream sauce gently bubbling in a skillet, and tender, juicy pieces of chicken soaking up every drop of velvety sauce. Making this Indian Butter Chicken Recipe is like bringing home a warm hug on a plate—a celebration of bold flavors and comforting textures that will instantly transport you to the heart of Indian cuisine. It’s incredibly satisfying to create and even more delightful to eat, whether for a family dinner or impressing guests without hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for whipping up an impressive meal without the wait.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples like garam masala and tomato paste, making it super accessible.
• Perfect for Weeknights: A no-fuss recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort — ideal for busy evenings.
• Impressive Presentation: The silky, ruby-red sauce coating tender chicken chunks looks restaurant-worthy on any dinner table.
• Customizable: Easy to adjust spice levels or swap ingredients to fit your personal taste or dietary needs.

Why This Indian Butter Chicken Recipe Works

This Indian Butter Chicken Recipe excels due to its balanced layering of spices and expertly timed cooking steps. Starting with gently sautéed onions builds a subtle sweetness, while fresh ginger and garlic add vibrant zestiness. The combination of garam masala, chili powder, and cumin infuses deep warmth and complexity without overwhelming heat. Cooking the chicken chunks directly in the sauce allows them to soak up every nuance, keeping them tender and juicy. Lastly, stirring in heavy cream transforms the sauce into a luxuriously smooth, rich finish that perfectly complements the spices and chicken, making it simply irresistible.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create the authentic, comforting flavor that defines this Indian Butter Chicken Recipe.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 ½ pounds): The perfect lean protein that cooks tender and absorbs the sauce wonderfully.
• Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Provides a neutral base for sautéing without overpowering the flavors.
• Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds a creamy richness and depth to the sauce.
• Onion (1 medium, diced): Builds sweetness and texture as the flavor foundation.
• Ginger (1 teaspoon minced): Offers a fresh, spicy warmth that awakens the dish.
• Garlic (2-3 cloves minced): Delivers pungent, savory undertones enhancing the spice mix.
• Tomato paste (4 tablespoons): Concentrated tomato flavor that creates the sauce’s vibrant color and tang.
• Garam masala (1 tablespoon): A fragrant spice blend essential for authentic Indian flavor.
• Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and smokiness.
• Cumin (1 teaspoon): Earthy notes that deepen the sauce’s complexity.
• Salt (1 teaspoon) and black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Essential seasonings to balance the flavors.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): Enriches the sauce, making it irresistibly silky.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• Chicken breasts: You can substitute with boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result.
• Vegetable oil: Use canola or sunflower oil if preferred.
• Heavy cream: For a lighter version, try coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk to keep it dairy-free.
• Garam masala: If unavailable, a mix of ground coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves can be used.

How to Make Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the vegetable oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is shimmering, add the diced onions. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until they turn lightly golden and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then toss in the minced ginger and garlic, stirring continuously for 30 seconds until their stunning aromas fill your kitchen.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the garlic so it doesn’t brown — burnt garlic will turn bitter.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken with Spices

Add the chicken chunks to the skillet, allowing them to sear slightly for about 1 minute. Then stir in the tomato paste, garam masala, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Combine everything thoroughly so the chicken pieces are coated in the rich spice paste. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and juicy.

💡 Pro Tip: Browning the chicken adds a beautiful depth to the dish, so don’t skip this step.

Step 3: Stir in the Cream and Simmer

Pour in the heavy cream and give it a gentle stir to blend with the tomato-spice mixture. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cream will thicken the sauce, giving it that signature velvety texture and robust flavor balance.

💡 Pro Tip: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up.

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency and the chicken is tender, remove the skillet from heat. Serve your Indian Butter Chicken piping hot over fluffy basmati rice or with warm, soft naan bread to soak up every luscious bite. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

💡 Pro Tip: Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and herbal brightness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

• Skipping the butter and oil blend: Using both adds richness and prevents burning the spices.
• Not cooking onions long enough: You’ll miss the natural sweetness crucial for balance in the sauce.
• Overcrowding the pan: This can cause the chicken to steam rather than brown, losing that gorgeous texture.
• Adding cream too early: It needs to be stirred in after the spices have cooked to preserve flavor.
• Overcooking chicken: Leads to dry, tough bites instead of tender, juicy pieces.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Salt and spices may need tweaks based on your ingredients or preference.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic version of this Indian Butter Chicken Recipe, why not experiment slightly to keep things exciting?

Coconut Butter Chicken

Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a subtle tropical sweetness and dairy-free twist that’s rich and creamy.

Spicy Masala Butter Chicken

Add extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper for those who crave a fiery flare in every spoonful.

Herbed Butter Chicken

Stir in fresh cilantro and mint leaves just before serving to add an aromatic freshness that brightens the dish.

Butter Chicken with Bell Peppers

Add sliced red and green bell peppers during the sautéing stage for added color, crunch, and sweetness.

Yogurt Marinated Butter Chicken

Marinate chicken chunks in yogurt mixed with turmeric and salt for an overnight tenderizing boost and tangy depth.

How to Serve Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Top with freshly chopped cilantro or a drizzle of cream for eye-catching presentation and enhanced flavors.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside steaming basmati rice, soft garlic naan, or even warm chapatis to soak up that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve in individual bowls with a small wedge of lemon on the side and sprinkle with toasted cumin seeds or crushed pistachios.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the butter chicken to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This dish freezes wonderfully: transfer cooled butter chicken to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or cream to refresh the sauce’s silky texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and add extra flavor, making them a great alternative.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The spice level is mild to medium. You can easily adjust the chili powder to make it spicier or milder.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or coconut milk to keep it creamy without dairy.

What can I serve with Indian Butter Chicken?

It pairs beautifully with basmati rice, naan, roti, or even a simple cucumber salad for freshness.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can make it a day ahead — the flavors deepen wonderfully after resting in the fridge overnight.

Is garam masala essential?

Yes, it adds the signature spiced warmth. If unavailable, try a blend of cinnamon, coriander, cardamom, and cloves.

How long does this dish take to cook?

This Indian Butter Chicken Recipe takes approximately 30 minutes total, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.

Can I use pre-minced garlic and ginger?

While fresh is best for flavor, pre-minced is fine in a pinch — just use less as it can be more concentrated.

Final Thoughts

Making this Indian Butter Chicken Recipe is pure joy from start to finish. The way the spices come alive with the creamy sauce and tender chicken is a beautiful reminder of why Indian food captivates hearts worldwide. It’s a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and a little bit of magic to your table without demanding hours of your time. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or new to Indian flavors, this recipe welcomes you with open arms and promises a taste you won’t forget.

Have you tried this Indian Butter Chicken Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 🍛

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