Rich, creamy, and full of bold flavors, Creamy Butter Chicken is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for cozy family dinners or when you want to impress guests, this homemade recipe is better than any takeout. With tender marinated chicken in a velvety tomato-based curry sauce, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to create the best Creamy Butter Chicken, along with tips for customization, serving suggestions, and answers to common questions.
Why This Creamy Butter Chicken Is a Must-Try
Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a classic Indian dish that has gained worldwide popularity—and for good reason!
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The sauce is silky smooth, thanks to the combination of cream, butter, and tomato puree.
- Bursting with Flavor: A perfect balance of spices creates a bold and flavorful curry.
- Tender and Juicy Chicken: Marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices ensures it stays moist and flavorful.
- Better Than Takeout: Homemade butter chicken lets you control the quality of ingredients and level of spice.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Serve it with rice, naan, or roti for a meal that’s always a hit.
Ingredients for Creamy Butter Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to create this rich and flavorful dish:
For the Chicken
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs, cut into chunks | 2 lbs (1 kg) |
| Plain yogurt | 1 cup |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Garam masala | 2 teaspoons |
| Turmeric | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
For the Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Ginger, minced | 1 tablespoon |
| Tomato paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Tomato puree | 1 1/2 cups |
| Garam masala | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Chili powder (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh cilantro, chopped | For garnish |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Butter Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt.
- Add the chicken chunks and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken pieces until they’re lightly browned on the outside. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste, followed by the tomato puree, garam masala, cumin, and optional chili powder. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add Cream and Simmer
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.
- Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to thicken and develop its rich flavor.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce.
- Simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, naan, or your favorite flatbread.
Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Letting the chicken marinate overnight enhances its tenderness and flavor.
- Adjust Spice Levels: For a milder curry, reduce or omit the chili powder. Add more for a spicier kick.
- Use Chicken Thighs: They stay juicier and more tender than chicken breasts.
- Don’t Skip the Butter: Butter is essential for the rich, silky texture of the sauce.
- Make It Ahead: Butter chicken tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop further.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional value per serving (recipe serves 6):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 2g |
FAQs About Creamy Butter Chicken
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! Butter chicken is perfect for meal prep. Make it a day ahead and reheat gently on the stove.
What Can I Serve with Butter Chicken?
Serve it with basmati rice, garlic naan, or roti for a complete meal. A side of cucumber raita or a fresh salad also complements the dish beautifully.
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, but chicken breasts can be drier. To keep them tender, marinate for at least 2 hours.
Is Butter Chicken Spicy?
Butter chicken is typically mild, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder.
Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken Recipe
This recipe delivers restaurant-quality butter chicken right in your own kitchen. The combination of tender marinated chicken and a rich, creamy sauce makes it a dish that everyone loves. It’s perfect for special occasions, casual dinners, or simply indulging in some comfort food.
| Flavor Profile | Texture | Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| Rich, creamy, and slightly tangy | Velvety sauce with tender chicken | Family dinners, entertaining, or curry nights |
Conclusion
Creamy Butter Chicken is a classic dish that never fails to impress. With its bold flavors, tender chicken, and luxurious sauce, it’s a recipe that you’ll want to make again and again. Best of all, it’s easy to customize to suit your spice level and preferences.
Ready to give it a try? Share your experience in the comments below and tag us with your delicious creations on social media!