If you have a craving for something creamy, full of warm spices, and utterly comforting, this Indian Butter Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful symphony of tender chicken pieces swimming in a luscious tomato and cream sauce that’s perfectly seasoned with traditional Indian spices. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish balances rich flavors with a straightforward cooking method, making it a favorite to come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Indian Butter Chicken Recipe are simple yet essential, each bringing its own unique flavor, color, or texture to the dish. They work together beautifully to create the creamy, aromatic sauce and tender chicken we all love.
- Boneless chicken (1 lb): Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy eating.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): The foundation of the rich and creamy sauce that gives the dish its signature smoothness.
- Onion (1, chopped): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed until soft.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Provides a fragrant kick to the dish’s savory backbone.
- Grated ginger (1 tablespoon): Lends a fresh, slightly spicy aroma that brightens the sauce.
- Ground turmeric (1 teaspoon): Contributes a beautiful golden color and subtle earthiness.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a slightly nutty flavor that balances the spices.
- Ground coriander (1 teaspoon): Brings a hint of citrus and floral notes.
- Ground garam masala (1 teaspoon): The essential Indian spice blend that infuses complexity and richness.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Gives the dish a gentle heat that can be adjusted to taste.
- Tomato puree (1 cup): The base of the sauce, offering acidity and sweetness to balance the cream.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Smooths out the spices and creates that signature buttery, creamy texture.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To perfectly season and enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté everything together for about 2 to 3 minutes until the onions soften and the mixture becomes wonderfully fragrant. This step builds the flavorful base that makes this Indian Butter Chicken Recipe so irresistible.
Step 2: Toast the Spices
Next, stir in the turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and chili powder. Let the spices toast for about a minute, which is key to unlocking their full aroma and depth. You’ll start to sense the dish taking shape as this magical moment releases the rich and earthy scents that make Indian cuisine so special.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook them for 5 to 6 minutes until they’re browned on all sides. Browning not only adds flavor but also seals in the juiciness, giving your butter chicken the perfect tender bite.
Step 4: Simmer in Tomato Puree
Pour in the tomato puree and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes so the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together beautifully. This step creates that rich, robust tomato base that contrasts so perfectly with the creamy finish.
Step 5: Add the Cream for Richness
Stir in the heavy cream, letting it cook for another 5 minutes. This final addition brings all the ingredients into creamy harmony, giving the sauce its signature silky texture and mild sweetness that’s utterly heartwarming.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, season to taste with salt and pepper. With your Indian Butter Chicken Recipe ready, serve it hot alongside steamed rice or soft naan bread to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
How to Serve Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbal pop that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. You can also add a drizzle of extra cream or a squeeze of fresh lemon for an extra layer of fresh flavor and presentation sparkle.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with fluffy basmati rice or warm, buttery naan bread to scoop up the sauce. For a lighter option, a simple cucumber raita or a crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance to the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Indian Butter Chicken Recipe in mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins for an impressive presentation at dinner parties. You can also layer it over roasted vegetables or use it as a filling for savory wraps to mix things up while keeping those beloved flavors intact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dish actually tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld overnight, making it perfect for next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
Indian Butter Chicken Recipe freezes wonderfully. Just transfer cooled portions to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. Adding a splash of cream or water can help restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the flavors and texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and more forgiving when cooking, making them an excellent choice for this Indian Butter Chicken Recipe.
Is this recipe spicy?
The level of chili powder used gives it a gentle warmth, but you can easily adjust the spice to your preference by adding more or less chili powder.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream to keep it creamy without dairy.
What can I serve if I don’t have naan?
Steamed basmati rice is a classic choice, but you can also serve it with chapati, paratha, or even quinoa for a nutritious twist.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce uncovered for a few extra minutes to let more liquid evaporate. Alternatively, add a spoonful of tomato paste to intensify and thicken the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Indian Butter Chicken Recipe is a wonderful gateway into the vibrant and comforting world of Indian flavors. Its creamy, spice-laden sauce paired with tender chicken makes for a dish that’s both simple to prepare and impressive to serve. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this classic recipe as much as I do. It’s guaranteed to become a cherished staple in your kitchen!
Print
Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
Indian Butter Chicken is a rich and creamy dish made with tender pieces of boneless chicken simmered in a fragrant tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices and finished with a generous amount of butter and cream. This classic North Indian recipe is perfect when served with rice or naan for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
Spices and Aromatics
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat Butter and Sauté Aromatics: Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and the mixture is fragrant.
- Add Spices and Toast: Stir in turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and release their aroma, ensuring a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides, sealing in the juices.
- Add Tomato Puree and Simmer: Pour in the tomato puree. Reduce heat and simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
- Incorporate Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and continue to cook for another 5 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and rich in texture.
- Season and Serve: Season the butter chicken with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with basmati rice or warm naan bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours with some yogurt, garlic, ginger, and spices before cooking.
- The level of chili powder can be adjusted according to your spice preference.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with basmati rice, naan, or roti.
- Use fresh tomato puree or canned tomato puree based on availability.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
