Authentic Indian Butter Chicken Recipe: Silky & Flavorful Comfort

Creamy and aromatic Indian butter chicken sends taste buds on an unforgettable journey through rich, velvety spices.

My grandmother first shared this recipe during a cozy winter evening in mumbai.

Tender chicken pieces marinate in a luscious blend of yogurt and warming spices.

Each bite tells a story of traditional indian cuisine, connecting generations through its complex flavors.

Fragrant garam masala and smooth tomato gravy create a harmonious dance of culinary elegance.

The magic happens when you blend cultural heritage with passionate cooking techniques.

Prepare to savor a dish that promises comfort, excitement, and pure deliciousness in every single mouthful.

Tweaks You Can Try for Indian Butter Chicken

• Vegan Butter Chicken: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives. Use coconut cream instead of dairy cream and vegan butter for a dairy-free version that maintains the rich, creamy texture of the original recipe.
• Low-Carb Butter Chicken: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce tomato puree and use fewer onions to lower carbohydrate content while preserving the classic butter chicken flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all spices are certified gluten-free. Serve with gluten-free naan or rice to make the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Double-check all ingredient labels for potential cross-contamination.
• Lighter Protein Version: Substitute chicken thighs with skinless chicken breast for a leaner option. Reduce butter quantity and use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to create a healthier yet still flavorful butter chicken experience.

What Makes Indian Butter Chicken So Craveable

• Overnight refrigeration allows deep flavor penetration, transforming ordinary chicken into a gourmet experience with complex spice layers.
• Creamy, mild sauce appeals to both adventurous eaters and picky family members, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
• Easily adaptable for meal prep, can be made ahead and reheated, supports various dietary preferences by adjusting spice levels or using alternative protein options.

What Goes into Indian Butter Chicken

• Chicken: Tender meat that absorbs marinade flavors and becomes the main protein source, choose boneless skinless chicken thighs or breast for best results.

• Yogurt, Lemon Juice: Tenderizing agents that add tangy flavor and help break down chicken proteins, use full-fat plain yogurt for richness.
• Cumin, Coriander, Turmeric, Chili Powder, Garam Masala, Salt: Spice blend that creates depth and authentic Indian flavor profile, use fresh ground spices for maximum taste.

• Butter, Oil: Provides rich flavor and helps sauté ingredients, use unsalted butter for better control of salt levels.
• Onion: Creates foundational flavor for sauce, choose yellow or white onions for best results.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that add complex flavor layers, use fresh minced for most intense taste.
• Tomato Puree: Smooth base for sauce that adds acidity and color, use high-quality canned or fresh pureed tomatoes.

• Cream: Adds luxurious richness and smoothness to sauce, heavy cream works best for traditional texture.
• Sugar: Optional ingredient to balance sauce's acidity, use sparingly.
• Fresh Cilantro: Bright garnish that adds fresh herb flavor, chop just before serving.

How to Cook Indian Butter Chicken from Scratch

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Base

• Yogurt
• Lemon juice
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Turmeric
• Chili powder
• Garam masala
• Salt

Blend all spices and yogurt in a spacious mixing bowl. Massage the mixture into chicken pieces, ensuring every bit gets coated. Let the chicken rest in the refrigerator for at least one hour, allowing flavors to dance and mingle.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a skillet to medium-high temperature. Lightly coat with cooking oil. Sizzle the marinated chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown exterior. The goal is partial cooking with a beautiful caramelized finish. Transfer chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Build the Magical Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and oil together. Toss in diced onions and transform them into a golden treasure through careful sautéing. Add minced garlic and ginger, letting their aromas fill the kitchen. Pour in tomato puree and sprinkle remaining spices. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, developing deep, complex flavors.

Step 4: Marry Chicken and Sauce

Gently introduce the seared chicken back into the bubbling sauce. Pour in heavy cream, creating a luxurious coating. Simmer on low heat, letting the chicken become tender and absorb the sauce’s incredible flavors. Add a touch of sugar to balance the spices and a final pat of butter for extra richness.

Step 5: Finish with Flair

Scatter freshly chopped cilantro across the top. Serve alongside fluffy basmati rice, warm naan, or soft roti. Prepare for a flavor explosion that transports taste buds straight to India.

Handy Tips for Indian Butter Chicken Beginners

• Maximize Flavor Absorption: Marinate chicken overnight to allow spices to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat, creating a more intense and rich taste profile.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Use medium-high heat when grilling chicken to achieve light browning without overcooking, which helps maintain moisture and prevent dryness.
• Balance Sauce Complexity: Add a pinch of sugar to neutralize tomato's acidity and create a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors in the butter sauce.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust chili powder quantity based on personal heat tolerance, ensuring the dish suits individual spice preferences without compromising authentic taste.
• Enhance Protein Options: Substitute chicken with paneer or tofu for a vegetarian version that maintains the recipe's traditional creamy and aromatic characteristics.

Best Storage and Warming Ideas for Indian Butter Chicken

• Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Butter chicken freezes well for 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or water to restore sauce consistency and prevent drying out.
• Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover to retain moisture.

Flavors That Complement Indian Butter Chicken Well

• Creamy white wine cuts through the rich butter chicken sauce, balancing its spicy and velvety flavors with refreshing acidity.
• Cool yogurt-based side dish neutralizes the heat, providing a smooth contrast to the intense, spicy chicken and creating a perfect flavor harmony.
• Soft, buttery flatbread helps soak up the luxurious sauce, offering a delightful textural companion that complements the tender chicken pieces.
• Sweet, tangy yogurt drink tempers the spiciness, offering a traditional Indian beverage that cleanses the palate and enhances the overall dining experience.

Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy indian butter chicken brings luxurious spices and rich flavors from northern India to your dinner table. Marinated tender chicken simmered in velvety tomato-cream sauce promises a delightful culinary journey you will savor with every delectable bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (or paprika for a milder heat)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Marinade and Sauce Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 g) plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) tomato puree
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for finishing)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Whisk together yogurt, citrus essence, ground spices, and seasoning in a spacious mixing vessel to create a robust marinade.
2. Submerge chicken pieces completely in the marinade, ensuring thorough coverage. Seal and refrigerate for minimum one hour, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Warm a heavy-bottomed skillet over robust heat, lightly coating with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
4. Sear marinated chicken segments until exterior develops a golden-brown crust, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Chicken should remain slightly undercooked. Transfer to a temporary plate.
5. Utilize the same skillet, melt butter with oil, introducing finely diced onions and caramelizing until rich amber color develops.
6. Incorporate minced aromatics – garlic and ginger – releasing their intense fragrance through quick sautéing.
7. Pour tomato puree, introducing complementary spices: cumin, garam masala, chili powder, and cinnamon. Allow mixture to reduce and thicken, developing complex flavor profile.
8. Reintroduce partially cooked chicken into the aromatic sauce, ensuring complete coating and integration.
9. Stream heavy cream into the simmering mixture, reducing heat to gentle level. Allow chicken to complete cooking and sauce to reach luxurious consistency.
10. Finish with additional butter and optional sweetener, harmonizing sauce’s depth and balancing overall taste. Season judiciously.
11. Scatter freshly chopped cilantro across the surface for vibrant visual and flavor enhancement.
12. Present immediately alongside fragrant basmati rice or traditional bread accompaniments.

Notes

• Marinate chicken overnight for deeper, more intense flavor infusion that penetrates every fiber of the meat.
• Use full-fat yogurt to create a more tender and succulent chicken texture, preventing dryness during cooking.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt, maintaining richness while reducing calories.
• Adjust spice levels by controlling chili powder quantity – start with less and gradually increase to suit personal heat tolerance.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg