That first bite of Indian Butter Chicken took me straight back to my aunt’s tiny kitchenspices floating in the air, windows fogged up, and naan that never made it to the table whole. This cozy dish is having a moment online right now, and for good reason. One forkful and you’ll see why.
This is a homemade version of the classic Butter Chicken Indian recipecreamy tomato sauce, tender chicken, warm spice without the burn. Made with pantry basics like coconut milk, canned tomatoes, and a little butter magic. Kind of like Chicken Tikka Masala, but hug-ier. Full details in the blog!
The first butterchicken I ever made? Let’s just say my smoke alarm also got a taste. But I’ve been testing (and re-testing!) since then. This one’s been passed around our table enough to earn a tiny place in family legend. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
Why You’ll Love This Indian Butter Chicken
There’s something about this recipe that just feels like a warm hugand not the awkward kind. Whether you’ve had a crazy day or the kind where sweatpants are the dress code, this Indian Butter Chicken recipe is here to save the day.
Quick and Simple: 30-ish minutes from start to finishand no, you don’t need to have chef skills!
Family-Approved: Perfect for picky eaters who “don’t do spices”it’s flavorful without being blow-your-socks-off hot.
Cozy Nostalgia: That creamy tomato sauce will transport you straight into a Bollywood movie featuring… your dinner table.
Beginner-Friendly: Even if you’re slightly terrified of cooking with spices, I promise, you got this.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
If your pantry is looking a little “meh,” don’t worry! This recipe sticks to basics with a few hardworking spices.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Need to swap? Boneless thighs are just as dreamy.
Spices: Garam masala, cumin, coriander, and chili powder bring that classic warm flavor. No garam masala? Try a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom in a pinch.
Tomatoes: A mix of tomato paste and crushed tomatoes for that deep, rich base. Don’t skip the pasteit’s the secret weapon here.
Dairy: Heavy cream and whole milk yogurt tag-team for the signature creamy texture. Greek yogurt works too; just add a dribble of milk to thin it out.
Ingredient
Swap Suggestions
Chicken Breast
Chicken Thighs
Garam Masala
Cinnamon + Nutmeg + Cardamom
Yogurt
Greek Yogurt + Milk
Step-by-Step: How to Make It
Let’s get cooking! This Indian Butter Chicken recipe is simple enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough to wow your dinner guests.
Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil in a large skillet and cook the chicken until it’s goldenno need to cook it all the way through. Set aside.
Sauté the Base: Melt unsalted butter in the same skillet, then toss in your diced onion, garlic, and ginger. The smell? Heavenly.
Add Spices: Sprinkle in garam masala, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and a bay leaf. Let the spices get toastyit’s the secret to unlocking their flavors.
Tomato Time: Stir in the tomato paste and crushed tomatoes, cooking it down into a velvety sauce. No dry, boring chicken here!
Simmer & Creamify: Add heavy cream and yogurt, whisking until smooth, then slide the chicken back in. Cover, simmer for 10–15 minutes, and let the magic happen.
Thicken It Up: If the sauce feels too watery, mix cornstarch with a splash of water and stir it init’ll thicken right up.
Step
Timing
Sear Chicken
5 minutes
Sauté Onion, Garlic, Ginger
3 minutes
Add Spices
1 minute
Tomato Sauce
5 minutes
Simmer with Chicken
10–15 minutes
Serving Tips and Storage
This Indian Butter Chicken is seriously versatile and just gets better as it sitshello, meal prep hero.
Serve It Up: Pair with fluffy basmati rice, warm naan, or even quinoa if you’re feeling wild. Sprinkle a little cilantro (optional) for that Instagram flair.
Leftover Love: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, tightly covered. Reheat on the stovetop or microwaveadd a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Freezing: Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Storage Method
How Long?
Reheat Tip
Fridge
3 Days
Stovetop or microwave; add water to loosen sauce
Freezer
2 Months
Thaw overnight in fridge, reheat gently on the stovetop
Troubleshooting and Tweaks
If your first try wasn’t Bollywood-level spectacular, here’s how to fix it:
Too Spicy? Stir in extra yogurt or cream to mellow things out.
Sauce Too Thin? Add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + splash of water) to thicken.
Chicken Dry? Make sure you’re not overcooking it during the sear stage. It’ll finish cooking in the sauce!
Play around with the spice levelsIndian Butter Chicken is fun because you can tweak it until it feels like home.
Expert Insight: Mastering Authentic Flavor in Indian Butter Chicken
Indian butter chicken achieves its signature richness through the careful balance of creamy dairy and a medley of aromatic spices. The slow simmer allows the flavors to meld harmoniously, creating a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated. Understanding the spice layering is key to replicating authentic Indian butter chicken at home.
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What is the difference between butter chicken and chicken tikka masala?
Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is an authentic Indian dish that originated in Delhi and features a creamy tomato-based sauce with butter and cream. Chicken tikka masala has a similar appearance but is typically spicier and has British-Indian origins. The main difference lies in the sauce preparation – butter chicken has a smoother, sweeter profile while tikka masala tends to be more robust and tangy. Both dishes use marinated chicken, but the spice blend and cooking methods vary significantly.
Can I make authentic Indian butter chicken recipe without heavy cream?
Yes, you can definitely make butter chicken without heavy cream using several alternatives. Traditional recipes often use cashew paste blended with milk or yogurt to create that signature creamy texture. Coconut milk works wonderfully as a dairy-free option, though it will add a subtle coconut flavor. You can also use evaporated milk or even blend silken tofu for a lighter version. The key is maintaining that rich, velvety consistency that makes this Indian food butter chicken so irresistible.
How long should I marinate chicken for Indian butter chicken?
For the best flavor in your Indian butter chicken recipe, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 2-4 hours in the refrigerator. The yogurt and spices need time to penetrate the meat and tenderize it properly. If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes will help, but overnight marination (up to 24 hours) will give you the most tender and flavorful results. Just remember that longer marination times create more authentic restaurant-style taste and texture.
What spices are essential for butterchicken Indian recipe?
The essential spices for an authentic butter chicken recipe include garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric for the base flavor profile. Fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi) are crucial for that distinctive restaurant taste – don’t skip this ingredient! Fresh ginger, garlic, and green chilies form the aromatic foundation, while tomato paste and cashews create the rich sauce base. A pinch of sugar helps balance the acidity from tomatoes, and fresh cilantro adds the perfect finishing touch.
Can I freeze leftover butter chicken and how long does it last?
Absolutely! Butter chicken freezes beautifully and actually tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together. Store it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months in the freezer. In the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce seems too thick, and warm it gently on the stovetop. This makes it perfect for meal prep or batch cooking when you’re craving authentic Indian food butter chicken.
Wrapping Up Your Indian Butter Chicken Adventure
Whipping up this Indian Butter Chicken is like a warm kitchen hugyou’ll have tender, creamy magic ready in about 30 minutes, with zero fuss and all the flavor. Trust me, you’ll love how this recipe turns out, even on busy nights when chaos rules the kitchen.
Feel free to swap chicken breasts for thighs, or sneak in some extra garam masala for a spicier kick. Leftovers keep beautifully, and a splash of water when reheating works wondersa tip I picked up from my own “learn-as-you-go” kitchen stories. It’s flexible, forgiving, and made for real home cooks.
Did this classic Indian Butter Chicken recipe authentic style bring any memories or happy kitchen mishaps? Snap a pic, share your tweaks, or just pass it on to someone who needs a cozy dinner boost. You’ll wanna make it againpromise.
This Indian Butter Chicken recipe is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it combines tender chicken with a luscious tomato based sauce. Enjoy an authentic Butter Chicken Indian dish that’s easy to make and always satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
3 tablespoons peanut oil divided
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1” chunks
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ medium white onion diced
3 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon minced ginger
2 teaspoons garam masala
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup crushed tomatoes
¼ cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk plain yogurt
2 teaspoons cornstarch
Kosher salt as needed
Instructions
Heat 1 tablespoon peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken chunks and sear until browned on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and add diced onion. Cook until translucent.
Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute.
Stir in garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, chili powder and bay leaf. Cook spices for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add tomato paste and crushed tomatoes, stir well and bring to a simmer.
Return chicken to skillet, cover and cook for 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Mix yogurt, heavy cream and cornstarch in a bowl, then stir into the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes until sauce thickens.
Season with kosher salt as needed. Serve hot with rice or naan.
Notes
For extra richness, add a splash of additional cream before serving
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
