If you have ever craved a dish that is rich, flavorful, and irresistibly smooth, then you are in for a treat with this Creamy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. This classic Indian-inspired dish features tender chicken pieces enveloped in a luxurious tomato and cream sauce, perfectly balanced with aromatic spices that make each bite pure comfort. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is a satisfying way to elevate your dinner table with vibrant colors and mouthwatering taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating your own Creamy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. Each component is simple, yet essential, adding layers of flavor, creaminess, and that signature golden hue that makes this dish so inviting.
- Plain yoghurt (1/2 cup, full fat): Adds tangy richness to tenderize the chicken and develop the marinade’s depth.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Brightens the marinade and helps balance the spices perfectly.
- Turmeric powder (1 tsp): Gives a warm, earthy undertone and the iconic golden color.
- Garam masala (2 tsp): This quintessential blend of Indian spices brings complexity and warmth.
- Chilli or cayenne powder (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle kick, adjustable to your spice preference.
- Ground cumin (1 tsp): Infuses a nutty, aromatic foundation for the sauce.
- Freshly grated ginger (1 tbsp): Provides a zesty, refreshing bite that cuts through the creaminess.
- Crushed garlic (2 cloves): Essential for that unmistakable savory punch.
- Chicken thigh fillets (1.5 lb / 750 g), bite-sized pieces: Juicy and tender, perfect for absorbing the marinade and sauce flavors.
- Ghee or butter (2 tbsp) or vegetable oil (1 tbsp): For a rich cooking medium that enhances the sauce’s depth.
- Tomato passata (1 cup): Smooth tomato puree acting as the hearty base of the sauce.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The ingredient that makes the sauce decadently creamy and silky.
- Sugar (1 tbsp): Balances acidity with a gentle sweetness.
- Salt (1 1/4 tsp): Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- Basmati rice: The ideal fluffy side to soak up the sauce.
- Coriander/cilantro (optional): Adds a fresh herbal note as a garnish.
How to Make Creamy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining yoghurt, lemon juice, turmeric, garam masala, chili, cumin, ginger, and garlic in a bowl. Toss your chicken pieces into this marinade so each morsel is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, but ideally overnight. This step is where tender, flavorful chicken begins to develop, soaking up all the spices and tanginess to become irresistible later on.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat ghee, butter, or oil over high heat in a large fry pan. Take the chicken pieces from the marinade and place them directly into the pan without shaking off any marinade. You’ll notice the chicken doesn’t brown much but turns beautifully white; this gentle cooking protects moisture and intensifies flavor slowly.
Cook for around 3 minutes or until the chicken is mostly opaque all over—this forms the perfect base for your sauce.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Pour in the tomato passata, heavy cream, sugar, salt, plus any leftover marinade from the bowl. Turn the heat to low and let everything simmer gently for 20 minutes. This slow cooking melds the spices, tomato, and cream into a luscious sauce that perfectly hugs every chicken piece. Taste toward the end and adjust seasoning if needed — the balance here is what makes this Creamy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe unforgettable.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once your chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, finish with a sprinkle of fresh coriander or cilantro if you like, for a refreshing burst of green and an herbal lift. Now you’re ready to enjoy the fruits of your kitchen labor!
How to Serve Creamy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped coriander leaves bring a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy sauce, elevating the dish visually and flavor-wise. A drizzle of cream on top or a wedge of lemon on the side can also enhance the experience, making every spoonful exciting.
Side Dishes
Basmati rice is the classic accompaniment, fluffy and fragrant to soak up every drop of the sauce. You can also try white rice or light, homemade flatbreads to scoop and savor. The contrast of soft bread or rice with the creamy chicken is a timeless combination that satisfies every craving.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the butter chicken in warm, hollowed-out naan bread bowls or alongside crisp papadums to add textural contrast. Layering the dish over a bed of spinach or roasted vegetables can add color and nutritional balance. No matter the presentation, this dish shines with warmth and comfort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain the sauce’s creaminess and flavor. The chicken tends to absorb even more of the spices and sauce when rested, making leftovers sometimes even better!
Freezing
You can freeze butter chicken for up to 2 months. Allow the dish to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. When reheated, expect a slight change in sauce texture, but the flavors remain delicious and comforting.
Reheating
Gently reheat the butter chicken in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high heat as it can curdle the cream and dry out the chicken. Slow and steady warming preserves that signature creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thigh fillets?
Absolutely, though thigh fillets are preferred for their juiciness and tenderness. If you use breast, be careful not to overcook as it can dry out more easily in this recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute yoghurt and cream with coconut yoghurt and coconut cream for a delicious dairy-free alternative that still delivers creamy texture and rich flavor.
How spicy is this Creamy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?
The chili powder is kept mild to moderate here, but you can easily adjust up or down depending on your heat tolerance. Butter chicken is meant to be gently spiced rather than fiery.
Can I prepare the marinade and freeze it?
It’s best to freeze the chicken and marinade together once mixed to allow flavors to meld. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking for the best results.
What’s the best rice to serve with butter chicken?
Basmati rice is the go-to because of its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, which beautifully complements the creamy sauce of butter chicken.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Creamy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe a try soon. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in comfort and leaves you feeling a little spoiled every time. Share it with loved ones, savor the amazing flavors, and enjoy the warmth that a home-cooked meal brings to your heart and table.
Print
Creamy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This creamy, flavorful Butter Chicken recipe features tender chicken thigh pieces marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture, then cooked in a rich tomato and cream sauce. Perfectly paired with basmati rice and optional coriander garnish, this dish is a beloved Indian-inspired classic that’s easy to prepare at home.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plain yoghurt, full fat
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp chilli powder or cayenne pepper powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ginger, freshly grated
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1.5 lb (750 g) chicken thigh fillets, cut into bite size pieces
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tbsp (30 g) ghee or butter, or 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup tomato passata (tomato puree)
- 1 cup heavy/thickened cream
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/4 tsp salt
To Serve
- Basmati rice or white rice
- Coriander/cilantro leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Optional Blitz: For an extra smooth sauce, combine all marinade ingredients except the chicken in a food processor and blend until smooth. (This is optional and not done in this recipe.)
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine the marinade ingredients with the chicken pieces. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight or up to 24 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
- Heat Fat: Heat the ghee, butter, or vegetable oil over high heat in a large frying pan.
- Cook Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, letting excess drip off but do not wipe or shake off all marinade. Place chicken in the hot pan and cook for about 3 minutes until the chicken turns white all over—it will not brown much due to the marinade.
- Prepare Sauce: Add tomato passata, heavy cream, sugar, salt, and any remaining marinade left in the bowl to the pan with the chicken. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh coriander/cilantro leaves. Serve the butter chicken hot with basmati or white rice.
- Serving Suggestion: This butter chicken pairs beautifully with no yeast flatbread and no-fry papadums for an easy and delicious meal experience.
Notes
- Note 1: Garam masala is a spice blend essential for authentic flavor.
- Note 2: Adjust chilli or cayenne powder according to your preferred spice level.
- Note 3: Ghee or butter adds richness, but vegetable oil is a lighter substitute.
- Note 4: Tomato passata (puree) creates a smooth tomato base for the sauce.
- Note 5: Heavy/thickened cream enriches the sauce and balances spices.
