If you have ever craved a rich, flavorful dish that hugs your soul with every bite, then this Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine tender chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of spices, simmered in a luscious tomato and cream sauce, then finished with a touch of butter and fresh cilantro. It’s comforting, indulgent, and surprisingly simple to make, bringing the magic of classic Indian cuisine right into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, creating a perfect balance of flavor, aroma, and texture. From the creamy yogurt that tenderizes the chicken to the warm spices that build layers of taste, these are humble staples that come together to craft something extraordinary.
- 1 cup plain yogurt: Acts as a tenderizing base with a subtle tang that sets the flavor foundation.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the richness of the dish.
- 2 teaspoons garam masala: A fragrant spice mix that brings warmth and depth.
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric: Gives color and a mild earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a nutty, smoky flavor element.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Provides a gentle heat without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander: Lends citrusy brightness under the spice blend.
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced: Infuses a peppery zest and freshness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Amplifies savory depth with a classic pungency.
- 5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces: The star protein, juicy and flavorful.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Essential for that signature creamy richness and silky texture.
- 1 onion, finely chopped: Builds a sweet, savory base that melts beautifully into the sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups tomato puree: Provides tang and body to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creamifies the sauce to a luscious, velvety finish.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances and balances every flavor component.
- Pepper, to taste: Adds a subtle kick of heat.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish: Offers a fresh and fragrant finishing touch.
How to Make Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix together the plain yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, coriander, minced ginger, and minced garlic. This aromatic marinade is the soul of the dish, perfectly blending spice and tang. Toss your bite-sized chicken pieces in this mixture until every piece is well coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least one hour. Trust me, this marinating time transforms your chicken into something tender and bursting with flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatic Base
Next, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook slowly until it’s soft, translucent, and sweetly fragrant. This step creates the foundation of the sauce, layering in natural sweetness that rounds out the spices beautifully.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Now stir in the marinated chicken along with all that delicious marinade. Cooking it in the skillet for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken loses its pinkness locks in the flavor and starts to build a rich, savory base.
Step 4: Simmer with Tomato Puree
Pour in the tomato puree and let everything simmer gently for 10 minutes. The acidity from the tomatoes brightens the dish while the heat thickens the sauce, making it more luscious and hearty.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your skillet mixture into an oven-safe dish and bake for 20 minutes. This final oven step lets the chicken cook through tenderly and allows the flavors to deepen even further. The aroma escaping from your kitchen will be irresistible!
Step 6: Finish the Creamy Sauce
While the chicken is baking, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter back in the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently to combine flavors into a silky, rich sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your taste, creating that perfect balance of creaminess and spice.
Step 7: Combine and Garnish
Once baked, pour the creamy butter sauce over the chicken and stir to blend everything harmoniously. Finally, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro right before serving to add a refreshing contrast and a burst of color.
How to Serve Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped cilantro tops it off with vibrant color and a fresh herbal note that complements the richness. A light drizzle of cream or a squeeze of lemon can also brighten the flavor if you want a little extra flair.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread that soaks up every bit of the creamy sauce. For a healthy contrast, a side of lightly steamed vegetables or cucumber raita adds a cooling touch to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve butter chicken in small, individual earthenware bowls, topped with a sprig of cilantro and a side of lemon wedges. Or turn it into a decadent butter chicken wrap by adding the saucy chicken into a warm flatbread along with fresh salad for a handheld delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover homemade butter chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld and deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze the butter chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Just make sure it has cooled completely to preserve the creamy texture when thawed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. This helps the sauce remain silky without separating. If it looks too thick, add a splash of cream or water to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs offer more juiciness and flavor, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used. Just be careful not to overcook as breasts can dry out faster.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The recipe balances mild spices with warmth rather than heat. You can adjust the chili powder to your preference to make it milder or spicier.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the chicken with paneer cheese or hearty vegetables like cauliflower and cook them the same way with the rich butter and cream sauce for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you prefer a lighter version, coconut milk or cashew cream work beautifully and add their own lovely flavor while still keeping the dish creamy.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least one hour is ideal to infuse the spices and tenderize the meat, but marinating overnight will deepen the flavors even more for a spectacular result.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is the perfect combination of comfort and flavor that makes any mealtime feel special. Give yourself the gift of a homemade feast that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your table with smiles. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a beloved classic in your collection—one you’ll want to share with everyone you love!
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Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This classic Homemade Butter Chicken recipe features tender, marinated chicken thighs cooked in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce infused with warm spices. Perfectly balanced with a hint of lemon and garam masala, this comforting dish is baked to perfection and garnished with fresh cilantro for an authentic Indian flavor experience.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce and Cooking
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready to bake the chicken after initial cooking on the stove.
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, combine plain yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, ground coriander, minced ginger, and minced garlic to build a fragrant and flavorful base for the chicken.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat fully.
- Sauté Onions: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes, to develop the base flavor for the sauce.
- Add Marinated Chicken: Stir in the marinated chicken with its marinade and cook over medium heat until the chicken loses its pink color, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Simmer with Tomato Puree: Pour in the 1 1/2 cups tomato puree and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and deepen in flavor.
- Bake Chicken Mixture: Transfer the chicken and sauce into an oven-safe dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to finish cooking and meld flavors further.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: While the chicken bakes, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and stir until combined and heated through.
- Season Sauce: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed for a balanced creamy sauce.
- Combine Sauce and Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven, pour the creamy butter sauce over it, and stir gently to combine everything evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve hot and enjoy your rich, homemade butter chicken!
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness even more.
- Adjust chili powder to your preferred spice level for milder or hotter butter chicken.
- Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures juiciness and better flavor absorption.
- Serve with basmati rice or naan bread for an authentic Indian meal experience.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
