If you’re craving a rich, comforting dish that combines a perfect balance of spices and creaminess, look no further than this Creamy Indian Butter Chicken. This dish is the definition of indulgence—tender chicken simmered in a velvety, spiced tomato sauce that’s absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy night in or impressing guests at a dinner party, this butter chicken is sure to steal the show. Trust me, you’re going to want to have this recipe on repeat!
Why You’ll Love Creamy Indian Butter Chicken
Here’s why this butter chicken recipe is bound to become your new favorite:
Versatile: Serve it with rice, naan, or veggies—this dish is perfect for so many sides.
Budget-Friendly: You can create restaurant-quality flavor with affordable ingredients.
Quick and Easy: It comes together in under an hour, with minimal prep work needed.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste—whether you love it mild or fiery!
Crowd-Pleasing: Butter chicken is a crowd favorite! It’s rich, flavorful, and sure to please all palates.
Ingredients in Creamy Indian Butter Chicken
This recipe may sound fancy, but it uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that pack a ton of flavor:
Chicken Breast: The star of the show! Tender, juicy chicken breast that soaks up all the spices.
Butter: The key ingredient that gives the sauce its smooth, creamy texture and rich flavor.
Tomato Sauce: A base for the curry, it adds depth and tang to the dish.
Cream: Heavy cream is the secret to making the sauce silky smooth and luscious.
Garlic and Ginger: These aromatic ingredients create the foundation for the flavor profile, giving the sauce its distinctive taste.
Spices: Garam masala, turmeric, paprika, and cumin bring the flavors of India right to your kitchen. These spices are what make this butter chicken taste so authentic.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning, to bring everything together.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get started and turn your kitchen into an Indian food haven:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by heating a large skillet or pan over medium heat. This ensures everything cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden color.
Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. In the heated pan, melt some butter and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same pan, melt more butter and add the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the tomato sauce, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and paprika. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, allowing the sauce to become creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, making sure the chicken is coated in the sauce. Let it simmer in the sauce for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Finishing Touches: Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your creamy butter chicken with warm naan or a bowl of fluffy rice. It’s comfort food at its best!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 400
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Creamy Indian Butter Chicken
This rich and creamy butter chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:
Pair it with warm naan bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Serve it alongside fragrant basmati rice to complete the meal.
Enjoy it with a simple cucumber raita to cool down the spices.
For an extra touch, add a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance out the richness.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes with some yogurt and spices before cooking.
If you like it spicier, feel free to add a chopped green chili or some cayenne pepper to the sauce.
You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful option.
If you don’t have garam masala, substitute it with curry powder for a similar flavor.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to a month.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and will make the dish even juicier.
2. Can I make this recipe without cream?
You can use coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free alternative.
3. Can I adjust the spice level of this dish?
Absolutely! You can increase or decrease the amount of garam masala and paprika to suit your taste.
4. How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, let it simmer a bit longer or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
5. Can I freeze this butter chicken?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just store it in an airtight container for up to a month. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
6. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach for added texture and flavor.
7. Is butter chicken traditionally spicy?
Butter chicken is mildly spicy but can be adjusted based on your preference.
8. Can I use canned tomato sauce for the recipe?
Yes, canned tomato sauce works just fine. You can also use crushed tomatoes for a chunkier sauce.
9. What’s the best side dish to serve with butter chicken?
Naan bread, basmati rice, or a simple cucumber salad are great choices.
10. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat it when ready to serve.
Conclusion
Creamy Indian Butter Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that’s full of rich flavors and creamy goodness. It’s perfect for any occasion, and best of all, it’s easy to make right at home. So, grab your ingredients, start cooking, and get ready to enjoy a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Print
Creamy Indian Butter Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Halal
Description
A rich and creamy dish made with tender chicken simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with butter, cream, and a blend of aromatic Indian spices.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes, until browned on all sides.
- Stir in the garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and paprika, and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Stir in the heavy cream, yogurt, and salt, then simmer for another 5-7 minutes, until the sauce is thick and creamy.
- Remove from heat, and stir in lemon juice for a fresh tangy flavor.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving. Serve with basmati rice or naan bread.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add chili powder or chopped green chilies to taste.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can use chicken breast instead of thighs if you prefer leaner meat, though thighs provide more flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 115mg