Creamy & Spiced Indian Butter Chicken Recipe For Cozy Nights

Aromatic spices dance through this classic indian butter chicken recipe, weaving magic into every tender bite.

Marinated chicken bathes in a creamy, luxurious sauce that promises pure comfort.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this beloved dish, passing down secrets from kitchen to kitchen.

Rich tomato-based gravy mingles with velvety cream, creating a symphony of flavors that beckon you to the dining table.

Fragrant garam masala and smooth butter infuse depth into each spoonful.

Warm naan bread waits eagerly to soak up every last drop of this sumptuous sauce.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 3

What You’ll Need For Indian Butter Chicken

• Yogurt: Tenderizes chicken and infuses rich, tangy flavor with creamy texture.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens marinade and helps break down chicken proteins for ultimate tenderness.
• Cumin: Adds warm, earthy undertones with deep aromatic complexity.
• Coriander: Introduces citrusy, slightly nutty notes that complement Indian spice profiles.
• Turmeric: Provides golden color and subtle peppery warmth with potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Chili Powder: Delivers gentle heat and vibrant red undertone to the marinade.
• Garam Masala: Blends multiple spices creating a complex, authentic Indian seasoning.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps season chicken deeply.

• Chicken: Select boneless, skinless chicken thighs for maximum juiciness and flavor absorption.

• Ground Spices: Choose fresh, high-quality whole spices and grind them just before use for maximum aromatic potency.

Tools You’ll Need For Indian Butter Chicken

• Large Bowl: Essential for mixing marinade ingredients and coating chicken thoroughly.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise for adding exact amounts of spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala.
• Cutting Board: Needed for preparing chicken pieces before marinating.
• Sharp Knife: For trimming and cutting chicken into uniform pieces.
• Whisk or Spoon: Helps blend yogurt and spices into a smooth marinade.
• Plastic Wrap or Lid: Covers the marinating chicken to seal in flavors and prevent contamination.

Steps To Make Indian Butter Chicken

• Marinade Magic

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend aromatic spices with tangy yogurt to create a luscious coating that will transform ordinary chicken into a flavor explosion. Let the chicken bathe in this spice symphony, allowing each piece to soak up the rich, complex flavors.

• Flavor Infusion

Allow the marinated chicken to rest in the refrigerator, giving the spices time to work their enchantment. The longer the chicken marinates, the more deeply the flavors will penetrate, promising a truly memorable dining experience. Patience is your secret weapon in creating an extraordinary dish.

• Searing Technique

Heat a heavy-bottomed pan until it’s blazing hot. Carefully place the marinated chicken pieces, letting them develop a gorgeous golden crust that seals in all the incredible flavors. The sizzle and aroma will make your kitchen feel like a gourmet restaurant.

• Creamy Transformation

Introduce a velvety tomato and cream base that will embrace the chicken in a luxurious sauce. Simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld and create a harmonious blend that speaks to the heart of Indian cuisine. The sauce should become rich, smooth, and utterly irresistible.

• Final Touch

Garnish with fresh herbs and a dollop of cream, bringing a burst of freshness and visual appeal to your masterpiece. Serve alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread to complete this culinary journey.

Helpful Tips For Indian Butter Chicken

• Marinating Magic: Let the chicken sit in the yogurt mixture overnight to maximize flavor absorption and tenderize the meat completely.
• Spice Intensity Control: Adjust chili powder and garam masala quantities to match your personal heat tolerance, creating a customized spice level that suits your palate.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Substitute dairy yogurt with coconut yogurt or cashew-based yogurt for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the creamy marinade texture.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace chicken with tofu or paneer for a vegetarian alternative that keeps the rich, aromatic Indian spice profile intact while reducing protein calories.
• Kitchen Pro Tip: Use full-fat yogurt for a more authentic and luxurious marinade that helps lock in moisture and creates a silky coating on the chicken pieces.

Serving Indian Butter Chicken Made Easy

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair this creamy butter chicken with fluffy basmati rice to soak up the rich, aromatic sauce.
• Naan Bread Companion: Serve warm, soft naan bread on the side for perfect dipping and scooping of the delectable sauce.
• Fresh Veggie Balance: Add a crisp cucumber raita or a light green salad to contrast the rich, buttery chicken and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Garnish Glamour: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro and a dollop of cool yogurt on top to enhance the dish's vibrant flavors and add a touch of brightness.

How To Store Indian Butter Chicken

• Smart Marination Trick: Letting chicken sit in the yogurt-spice mixture overnight allows deeper flavor penetration and tenderizes the meat, creating mouthwatering results.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store marinated chicken in an airtight container at the back of the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent cross-contamination with other foods.
• Leftover Magic: Butter chicken can be safely refrigerated for 3-4 days in sealed containers, maintaining its rich taste and texture when gently reheated in a covered pan.
• Freezing Option: Transfer cooled butter chicken to freezer-safe containers, where it will stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly.

Silky Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Creamy butter chicken blends aromatic spices from Northern India’s culinary landscape. Marinated chicken simmers in a rich tomato-based sauce, promising a delightful journey you’ll savor with each flavorful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (450 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup (120 grams) plain yogurt
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 grams) tomato puree
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsps butter
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter (for finishing)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp chili powder (or paprika for a milder heat)
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Salt, to taste

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Instructions

1. Marination Preparation: Blend yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and salt in a large bowl, creating a robust, fragrant marinade.
2. Chicken Coating: Submerge chicken pieces completely in the spice mixture, massaging thoroughly to ensure each morsel is evenly coated and infused with intense flavors.
3. Flavor Infusion: Refrigerate marinated chicken for at least 1 hour, allowing spices to penetrate deeply and tenderize the meat, with overnight marination recommended for maximum taste complexity.
4. Temperature Adjustment: Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking, letting it reach room temperature to promote uniform cooking and optimal texture.
5. Cooking Preparation: Preheat cooking surface, whether grill, tandoor, or skillet, to medium-high heat, ensuring chicken will develop a beautiful caramelized exterior while maintaining juicy interior.
6. Protein Transformation: Grill or cook chicken until external surface turns golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat with a delightful charred essence.
7. Sauce Integration: Transfer cooked chicken into a rich, creamy butter sauce, allowing it to simmer gently and absorb the luxurious, velvety texture characteristic of authentic Indian butter chicken.

Notes

• Optimize Marination Time: Let chicken soak in spices for at least 1 hour, but overnight marination intensifies flavors dramatically, transforming ordinary chicken into a taste sensation.
• Prevent Yogurt Curdling: Keep heat medium-low when adding yogurt-marinated chicken to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy sauce texture.
• Spice Balance Matters: Adjust spice levels carefully – authentic butter chicken should have a warm, complex flavor without overwhelming heat, allowing each spice to shine.
• Protein Flexibility: Easily swap chicken with paneer or tofu for vegetarian version, ensuring marinade techniques remain identical for consistent delicious results.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg