Butter Chicken is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and full of warm, spiced flavor. This restaurant-style dish is surprisingly simple to make at home and pairs perfectly with fluffy rice and warm naan. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family night or a dinner with friends, this butter chicken recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Creamy, rich, and packed with flavor
- ✅ Ready in under 45 minutes
- ✅ Family-friendly and freezer-friendly
- ✅ Perfect for naan and rice
If you enjoy comfort meals like this one, don’t miss my Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta, Creamy Pesto Pasta, and Creamy Sausage Pasta too!
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ lbs skinless boneless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- ½ tsp curry powder
- 1 tbsp Greek yogurt
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp curry powder
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
To Serve:
- Naan bread
- Steamed basmati rice
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Toss to coat and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
Reduce heat to medium and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the same pan. Add garlic and onion with a pinch of salt. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Make the Sauce
Stir in tomato sauce and sugar. Simmer for 2–3 minutes. Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well as the sauce transforms into a beautiful orange color.
5. Season & Simmer
Add cayenne (if using), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Stir and let it simmer on low for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
6. Finish with Butter
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter until melted and silky. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
7. Serve & Enjoy
Spoon over rice, dip your naan, and enjoy every creamy bite!
🔁 Substitutions
- Chicken thighs: Use breasts, turkey, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Greek yogurt: Sub with plain yogurt, coconut yogurt, or sour cream.
- Heavy cream: Try coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
- Tomato sauce: Use pureed tomatoes or diluted tomato paste.
- Butter: Ghee adds a more traditional flavor, or use a plant-based alternative.
🍽️ Equipment
- Cutting board & knife
- Large skillet
- Measuring spoons & cups
🧊 Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Gently warm on the stove with a splash of water or cream.
✅ Top Tips
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor (up to 4 hours).
- Toast your spices briefly for richer aroma.
- Finish with cold butter for a luscious, restaurant-style sauce.
❓ FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Just make sure not to overcook them—they tend to dry out faster than thighs.
Is butter chicken spicy?
Traditionally, it’s more flavorful than spicy. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your taste.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely—use coconut cream, dairy-free butter, and plant-based yogurt for a creamy, vegan version.