Dinner · Indian

Butter Chicken

Name: Butter Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 generous servings with rice
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 700 g (1½ lb) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces; 150 g (⅔ cup) plain yogurt; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tsp garam masala, divided; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp paprika; 1½ tsp salt, divided; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp oil; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger; 400 g (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp sugar; 120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream; Fresh cilantro, to garnish; Cooked basmati rice and naan, to serve

Charred marinated chicken in a silky tomato-butter cream sauce — India's most loved curry.

Indian butter chicken with cream swirl, basmati rice and naan

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Butter chicken — murgh makhani — is the dish that made the world fall in love with Indian cooking, and once you make it at home you'll understand why. Tender pieces of chicken are marinated in spiced yogurt, seared until lightly charred, then folded into a velvety sauce of tomatoes, butter, cream and warming garam masala. It tastes like it took all day, but this weeknight version comes together in about 45 minutes with ingredients from any supermarket. The secret is building the sauce in layers: bloom the spices in butter, let the tomatoes cook down until sweet, then blend everything silky smooth before the cream goes in. Serve it over fluffy basmati rice with warm naan for scooping — and don't be surprised when everyone asks for seconds. This is comfort food with a passport.

❤️ Why You'll Love This Recipe

Restaurant-quality flavor from one pan and everyday ingredients
The sauce is naturally mild and kid-friendly — add chili to taste
Marinate the chicken the night before for an even faster dinner
Leftovers taste even better the next day as the spices meld
Perfect for meal prep — the sauce freezes beautifully

📋 Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 25 min
Total Time: 45 min
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Medium

🧄 Ingredients

4 generous servings with rice

700 g (1½ lb) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
150 g (⅔ cup) plain yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp garam masala, divided
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp paprika
1½ tsp salt, divided
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
400 g (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp sugar
120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream
Fresh cilantro, to garnish
Cooked basmati rice and naan, to serve

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1
In a bowl, mix the yogurt, lemon juice, 1 tsp garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika and 1 tsp salt. Add the chicken, coat well and marinate at least 20 minutes (or overnight in the fridge).
2
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches, 2–3 minutes per side, until lightly charred but not cooked through. Set aside.
3
In the same pan, melt the butter. Add the onion and cook 5 minutes until soft and golden. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
4
Add the remaining 1 tsp garam masala and ½ tsp salt and stir 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
5
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste and sugar. Simmer 10 minutes, stirring, until thick and deep red.
6
Blend the sauce with an immersion blender (or in a countertop blender) until completely smooth, then return it to the pan.
7
Stir in the cream, then add the chicken and any juices. Simmer gently 8–10 minutes, until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8
Taste and adjust salt. Garnish with cilantro and a swirl of cream, and serve over basmati rice with warm naan.

💡 Cooking Tips

Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts and forgive a few extra minutes of simmering.
Blend the sauce — it's the difference between a good and a great butter chicken.
A pinch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes; don't skip it.
For a smoky restaurant note
char the marinated chicken under the broiler instead of searing.

🔄 Ingredient Substitutions

No heavy cream? Use coconut cream for a dairy-free version with a gentle sweetness.
Swap chicken for paneer or chickpeas to make it vegetarian.
Greek yogurt works for the marinade — thin it with a splash of water if very thick.
No garam masala? Mix 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp coriander, ½ tsp cinnamon and a pinch of cloves.

🧊 How to Store

Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers a treat.

♨️ How to Reheat

Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of water or cream, stirring, until piping hot. Microwave in 60-second bursts, stirring between each.

❄️ Can I Freeze It?

Freeze the cooled curry (without rice) in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently — add a splash of cream to refresh the sauce.

🥑 Nutrition Information

Per serving. These values are an estimate only and will vary with the exact ingredients and brands you use.

Calories: ≈ 520 kcal
Protein: ≈ 38 g
Carbs: ≈ 18 g
Fat: ≈ 32 g
Sodium: ≈ 780 mg

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is butter chicken spicy?

No — it's naturally mild and creamy. The warmth comes from garam masala, not chili. Add cayenne or fresh chili if you want heat.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes. Cut it into larger pieces and simmer only until it reaches 165°F (74°C) so it doesn't dry out.

What's the difference between butter chicken and chicken tikka masala?

Butter chicken is milder, creamier and slightly sweeter; tikka masala has a bolder, more tomato-forward and spicier sauce.

Can I make it ahead?

Absolutely — it keeps 4 days in the fridge and reheats beautifully. Many cooks say it tastes better on day two.

What should I serve with butter chicken?

Basmati rice and naan are the classics. A simple cucumber salad or raita cools the plate nicely.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes — use coconut yogurt in the marinade, oil instead of butter, and coconut cream in the sauce.

💭 Final Thoughts

One bite of this silky, spiced sauce and you'll see why butter chicken is beloved on every continent. Make it once and it goes straight into your regular rotation — promise.

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