Name: Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks; 1/2 cup plain yogurt; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon garlic paste; 1 tablespoon ginger paste; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 cup tomato puree; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon coriander powder; 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder; Salt, to taste; Fresh cilantro, for garnish

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Few dishes bring comfort quite like a bowl of creamy butter chicken. Its rich sauce, tender chicken, and warm spices create a harmony of flavors that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. The aroma alone is enough to transport you straight to the heart of Indian kitchens where tradition meets indulgence.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe carries a special nostalgia. Butter chicken, or Murgh Makhani, was born from a kitchen accident that turned into magic. In Delhi, leftover tandoori chicken was simmered in a velvety tomato and butter sauce, and the result was so good it became legendary. Every time I make it, I can almost picture that serendipitous moment, and it still feels like a happy accident worth celebrating.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Originating from Delhi in the 1950s, butter chicken was created at the Moti Mahal restaurant. The chefs there experimented by tossing pre-cooked chicken into a buttery tomato gravy, unknowingly creating one of India’s most beloved dishes. Today, it’s a staple not just in Indian homes but in restaurants around the world, often served with naan or fragrant basmati rice.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Butter Chicken

This recipe is not just about taste, it’s about experience. The moment that silky sauce touches your lips, you’ll understand why it’s a global favorite.

Versatile: Perfect with rice, naan, or even stuffed into wraps for an easy meal.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry spices and affordable chicken thighs.
Quick and Easy: Takes under an hour from start to finish.
Customizable: Adjust spice levels or add a touch of cream for extra richness.
Crowd-Pleasing: Always the first dish to disappear at gatherings.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day after the flavors mingle.
Great for Leftovers: Reheats beautifully without losing its creamy texture.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

The magic of butter chicken lies in the balance of creaminess, tanginess, and spice.

Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
Use full-fat yogurt and cream for the richest sauce.
Toast your spices in butter before adding liquids to unlock aroma.
Don’t rush the simmering process, let the sauce thicken slowly.
Finish with a swirl of butter and a drizzle of cream just before serving.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Every kitchen adventure needs the right companions. Here’s what you’ll want handy.

Large Skillet or Pan: To cook the sauce and chicken evenly.
Mixing Bowls: For marinating the chicken.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon: To stir without scratching your cookware.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters for spices.
Blender or Hand Blender: To create a smooth, restaurant-style sauce.

Ingredients in Creamy Butter Chicken

Every ingredient works together to build depth and comfort in every bite.

Boneless Chicken Thighs: 1.5 pounds, tender and flavorful base of the dish.
Yogurt: ½ cup, helps tenderize the chicken and adds mild tanginess.
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, brightens and balances the spices.
Garlic Paste: 1 tablespoon, adds deep aroma.
Ginger Paste: 1 tablespoon, gives warmth and earthy flavor.
Butter: 3 tablespoons, the star that gives the sauce its name and richness.
Tomato Puree: 1 cup, creates the saucy base with sweet acidity.
Heavy Cream: ½ cup, gives the sauce its creamy texture.
Garam Masala: 1 teaspoon, for authentic Indian warmth.
Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon, adds depth and nutty flavor.
Coriander Powder: 1 teaspoon, balances the heat.
Kashmiri Red Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon, for mild spice and color.
Salt: to taste, enhances every layer.
Fresh Cilantro: for garnish, adds freshness and color.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can make this dish fit what’s already in your pantry.

Chicken Thighs: Use chicken breast for a leaner option.
Heavy Cream: Substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free twist.
Yogurt: Greek yogurt works great too.
Butter: Try ghee for deeper flavor.
Tomato Puree: Use crushed tomatoes if you prefer a chunkier texture.

Ingredient Spotlight

Garam Masala: A fragrant spice blend that gives butter chicken its signature warmth, combining cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
Butter: It’s the heart of this dish, providing richness and that melt-in-your-mouth finish.

Instructions for Making Creamy Butter Chicken

Cooking this dish is a journey filled with delightful aromas and satisfying textures. Here’s how to bring it all together.

Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a large skillet over medium flame.
Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, chili powder, and salt. Add chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet, add marinated chicken, and cook until golden. Remove and set aside.
Assemble the Dish: In the same pan, melt remaining butter and sauté garam masala, cumin, and coriander for 30 seconds until aromatic. Add tomato puree and simmer for 10 minutes.
Cook to Perfection: Return chicken to the sauce, pour in cream, and let it simmer until the sauce thickens and chicken is tender.
Finishing Touches: Add salt to taste and a drizzle of cream on top.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with warm naan or rice.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The key to butter chicken’s charm lies in contrast: tender meat coated in a luscious sauce that’s both creamy and tangy. The slow simmer allows the tomato base to mellow and sweeten, while the cream smooths out the edges, leaving every bite perfectly balanced.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

A few gentle reminders can make a huge difference in the final dish.

Always use room temperature chicken before cooking.
Add cream toward the end to prevent curdling.
For extra smokiness, add a tiny drop of liquid smoke or grill the chicken first.

What to Avoid

Even seasoned cooks can slip, so here’s what to steer clear of.

Overcooking the chicken, it should be tender, not rubbery.
Rushing the sauce, slow simmering builds flavor.
Using low-fat cream, which can split under heat.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 420

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Butter chicken actually improves as it sits. You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Leftovers keep well for up to three days, and the dish freezes beautifully. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore its silky texture.

How to Serve Creamy Butter Chicken

Serve it piping hot with steamed basmati rice, garlic naan, or buttery roti. Add a side of cucumber raita for a refreshing contrast. It also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad for a lighter meal.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftover butter chicken makes incredible fillings. Try it in wraps, sandwiches, or even spooned over baked potatoes. You can also toss it with pasta for a fun Indian-Italian twist.

Additional Tips

Add a pinch of sugar if your tomato puree tastes too tangy. And if you love extra richness, stir in a little more butter right before serving. That final glossy finish is pure comfort.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve it in a copper bowl with a drizzle of cream swirled over the top and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. A few wedges of naan on the side complete the picture beautifully, making it perfect for both family dinners and dinner parties.

Variations to Try

Add sautéed bell peppers and onions for a chunkier version.
Make it spicy with extra chili powder or green chilies.
Try paneer instead of chicken for a vegetarian twist.
Add cashew paste for extra creamy texture.
Use coconut milk for a tropical, lighter version.

FAQ’s

Q1. Can I make butter chicken without cream?
Yes, use full-fat milk or coconut milk for a lighter version.

Q2. How do I make it spicier?
Add green chilies or increase the amount of chili powder.

Q3. Can I use frozen chicken?
Thaw it completely before marinating for best results.

Q4. Is it okay to use canned tomato sauce?
Yes, but taste it first and balance acidity with a bit of sugar.

Q5. How long can I store leftovers?
Up to 3 days in the refrigerator or 2 months in the freezer.

Q6. Can I make it vegan?
Replace chicken with tofu or cauliflower and use coconut cream.

Q7. Why did my sauce curdle?
Cream added too early or on high heat can cause curdling.

Q8. What kind of cream works best?
Heavy cream gives the richest result.

Q9. What if I don’t have garam masala?
Use a mix of cumin, coriander, and a touch of cinnamon instead.

Q10. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just use a larger pan to ensure even cooking.

Conclusion

There’s something so comforting about creamy butter chicken. Each spoonful tells a story of warmth, balance, and tradition. Trust me, you’re going to love this one. Once you master it, it might just become your signature dish that everyone asks for again and again.