If you have ever wanted to master a dish that is both indulgent and bursting with flavor, this Indian Butter Chicken Recipe is your ultimate go-to. Creamy, rich, and perfectly spiced, it offers a delicious balance of smoky, tangy, and buttery notes that will leave you craving every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this dish brings warmth and joy to your table with its classic, comforting taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that make Indian Butter Chicken so memorable. From tender chicken thighs to the vibrant spices and creamy sauce, every component is simple but essential for an authentic taste and irresistibly silky mouthfeel.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These stay juicy and tender through baking, absorbing all the wonderful marinade flavors.
- Plain yogurt: Acts as the base for the marinade, tenderizing the chicken while adding a subtle tang.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the richness of the dish.
- Garam masala: A fragrant spice blend that delivers warmth and complexity to the chicken.
- Ground turmeric: Provides an earthy aroma and beautiful golden color.
- Ground cumin: Adds nutty, smoky undertones essential in Indian cooking.
- Ground coriander: Brings a fresh, citrusy edge to the marinade.
- Cayenne pepper: Gives just the right touch of heat without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Enhance all the other spices and balance the flavor.
- Butter: Creates the luxurious creaminess and richness that define this dish.
- Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic and grated ginger: Infuse the sauce with aromatic warmth and complexity.
- Tomato sauce: Provides a rich and slightly tangy base for the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream: Rounds out the sauce with velvety smoothness and luscious texture.
- Fresh cilantro: Gives a fresh, herby finish as a garnish.
How to Make Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Marinade
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F which will ensure perfect cooking for the chicken. Next, mix the plain yogurt with lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. This marinade is a powerhouse of flavor, tenderizing the chicken while soaking it with bold Indian spices that promise mouthwatering results.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Coat the boneless, skinless chicken thighs thoroughly in the marinade, making sure every piece is fully covered. Let the chicken rest in this flavorful bath for at least 30 minutes. This waiting period is crucial, as it allows the spices to deeply penetrate the meat, ensuring each bite bursts with aroma and taste.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
Arrange the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and pop it into the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and juicy on the inside. Baking helps retain moisture and locks in those irresistible spices, producing chicken pieces that are tender yet firm enough to hold up in the creamy sauce later.
Step 4: Create the Butter Sauce
While the chicken bakes, melt six tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook it until soft and translucent—this foundation builds a sweet and savory base. Then stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, cooking just a couple of minutes more to unleash their aromatic magic.
Step 5: Build the Creamy Tomato Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce, letting it simmer gently for about five minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. Stir in the heavy cream next and allow it to simmer for another five minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes delectably rich and silky.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Slice the baked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them to the creamy sauce, letting everything simmer together a few more minutes. This final melding step ensures that every morsel of chicken is coated in that unforgettable buttery, spiced gravy.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top to add a burst of color and freshness that perfectly balances the richness. Your Indian Butter Chicken Recipe is now ready to enjoy with your favorite sides.
How to Serve Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is the classic garnish that offers a vibrant herbal note, cutting through the richness of the butter chicken. You could also sprinkle some toasted fenugreek leaves or a drizzle of cream for an elegant touch. A squeeze of lemon juice at the table brightens the dish and elevates all the flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic basmati rice, which soaks up the luscious sauce, or warm naan bread for scooping every last bit of buttery goodness. You might also enjoy it alongside a crisp cucumber raita or lightly spiced vegetable side for contrast and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Indian Butter Chicken in a rustic cast-iron skillet right at the table for a cozy, authentic feel. For dinner parties, serve it in a beautiful ceramic bowl garnished with finely chopped cilantro and edible flowers for a splash of elegance. Mini naan sliders or serving the chicken over fragrant saffron rice with pistachios can add a fun, festive flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Indian Butter Chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Transfer it to an airtight container once cooled to preserve the flavor and prevent the sauce from drying out. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully, which makes it perfect for meal prep. Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before freezing in a sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be stored for up to 2 months without losing its rich taste or creamy texture.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, gently reheat on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water or cream to restore its silken consistency. Reheating slowly brings back that fresh-from-the-stove warmth and flavor perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs deliver more moisture and flavor, chicken breast can be used if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they tend to dry out faster than thighs.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
For a vegetarian twist, try substituting paneer or tofu in place of chicken. Both will soak up the rich sauce beautifully and offer a delightful texture contrast.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Adjust the cayenne pepper to your heat tolerance, or add finely chopped green chilies during cooking for an extra kick without overwhelming the creamy sauce.
What is the best way to serve this dish for a crowd?
Prepare the chicken and sauce as directed, then keep it warm in a slow cooker or chafing dish. Serve alongside a large platter of rice and naan so guests can help themselves, making for a relaxed and welcoming gathering.
Can I skip the yogurt in the marinade?
Yogurt plays a crucial role in tenderizing the chicken and adding tang, so it’s best not to skip it. If you need a substitute, buttermilk or a dairy-free yogurt can work in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
This Indian Butter Chicken Recipe is more than just a meal — it’s an experience filled with warm spices, creamy texture, and comforting flavors that hug you from the inside out. I truly hope you dive into making this at home and enjoy every luscious bite as much as I do. It’s one of those recipes that instantly feels like a hug on a plate and will quickly become a beloved staple on your dinner table.
Print
Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This classic Indian Butter Chicken recipe features tender, marinated chicken thighs baked to perfection and simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with fragrant spices. Served with fresh cilantro, this dish is a comforting and flavorful staple perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to get ready for baking the marinated chicken thighs.
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine plain yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and coat them thoroughly. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the spices fully.
- Bake Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter to prepare for making the sauce.
- Sauté Onions: Add the chopped onion to the melted butter and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Simmer Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and allow it to simmer for 5 minutes, enhancing the flavors.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and continue simmering the sauce for another 5 minutes, creating a rich and creamy base.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Cut the baked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them to the sauce in the skillet.
- Simmer Together: Simmer the chicken and sauce mixture for a few more minutes to meld the flavors thoroughly.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the butter chicken before serving to add a fresh, herbal note.
- Serve: Serve the Indian Butter Chicken hot, ideally accompanied by steamed rice or warm naan bread for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour or overnight if time allows to deepen flavor.
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative, though the taste will vary.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your spice preference; omit if you prefer a milder dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Serve with basmati rice or naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
