Irresistible Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe for Beginners

Aromas of warm butter chicken waft through kitchens, promising a culinary journey into rich, velvety goodness.

Spices dance together, creating layers of complex flavor that surprise and delight.

Tender chicken pieces nestle in a luxurious sauce, blending traditional indian techniques with modern comfort.

Fragrant herbs and carefully selected ingredients tell a story of generations-old cooking traditions.

Marinating transforms simple proteins into something extraordinary, infusing each bite with depth and character.

Robust tomato and cream base embraces every morsel with elegant simplicity.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Indian Butter Chicken

• Boost Flavor with Marination: Infuse deep, rich Indian spices into tender chicken by marinating, which transforms ordinary meat into a taste explosion.
• Master Culinary Technique: Learn professional cooking skills through a straightforward recipe that teaches layering spices and creating complex sauces without intimidation.
• Customize Heat and Spice: Control the dish's spiciness by adjusting chili powder, making it perfect for various taste preferences and family members.
• Create Restaurant-Quality Meal: Prepare an authentic Indian dish at home that rivals professional restaurant cooking, impressing family and guests with minimal cooking expertise.

Ingredients for Creamy Indian Butter Chicken

• Chicken: Tender pieces that absorb the rich marinade and create the main protein of the dish.

• Yogurt: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds a creamy texture.
• Lemon Juice: Provides tangy flavor and helps break down the chicken proteins.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.

• Ground Cumin, Ground Coriander, Paprika, Turmeric, Garam Masala: A complex spice mixture that creates the signature Indian flavor profile of the dish.

• Butter: Adds richness and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
• Onion: Provides a sweet and aromatic foundation for the sauce.
• Garlic, Ginger: Adds depth and traditional Indian flavor to the sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Creates the base of the sauce with a rich, tangy flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its signature creamy and luxurious consistency.

• Chili Powder: Adds optional heat and extra warmth to the dish.

• Fresh Cilantro: Brings a fresh, bright flavor and adds visual appeal to the final dish.

• Steamed Rice, Naan Bread: Perfect accompaniments to soak up the delicious sauce.

Instructions for Creamy Indian Butter Chicken

Step 1: Marinate Chicken Perfectly

• Plain yogurt
• Lemon juice
• Ground cumin
• Ground coriander
• Paprika
• Turmeric
• Garam masala
• Salt

Massage the marinade into chicken pieces, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for minimum 1 hour or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook marinated chicken until exterior turns golden brown and interior becomes fully cooked. This process takes approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Build Luxurious Sauce Base

In the same skillet, add additional butter. Caramelize onions until they transform into soft, golden delights. Introduce minced garlic and ginger, allowing their aromatic essence to bloom for 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Develop Rich Sauce Layers

• Crushed tomatoes
• Heavy cream
• Ground cumin
• Ground coriander
• Paprika
• Garam masala
• Chili powder (optional)

Simmer sauce for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken and develop complex flavors.

Step 5: Marry Chicken with Sauce

Return seared chicken to the skillet. Gently coat each piece with the velvety sauce. Simmer for additional 5 minutes to harmonize flavors and warm chicken thoroughly.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top. Serve alongside steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread for a complete culinary experience.

Pro Tips for Creamy Indian Butter Chicken

• Maximize Marination: Let chicken soak in yogurt mix overnight for deeper, more intense flavor profiles that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Prevent Burning: Use medium-low heat when cooking chicken and sauce to avoid scorching spices and ensure smooth, rich consistency.
• Cream Control: Add heavy cream gradually and stir continuously to prevent sauce from separating and maintain silky texture.
• Spice Balance: Adjust chili powder and garam masala according to personal heat tolerance without compromising authentic Indian taste.
• Herb Fresh Hack: Chop cilantro right before serving to preserve bright green color and release maximum aromatic oils into the dish.

Flavor Variations for Creamy Indian Butter Chicken

• Vegetarian Butter Masala: Replace chicken with firm tofu or paneer cubes, marinating and cooking similarly for a protein-packed vegetarian alternative.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Swap rice with roasted cauliflower rice, reducing carbohydrates while maintaining the rich, creamy sauce's authentic flavors.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Version: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use plant-based butter for a lactose-free adaptation that preserves the dish's traditional essence.
• Protein-Packed Quinoa Companion: Serve over quinoa instead of rice, boosting protein content and creating a nutritionally enhanced meal with similar taste profiles.

Pairing Suggestions for Creamy Indian Butter Chicken

• Pair Perfectly with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Syrah or Grenache with spicy, full-bodied characteristics that complement the rich, creamy butter chicken sauce.
• Create Refreshing Contrast with Crisp White Wine: Select a Riesling or Gewürztraminer with slight sweetness and acidity to balance the dish's intense spices and creamy texture.
• Match with Classic Indian Beverage Lassi: Prepare a cool, tangy yogurt-based drink with mint or mango to soothe the palate and provide a traditional accompaniment to the spicy chicken.
• Enhance with Aromatic Basmati Rice Pairing: Serve butter chicken alongside fragrant basmati rice with subtle cardamom or cumin notes to elevate the overall flavor profile and provide a complementary starch.

Storage Advice for Creamy Indian Butter Chicken

• Transfer leftover butter chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent odor absorption and maintain freshness.
• Package the chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months without compromising taste or texture.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a splash of water or cream to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain sauce consistency.

FAQs About Creamy Indian Butter Chicken

• What makes the marinade so important in this butter chicken recipe?

The marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with deep, complex spices, allowing the meat to absorb rich flavors before cooking, which creates a more delicious and succulent final dish.

• Can I use a different type of yogurt for marinating?

Full-fat plain yogurt works best, but Greek yogurt is an excellent alternative that provides similar tenderizing properties and helps create a creamy texture for the chicken.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which ensures it’s safe to eat while remaining juicy and tender.

Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 27-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Butter Chicken brings classic Indian cuisine straight to home kitchens with rich, velvety sauce and tender marinated chicken. Spice-infused flavors and smooth tomato cream create an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground garam masala
• 1 teaspoon salt

Marinade Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking yogurt, aromatic spices, lemon juice, and salt in a spacious mixing vessel. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces, ensuring each morsel is generously covered. Refrigerate for minimum 1 hour, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
2. Melt butter in a substantial skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully transfer marinated chicken, cooking until exterior turns golden brown and interior reaches perfect doneness, approximately 6-8 minutes. Extract chicken and reserve momentarily.
3. Utilize identical skillet, introducing remaining butter. Caramelize onions until translucent and rich amber, roughly 5 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and ginger, releasing their intense aromatics for 1-2 minutes.
4. Pour crushed tomatoes and heavy cream into the skillet. Sprinkle cumin, coriander, paprika, garam masala, and optional chili powder. Allow sauce to simmer and reduce, creating a luxurious consistency over 10-15 minutes.
5. Reintroduce cooked chicken into the velvety sauce, gently folding to ensure complete coverage. Let mixture harmonize for additional 5 minutes, allowing flavors to intensify.
6. Elevate presentation by scattering fresh cilantro atop the dish. Accompany with steamed basmati rice or warm, pillowy naan bread for an authentic culinary experience.

Notes

• Enhance marinade depth by adding yogurt with higher fat content for extra tenderness and richness.
• Create dairy-free version by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for similar creamy texture.
• Balance spice levels by adjusting chili powder quantity based on personal heat tolerance, ensuring consistent flavor profile.
• Maximize flavor development through longer marination time, ideally 8-12 hours, allowing spices to fully penetrate chicken meat.

• Prep Time: 1 hour (marinating)
• Cook Time: 27–35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg