Irresistible Classic Butter Chicken Recipe Everyone Will Love

Spice lovers rejoice as this silky smooth classic butter chicken recipe promises a culinary journey through rich, aromatic flavors that dance on your palate.

The traditional North Indian dish combines tender marinated chicken with a luxurious tomato-cream sauce that melts in your mouth.

Generations have savored this iconic recipe, perfecting each delicate balance of spices and textures.

Marinating the chicken overnight unlocks deep, complex flavors that elevate this beloved dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Creamy, slightly tangy, and wonderfully fragrant, this butter chicken delivers restaurant-quality taste straight from your kitchen.

One bite, and you’ll understand why this recipe has captured hearts across global dining tables.

Grab your apron and get ready to master a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Calories: 780 kcal

Servings: 5

Classic Butter Chicken Ingredients Checklist

• Yogurt: Tenderizes chicken and adds creamy tang with rich probiotic benefits.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors and helps break down chicken proteins for extra tenderness.
• Cumin: Earthy spice that provides warm, deep aromatic undertones to the marinade.
• Coriander: Adds mild citrusy notes and enhances overall spice complexity.
• Garam Masala: Classic Indian spice blend that delivers complex, warming flavor profile.
• Turmeric: Brings golden color and subtle earthy warmth with anti-inflammatory properties.
• Chili Powder: Introduces gentle heat and vibrant red color to the marinade.
• Cinnamon: Provides subtle sweet-woody undertone that balances spicy elements.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that elevate and balance overall taste.

• Butter: Creates rich, luxurious foundation with authentic creamy texture.
• Onion: Builds foundational flavor with sweet, caramelized undertones.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic powerhouses that provide depth and traditional Indian cooking essence.

• Tomato Sauce: Creates silky, tangy base that binds all spices together.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious smoothness and mellows intense spice levels.
• Fresh Cilantro: Bright, herbal garnish that adds fresh final touch and visual appeal.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Rich Indian Dish

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining marinade ingredients and coating chicken.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures precise spice measurements for authentic flavor.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping onions, mincing garlic, and grating ginger.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Large skillet or pan: Essential for cooking chicken and creating sauce.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir and mix ingredients while cooking.
• Grater: Helpful for preparing fresh ginger.

Cooking Instructions for Authentic Butter Chicken

• Flavor Fusion

Blend a magical mix of spices with yogurt, creating a tangy marinade that transforms plain chicken into a culinary adventure. Let the chicken soak up these aromatic flavors for at least an hour, allowing the spices to dance and mingle.

• Buttery Beginnings

Melt butter in a large pan, welcoming sweet onions that soften and turn golden, releasing their delicate sweetness into the kitchen.

• Aromatic Symphony

Introduce minced garlic and ginger, letting their intense fragrances fill the air and build layers of complex flavor.

• Chicken Transformation

Add marinated chicken to the pan, watching it turn a beautiful golden brown, sealing in all those incredible spice-infused juices.

• Sauce Magic

Pour in rich tomato sauce, creating a luscious base that will simmer and develop deep, complex flavors. Let the mixture bubble gently, allowing each ingredient to tell its delicious story.

• Creamy Finale

Swirl in velvety cream, transforming the dish into a luxurious, silky masterpiece that promises pure comfort and satisfaction.

• Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top, adding a burst of bright green and fresh flavor. Serve alongside warm rice or fluffy naan, ready to transport taste buds to a culinary paradise.

Flavor Tweaks and Spice-Level Adjustments

• Quick-Marinate Chicken for Maximum Tenderness
• Let chicken soak in marinade for at least 1 hour, but overnight refrigeration delivers deeper, more complex flavor profiles that will make your taste buds dance.
• Customize Heat to Your Preference
• Adjust chili powder quantity to match your personal spice tolerance – less for mild lovers, more for heat seekers who want a fiery kick in every bite.
• Explore Alternative Protein Options
• Replace chicken with paneer, tofu, or chickpeas for delicious vegetarian versions that capture the rich, creamy essence of classic butter chicken without losing traditional taste.
• Perfect Sauce Texture Tricks
• Stir cream slowly and gently to prevent separation, ensuring a silky-smooth sauce that coats each chicken piece with luxurious, velvety goodness. Using room temperature cream helps maintain perfect sauce consistency.
• Transformative Storage and Reheating Tips
• Store in airtight container for up to 3 days, gently reheat on stovetop with splash of water to restore original creamy texture, making next-day meals just as delectable as the first serving.

How to Serve Butter Chicken with Bread or Rice

• Serve with Fluffy Basmati Rice: Spoon the creamy, aromatic butter chicken over a bed of steaming basmati rice for a classic, comforting meal that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
• Pair with Warm Naan Bread: Tear pieces of soft, freshly baked naan to scoop up the rich, creamy chicken, creating the perfect bite that combines tender meat with pillowy bread.
• Sprinkle Fresh Herbs: Scatter chopped cilantro and a few green onion slices on top to add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy sauce and enhance the dish's vibrant flavors.
• Add Cooling Yogurt Raita: Serve a side of cool, tangy yogurt raita to balance the warmth of the spices and provide a refreshing complement to the hearty butter chicken.

Proper Ways to Store and Reheat Curry

• Maximize Freshness: Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making each bite even more delicious.
• Freeze with Care: Portion the cooled butter chicken into freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
• Reheat Like a Pro: Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the marinade and chicken a day ahead to save time. Keep marinated chicken refrigerated until ready to cook, maximizing flavor and convenience for busy weeknights.

Luxurious Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering butter chicken from Northern India blends tender chicken in a creamy tomato-based sauce. Spices like garam masala and kasuri methi create complex layers that will delight culinary enthusiasts who crave authentic subcontinental flavors.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) chicken thighs or breasts, boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tsps ground cumin
• 2 tsps ground coriander
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 2 tbsps lemon juice
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Cooked rice or naan, for serving

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until thoroughly combined.
2. Chicken Marination: Completely immerse chicken pieces in the aromatic mixture, ensuring full coverage. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight to maximize flavor infusion.
3. Butter Sautéing: Melt unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft and translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes. Immediately incorporate minced garlic and grated ginger, allowing aromatics to release their intense flavors for 1-2 minutes.
4. Chicken Cooking: Introduce marinated chicken to the skillet, searing until exterior develops a rich, golden-brown crust, rotating pieces to ensure even cooking and preventing burning.
5. Sauce Development: Pour tomato sauce into the skillet, blending seamlessly with chicken and spices. Reduce heat to low, allowing the mixture to simmer and meld flavors for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Cream Incorporation: Gently stir heavy cream into the sauce, creating a luxurious, silky texture. Continue simmering for an additional 4-5 minutes to integrate ingredients completely.
7. Final Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves, serving immediately alongside steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread to capture the dish’s peak flavor and temperature.

Notes

• Marinate Wisely: Allow chicken to soak in marinade overnight for maximum flavor depth and tenderness, transforming an ordinary dish into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Spice Balance Matters: Use fresh, high-quality spices to ensure robust and authentic flavor profile; old or stale spices can dramatically reduce the dish’s aromatic complexity.
• Cream Temperature Technique: Add cream gradually and at low heat to prevent curdling, maintaining a smooth, silky sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
• Cooking Surface Significance: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to distribute heat evenly, preventing burning and ensuring consistent caramelization of chicken and spices.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 780
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 860 mg
• Fat: 54 g
• Saturated Fat: 32 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 190 mg