This easy homemade Butter chicken is a beloved dish in my household, that features succulent pieces of marinated chicken cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. The chicken’s tenderness is beautifully complemented by the creamy sauce infused with a blend of simple spices, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Often enjoyed with naan or rice, butter chicken has gained global popularity for its comforting appeal.
Ingredients for Easy homemade Butter Chicken
Chicken
I used boneless chicken thighs and marinated them in spices and yogurt to achieve a succulent chicken that harmonizes with the sauce, creating a truly satisfying culinary experience. To cook the chicken I use some neutral oil and cook it on high heat. I don’t stir the chicken around until it is cooked from one side and has a good color, then stir it around to cook from the other side.
Sauce
This sauce, known for its velvety texture and delightful taste, combines creamy tomato sauce, spices, and a touch of butter or cream. I used fresh garden tomatoes, onion, ginger garlic, and the same spices I used for the marination of chicken. However, If the tomatoes are sour then you can also add 1 tsp of sugar to balance out the flavors.
Spices
The spices in this chicken recipe play a pivotal role in creating its signature flavor. I used cumin, coriander powder, red chili, Kashmiri chili, salt, and fenugreek leaves. This aromatic medley infuses the dish with layers of complexity, elevating the chicken and sauce to a harmonious and unforgettable taste experience.
Heavy cream
I have added 1/4 cup of heavy cream and 1 tbsp of butter at the end, right before serving which adds a luxurious and velvety texture to the dish, balancing the spices and tangy tomato flavors with its rich and soothing presence.
How to serve butter chicken
This saucy chicken tastes delicious with any side dish from rice to roti, paratha, or naan. My personal favorite is white rice. Add a side salad to make it a perfect meal. I’m experimenting with butter chicken lasagna and sharing the recipe soon, so stay tuned.
Storing leftover butter chicken
Butter chicken is perfect for meal prep. It can stay in an air-tight container for up to five days. This recipe freezes very well. Divide it into small portions for easy reheating.
More Recipes
- Easy Butter Chicken
- Tandoori Lamb Chops
- Easy fried Chicken
- Homemade Naan Recipe
- Butter Chicken Lasagna
Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Ingredients for Butter chicken
- 1 lb chicken thighs cut into small cubes
Marination for chicken
- 1/4 cup yogurt
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp red chili
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp ginger and garlic paste
- 1/2 tsp paprika or Kashmiri chili
Ingredients for sauce
- 1 medium onion
- 1/2 tbsp ginger and garlic paste
- 2 tbsp oil
- 4 medium tomatoes
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Spices for the butter chicken sauce
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika or Kashmiri chili
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp sugar optional see note
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
Other ingredients for butter chicken
- 1/2 tsp fenugreek leaves
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
Marinate the chicken
- Cut chicken into small cubes and marinate with all ingredients mentioned in the marination.
Make tomato sauce
- Slice onions and tomatoes.
- In a pan add 2 tbsp of oil, add sliced onions, and cook them until they start getting brown. You are not going to brown them though. Add ginger and garlic paste and cook for another minute.
- Add all of the spices mentioned for the sauce. Add diced tomatoes. Mix and let them cook on medium heat for 10-15 minutes. After 15 minutes blend them to make a sauce.
Cook the chicken
- In a separate pan add 2 tbsp of oil and then add marinated chicken. Cook on high heat from one side. Once cooked from one side mix and cook the other side. It'll take a total of 8-10 minutes over high heat.
- Now combine the chicken and sauce.
- Sprinkle fenugreek leaves, add butter and heavy cream.