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.

Butter chicken

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

Butter chicken
4.85 from 13 reviews

Butter Chicken

Saba Ahmad
servings: 4
Butter chicken is known for its rich and creamy tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices. Tender pieces of chicken are typically marinated, cooked, and then simmered in the flavorful sauce, creating a delectable and indulgent culinary experience.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients
 

Ingredients for Butter chicken

  • 1 lb (450 g) chicken , thighs cut into small cubes

Marination for chicken

  • ¼ cup (60 g) yogurt
  • ½ tsp (½ tsp) salt
  • ½ tsp (½ tsp) red chili
  • ½ tsp (½ tsp) cumin powder
  • 1 tsp (1 tsp) coriander powder
  • 1 tsp (½ tbsp) ginger and garlic paste
  • ½ tsp (½ tsp) paprika or Kashmiri chili

Ingredients for sauce

  • 1 medium (1 medium ) onion
  • ½ tbsp ginger and garlic paste
  • 2 tbsp (2 tbsp) oil
  • 4 medium (4 medium ) tomatoes
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream

Spices for the butter chicken sauce

Other ingredients for butter chicken

  • ½ tsp (½ tsp) fenugreek leaves
  • 1 tbsp (1 tbsp) butter
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) 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.

Video

Calories: 477kcal, Carbohydrates: 14g, Protein: 22g, Fat: 37g, Saturated Fat: 13g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g, Monounsaturated Fat: 15g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 145mg, Sodium: 140mg, Potassium: 646mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 1761IU, Vitamin C: 20mg, Calcium: 82mg, Iron: 2mg

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