The Cozy Homemade Indian Butter Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Creamy, rich butter chicken sauce swirls with tender marinated chicken, creating a culinary experience that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Delhi.

Aromatic spices dance through each velvety bite, promising pure comfort on your plate.

The fragrant blend of tomatoes, cream, and warming spices tells a story of traditional Indian cooking.

Marinating the chicken beforehand ensures deep, complex flavors that melt in your mouth.

Perfectly balanced between tangy and smooth, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

You’ll savor every spoonful of this restaurant-quality dish that comes together effortlessly on your stovetop.

Let’s unlock the secret to making restaurant-worthy butter chicken in just half an hour.

Flavor Styles for Butter Chicken

• Vegan Butter Chicken: Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas, use coconut cream instead of dairy cream, and swap ghee with plant-based butter for a dairy-free alternative.
• Low-Carb Protein Option: Substitute chicken with cauliflower or chunks of paneer cheese, reduce tomato sauce, and serve over cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly meal.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all spices are certified gluten-free, use gluten-free tomato sauce, and serve with gluten-free naan or rice to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Spice-Sensitive Version: Reduce or eliminate cayenne and chili powder, replace with mild paprika, and add a touch of smoked paprika for depth without intense heat.

FAQs

• Why should I marinate the chicken?

Marinating helps tenderize the chicken and allows the spices to deeply penetrate the meat, creating richer flavor and more juicy meat.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs are more flavorful and stay more tender during cooking. Just ensure they’re cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild to moderate heat. You can adjust the chili powder and cayenne pepper to control the spice level, making it milder or more intense based on your preference.

• What if I don't have fenugreek?

If you don’t have dried fenugreek, you can skip it. The dish will still taste delicious, though fenugreek adds a unique depth of flavor typical in traditional butter chicken.

What Makes Butter Chicken So Loved

• Dive into an effortless Indian cuisine experience that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality masterpiece without complex cooking techniques.
• Packed with aromatic spices like garam masala, turmeric, and cayenne, this recipe delivers an incredible taste profile that will tantalize taste buds and transport you straight to the streets of India.
• Perfect for busy home cooks seeking a delicious meal that comes together swiftly, requiring minimal preparation and using common kitchen ingredients that most people already have on hand.
• A universally loved dish that appeals to both adults and kids, making it an excellent choice for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings where everyone craves something warm and satisfying.

What You Need for Butter Chicken

• Chicken: Tender pieces that absorb the rich marinade and become the star of the dish.

• Yogurt: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a creamy tang.
• Garlic, Ginger: Provide depth of flavor and aromatic base.

• Garam Masala, Turmeric, Cumin, Chili Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Coriander: Create the signature warm and complex Indian flavor profile.

• Tomato Sauce: Provides a rich, tangy foundation for the butter chicken.
• Cream, Ghee or Butter: Adds luxurious richness and smoothness to the sauce.

• Dried Fenugreek, Fresh Cilantro: Enhance the final flavor and provide a fresh garnish.

• Oil: Helps in browning the chicken and preventing sticking.

• Naan, Basmati Rice: Perfect side dishes to complement the butter chicken.

30-Minute Butter Chicken Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Flavorful Chicken Marinade

Mix yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt in a large bowl.

Coat chicken pieces thoroughly in the marinade.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing spices to penetrate deeply into the meat.

Step 2: Create Beautiful Golden Chicken Sear

Heat oil in a skillet until hot and shimmering.

Add marinated chicken pieces, avoiding overcrowding the pan.

Brown chicken on both sides, developing rich caramelized flavors.

Work in batches if necessary.

Once beautifully golden, set chicken aside.

Step 3: Build Aromatic Spice Foundation

In the same skillet, melt ghee or butter.

Sauté garlic until fragrant.

• Cumin
• Garam masala
• Coriander
• Chili powder
• Cayenne pepper

Stir quickly to prevent burning, releasing intense aromatics.

Step 4: Develop Luxurious Sauce Base

Pour tomato sauce into the skillet, scraping up delicious browned bits from pan bottom.

Simmer for 5 minutes to marry flavors.

Gradually whisk in cream or coconut milk, preventing curdling.

Add dried fenugreek for extra depth.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return browned chicken to the skillet.

Simmer for 8-10 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and sauce thickens.

If sauce becomes too dense, incorporate additional ghee or butter.

Step 6: Present and Garnish

Remove from heat.

Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the dish.

Serve alongside warm naan and fluffy basmati rice for an authentic Indian dining experience.

Smart Tips for Butter Chicken Flavor

• Let chicken soak in yogurt mixture for up to 24 hours to intensify flavors and tenderize meat for a mouthwatering result.
• Toast spices quickly for 30 seconds to release aromatic oils without scorching, ensuring a rich and complex flavor profile.
• Whisk cream or coconut milk slowly into the sauce to prevent curdling, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
• Adjust sauce thickness by adding extra ghee or butter if too dense, or a splash of water if too thick, maintaining perfect sauce texture.
• Sprinkle fresh cilantro just before serving to add brightness and a pop of color, elevating the dish's visual and flavor appeal.

Storing Indian Butter Chicken

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odor absorption.
• Pack cooled butter chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm butter chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to restore sauce consistency. Stir gently to prevent chicken from breaking apart, heating until steaming hot.

What Goes with Butter Chicken

• Spice-Matching Wine Pairing: Choose a slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer to balance the rich, spicy butter chicken. These wines have just enough sweetness to cool down the heat and complement the complex Indian spices.
• Cooling Beverage Companion: Grab a cold mango lassi or traditional Indian sweet lassi. Its creamy yogurt base and subtle sweetness perfectly offset the bold flavors of the butter chicken, creating a refreshing contrast.
• Rice and Bread Duo: Serve with soft, warm garlic naan and fragrant basmati rice. The naan helps soak up the luxurious sauce, while the rice provides a neutral backdrop that lets the chicken's flavors shine through. The combination creates a complete, satisfying meal experience.
• Herb-Fresh Side Kick: Pair with a crisp cucumber raita or simple green salad with a light yogurt dressing. These cool, fresh accompaniments cut through the richness of the butter chicken, providing a palate-cleansing element to each delicious bite.

30 Minute Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Indian Butter Chicken delivers rich, velvety spices that dance across tender chicken pieces, melting hearts with authentic subcontinental flavor. Comfort meets culinary adventure on your plate, promising delicious memories you’ll savor with every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2.3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

Marinade Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon ginger (minced)
• 1.5 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable, canola or avocado)
• 2 tablespoons ghee (or butter)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1.5 teaspoons cumin
• 1.5 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 14 ounces (396 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1.5 teaspoons sea salt
• 1 cup heavy cream (or full fat coconut milk)
• 0.5 teaspoon dried fenugreek (or crushed kasoori methi)
• fresh cilantro (optional)

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Instructions

1. Create a vibrant marinade by blending yogurt with aromatic spices including garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces and refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes, ideally up to 24 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
2. Heat oil in a skillet until extremely hot. Sear marinated chicken pieces in batches, ensuring golden-brown exterior on all sides. This caramelization develops rich, complex flavor profiles. Remove browned chicken and set aside.
3. Using the same skillet, melt ghee and quickly sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Immediately introduce ground spices: cumin, garam masala, coriander, chili powder, and cayenne. Toast spices for precisely 30 seconds to prevent burning.
4. Pour tomato sauce into skillet, scraping pan’s bottom to incorporate delicious caramelized remnants. Simmer sauce for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Gradually whisk in cream, preventing potential curdling. Incorporate dried fenugreek for additional depth.
5. Reintroduce browned chicken to simmering sauce. Cook for 8-10 minutes until chicken reaches perfect doneness and sauce thickens to desired consistency. Adjust sauce texture by adding extra ghee if needed.
6. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately alongside warm naan and fluffy basmati rice for a complete, authentic Indian dining experience.

Notes

• Adjust the chili powder and cayenne pepper to control the heat level, making it mild or fiery based on your preference.
• Swap regular cream with full-fat coconut milk for a lactose-free version that maintains the rich, creamy texture.
• Longer marination time (up to 24 hours) intensifies the chicken’s flavor and tenderizes the meat, creating a more delicious dish.
• Brown the chicken thoroughly to develop a deep, caramelized exterior that adds complexity and depth to the final butter chicken.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 738
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 940 mg
• Fat: 57 g
• Saturated Fat: 32 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 46 g
• Cholesterol: 215 mg