Savory Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Butter Chicken is a beloved Indian dish known for its rich, creamy tomato sauce and tender, flavorful chicken. This recipe guides you through creating a savory, aromatic meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1-2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 1 can (14oz/400g) tomato puree
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
• 2 cups basmati rice, cooked, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, garam masala, ground coriander, and salt. Stir until fully mixed to create the marinade.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, coating them evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
3. Step 3: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until golden brown and soft.
4. Step 4: Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
5. Step 5: Pour in tomato puree, mixing well with the onion, garlic, and ginger.
6. Step 6: Slowly stir in heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5–10 minutes to thicken.
7. Step 7: While the sauce simmers, preheat a grill or stovetop pan over medium-high heat. Grill or pan-cook the marinated chicken until charred on edges and mostly cooked through.
8. Step 8: Transfer the grilled chicken into the creamy tomato sauce. Stir well and simmer for an additional 10–15 minutes to blend flavors and finish cooking.
9. Step 9: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro just before serving.
10. Step 10: Serve the butter chicken hot with cooked basmati rice, naan bread, or your preferred side.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, substitute half the heavy cream with coconut milk.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level to your preference.
• Grill the chicken for a smoky taste, or cook it in the pan if you prefer a quicker option.
• Use chicken breasts if you want a leaner version, but thighs provide more juiciness.

Storage

Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they tend to be leaner and may dry out faster. Thighs stay juicier and more tender in this recipe.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?

Marinating for at least 1 hour helps tenderize and flavor the chicken, but overnight marination improves taste and texture even more.

Savory Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 97 reviews

This Savory Creamy Indian Butter Chicken features tender chicken thighs marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture, grilled for a smoky flavor, then simmered in a rich tomato and cream sauce. Perfectly balanced with aromatic spices and fresh cilantro, this classic Indian dish pairs beautifully with basmati rice or naan for a satisfying meal.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Marinade

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1–2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• Salt, to taste

Sauce & Garnish

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 1 can (14oz/400g) tomato puree
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Serving

• 2 cups basmati rice, cooked, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, garam masala, ground coriander, and salt. Stir until fully mixed to create a flavorful marinade base.
2. Marinate Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, coating them evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight to enhance flavor and tenderness.
3. Sauté Onions: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown and soft, creating an aromatic foundation.
4. Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, to build depth in the sauce.
5. Add Tomato Puree: Pour in the tomato puree and mix well with the onion, garlic, and ginger, integrating the flavors for the sauce base.
6. Incorporate Heavy Cream: Slowly stir in the heavy cream, then let the sauce simmer gently for 5–10 minutes to thicken and develop richness.
7. Cook Chicken: While the sauce simmers, preheat a grill or stovetop pan over medium-high heat. Grill or pan-cook the marinated chicken pieces until they are charred on the edges and mostly cooked through, enhancing the smoky flavor.
8. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Transfer the grilled chicken into the creamy tomato sauce. Stir well and simmer for an additional 10–15 minutes to meld the flavors and ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
9. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the dish just before serving for a fresh, herbal finish.
10. Serve: Serve the butter chicken hot with cooked basmati rice, naan bread, or your preferred side to enjoy a classic Indian meal.

Notes

• For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity according to your preferred spice level.
• Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor, but you can also use a stovetop pan if a grill is unavailable.
• Serve with naan or basmati rice for an authentic experience.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: Butter Chicken, Indian Butter Chicken, Creamy Chicken Curry, Indian Cuisine, Grilled Chicken Curry, Basmati Rice Side, Classic Indian Dish