The Creamiest Butter Chicken Recipe That Melts in Your Mouth

Butter chicken has long captivated food enthusiasts with its rich, velvety spice profile.

Aromatic Indian cuisine brings magical moments to our dinner tables.

Chefs across North America love crafting this delectable dish that promises incredible flavor combinations.

Tender chicken pieces swimming in a luxurious sauce create pure culinary magic.

Marinating techniques elevate this classic recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

Warm spices and smooth cream blend seamlessly, promising a memorable meal.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this comforting masterpiece.

Why Creamy Butter Chicken Is Always A Winner

• Simplify Spice Exploration: Dive into a delightful culinary adventure with this butter chicken recipe that introduces complex Indian flavors through an approachable cooking method.
• Create Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: Elevate your home cooking with a restaurant-style dish that impresses family and guests without requiring professional chef skills.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, swapping protein, or adding personal touches to make it uniquely yours while maintaining the core delicious essence.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single-skillet cooking technique that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, creamy, and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

What You’ll Need For Creamy Butter Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: A tender and flavorful cut that absorbs marinades exceptionally well and provides rich meat texture.

• Yogurt, Garam Masala, Turmeric, Cumin, Salt, Black Pepper: A blend of spices and dairy that tenderizes the chicken and creates a complex, aromatic flavor profile.

• Onions, Garlic, Ginger: A classic flavor foundation that adds depth and complexity to the dish's overall taste.
• Green Chilies: Provides a subtle heat and vibrant green color to the sauce.

• Butter: Adds richness and creates a golden, flavorful base for cooking.
• Tomato Paste: Contributes a concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Heavy Cream, Sour Cream: Creates a luxurious, creamy texture and balances the spices with a smooth, tangy finish.

• Cilantro: A fresh herb that adds brightness and a pop of color to the final dish.

Steps To Make Creamy Butter Chicken With Ease

Step 1: Marinate Chicken with Spice Blend

• Garam masala
• Turmeric
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the chicken soak up these incredible flavors at room temperature for a half hour.

Step 2: Melt Golden Butter

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it transforms into a foamy, golden liquid.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Toss diced onions, minced garlic, and ginger into the skillet. Cook until they become wonderfully fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Build Flavor Foundation

Add chopped green chilies and tomato paste. Stir continuously to prevent burning and develop a rich, complex taste profile.

Step 5: Cook Chicken to Perfection

Introduce marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook each side until it turns a beautiful golden brown. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which takes approximately 6-8 minutes.

Step 6: Create Luxurious Cream Sauce

Pour heavy cream and sour cream into the skillet. Reduce heat to low, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken for 10-12 minutes.

Step 7: Blend Sauce Smoothly

Gently stir the sauce, making sure the chicken is completely coated. Watch as the cream mixture becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 8: Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a vibrant and aromatic finish.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes. This magical pause lets the flavors meld and the sauce cool slightly, creating the ultimate dining experience.

Tips For Creamy Butter Chicken Success

• Perfect Marination Magic: Use full-fat yogurt to tenderize chicken and lock in maximum flavor profiles.
• Butter Browning Technique: Allow butter to reach golden foam stage before adding ingredients for deeper, nuttier taste.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust green chili quantity based on personal heat tolerance without compromising authentic flavor.
• Cream Consistency Hack: Combine heavy and sour cream slowly to prevent sauce from splitting and maintain silky smooth texture.
• Temperature Precision: Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exact 165°F for safe, juicy results.

Ways To Change Up Creamy Butter Chicken Flavor

• Spicy Tandoori Butter Chicken: Marinate chicken in tandoori spice blend and yogurt for intense heat and smoky flavor, adding extra red chili powder for more kick.
• Coconut Curry Butter Chicken: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk, incorporate curry leaves and mustard seeds for a South Indian-inspired variation with tropical undertones.
• Herb-Infused Butter Chicken: Swap cilantro with fresh basil and thyme, add lemon zest for brightness and introduce roasted pine nuts for textural complexity.
• Nutty Almond Butter Chicken: Blend ground almonds into the sauce for rich nuttiness, sprinkle toasted almond slivers on top and use almond milk instead of cream for deeper flavor profile.

Perfect Pairings For Creamy Butter Chicken

• Savor Creamy Butter Chicken with Perfect Pairings
• Pair with Fragrant Basmati Rice: Fluffy, aromatic basmati rice provides the ideal canvas for soaking up the rich, creamy sauce, creating a harmonious flavor balance.
• Match with Cool Cucumber Raita: Cooling yogurt-based side dish cuts through the dish's richness, offering a refreshing contrast and soothing spice intensity.
• Complement with Garlic Naan Bread: Soft, buttery naan serves as the perfect utensil for scooping up every last drop of the luxurious sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Enhance with Crisp Indian Lager: Light, slightly hoppy beer like Kingfisher cleanses the palate and balances the creamy, spiced chicken, creating a delightful meal combination.

How To Save Creamy Butter Chicken For Later

• Transfer leftover butter chicken to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal flavor.
• Place cooled butter chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and store for up to 2-3 months. Freeze without garnishing to keep herbs fresh.
• Thaw refrigerated or frozen butter chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore sauce consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching and ensure even heating.

Creamy Butter Chicken Questions Answered

• Is butter chicken spicy?

The spice level depends on green chilies. You can adjust the heat by reducing or removing chilies for a milder version.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work fine. Just ensure they’re not overcooked to maintain tenderness and prevent dryness.

• What does garam masala contribute to the recipe?

Garam masala adds warm, complex spices that create depth and authenticity in the butter chicken’s flavor profile, providing a traditional Indian taste.

• How important is marinating the chicken?

Marinating is crucial. It tenderizes the meat, infuses flavors deeply, and helps chicken absorb spices, resulting in more flavorful and juicy chicken.

Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour (approximately)
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Indian Butter Chicken whisks dinner guests into a rich, aromatic culinary journey through northern India’s most beloved dish. Fragrant spices and velvety sauce promise a memorable meal that brings restaurant-quality comfort directly to your kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 0.5 cup plain yogurt

Dairy and Creamy Base:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup sour cream

Spices and Aromatics:

• 2 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 0.25 cup tomato paste
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken thighs in yogurt, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, salt, and black pepper for 30 minutes at room temperature to infuse deep flavors.
2. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it begins to foam and turn golden.
3. Sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and ginger until fragrant and translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Add chopped green chilies and tomato paste, stirring continuously to prevent burning and develop rich, complex flavors.
5. Introduce marinated chicken to the skillet, cooking each side until golden brown and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 6-8 minutes.
6. Pour heavy cream and sour cream into the skillet, reducing heat to low and allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken for 10-12 minutes.
7. Gently stir the sauce, ensuring chicken is completely coated and the cream mixture becomes smooth and velvety.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
9. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and sauce to slightly cool.

Notes

• Experiment with boneless chicken breasts as a leaner protein alternative while maintaining the dish’s rich, creamy texture.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that still delivers luxurious, silky consistency.
• Balance spice levels by adjusting green chili quantity or removing seeds for milder palates without compromising authentic flavor profile.
• Enhance meal prep by marinating chicken overnight in refrigerator, allowing deeper penetration of aromatic spices and tenderizing meat more effectively.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-28 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 960
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 82 g
• Saturated Fat: 48 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 32 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 250 mg