The Coziest Stress-Free Butter Chicken Recipe for Dinner Bliss

Whipping up a stress-free butter chicken recipe doesn’t have to feel like a culinary marathon.

Cooking this classic dish becomes simple when you break down each step.

Creamy tomato sauce and tender chicken pieces create magic in your kitchen.

Authentic flavors emerge without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Professional chefs have nothing on you when simplicity meets deliciousness.

Every home cook can master this comforting meal with minimal effort.

Dive into this straightforward approach and watch your confidence in the kitchen soar.

Why Butter Chicken Has Never Been This Stress-Free

• Craft Flavor Explosion: Immerse yourself in a vibrant blend of spices that transform ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece, delivering bold Indian-inspired taste in every single bite.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: This recipe requires minimal professional skills, guiding home cooks through straightforward steps that guarantee delicious results without complicated culinary training.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this butter chicken recipe promises universal appeal with its creamy, rich sauce and tender meat that everyone will adore.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the spice levels and ingredients to suit personal preferences, making this dish wonderfully flexible for different dietary needs and taste sensibilities.

Everything You Need for Easy Butter Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Tender cuts of meat that provide a rich and juicy base for the butter chicken dish.

• Yogurt: Creates a creamy and tangy coating that helps tenderize the chicken.
• Garam Masala, Cumin, Coriander, Turmeric, Chili Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: A blend of spices that adds deep, complex flavor and warmth to the chicken.

• Onion: Provides a sweet and savory foundation for the sauce.
• Garlic, Ginger: Adds sharp and aromatic notes that enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Crushed Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Creates a rich and smooth base for the sauce with a deep tomato flavor.
• Heavy Cream, Butter: Adds richness, creaminess, and a luxurious texture to the sauce.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for sautéing and cooking the ingredients.

• Fresh Cilantro: Provides a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

• Rice, Naan Bread: Traditional accompaniments that complement the butter chicken.

How to Cook Stress-Free Butter Chicken Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Chicken Marinade

Mix yogurt with a blend of spices in a large bowl.

• Garam masala
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Turmeric
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Submerge chicken thighs completely in the marinade. Let sit at room temperature for half an hour, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Finely chop onions and mince fresh garlic and ginger. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium flame. Sauté onions until they turn translucent and soft, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and ginger, stirring continuously for another minute to release their intense aromatics.

Step 3: Build Robust Tomato Sauce

Pour crushed tomatoes and tomato paste into the skillet. Stir thoroughly to create a smooth, rich base. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, developing deep, complex flavors for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Cook Marinated Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Carefully place chicken pieces into the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure beautiful golden-brown coloration on all sides.

Step 5: Finish With Creamy Richness

Gently pour heavy cream and butter into the skillet. Stir softly to incorporate, creating a luxurious sauce. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15-20 minutes. The sauce will thicken beautifully while chicken becomes tender and juicy.

Step 6: Verify Doneness

Check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. Continue cooking if needed to ensure perfect safety and texture.

Step 7: Rest And Garnish

Remove skillet from heat. Allow dish to rest for 5 minutes, letting flavors meld together. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top for a burst of bright, herbal freshness.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Plate your butter chicken alongside fluffy rice or warm naan bread. The rich, velvety sauce will tantalize taste buds and transport diners to culinary bliss.

Quick Tips for Creamy, Flavorful Butter Chicken

• Marinate Perfectly: Let chicken absorb yogurt spices at room temperature to enhance flavor depth and tenderize meat effectively.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Simmer sauce slowly to develop rich, thick texture without burning; stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Ensure Chicken Doneness: Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and juicy protein every time.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Allow dish to rest 5 minutes after cooking, helping spices meld and sauce thicken naturally for more robust taste.
• Low-Fat Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for lighter version without compromising authentic butter chicken experience.

Make It Yours: Butter Chicken Twists You’ll Crave

• Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: Transfer marinated chicken and sauce ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, creating a hands-off meal with tender, flavorful chicken.
• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Press tofu to remove excess moisture, then marinate and cook using the same method for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Spicy Kick Variant: Increase chili powder or add fresh chopped jalapeños during cooking. Include a dash of cayenne pepper to elevate heat levels for those who enjoy more intense flavors.
• Coconut Cream Edition: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. This variation adds a subtle tropical note and creates a slightly different sauce texture.

Sides That Work Wonders With Butter Chicken

• Match with Crisp White Wine: Pair the buttery, spiced chicken with a chilled Riesling or Gewürztraminer to balance the rich, creamy sauce and cut through the heat.
• Cool Down with Mango Lassi: Complement the spicy notes with a traditional Indian yogurt drink that soothes the palate and echoes the recipe's yogurt marinade.
• Enhance with Fragrant Basmati Rice: Serve alongside fluffy basmati rice to soak up the luxurious sauce and provide a perfect textural contrast to the tender chicken.
• Brighten with Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top to add a fresh, zesty element that lifts the heavy cream-based sauce and adds a pop of color.

How to Keep Butter Chicken Creamy and Reheat-Ready

• Transfer leftover butter chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pack cooled butter chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and store for maximum 2-3 months. Ensure containers are sealed tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw frozen butter chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore sauce consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even warming.
• When reheating, warm slowly and stir frequently.

Your Top Butter Chicken Questions Answered

• Is butter chicken spicy?

The heat level depends on the chili powder quantity. You can adjust spiciness by reducing or increasing chili powder amount to suit your taste preference.

• Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works well. However, thighs are more flavorful and tender, providing a richer taste and texture to the dish.

• Do I need to use fresh spices?

Fresh spices enhance flavor significantly. While dried spices work, using recently ground spices will deliver a more vibrant and authentic taste profile.

• Is this recipe authentic Indian cuisine?

This recipe is a simplified, westernized version of traditional butter chicken. It captures core flavors but might differ from classic restaurant or home-style Indian preparations.

Stress-Free Butter Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 6-13 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy butter chicken brings Indian culinary magic straight to kitchen tables with minimal effort. Rich spices and tender chicken create a delightful meal you’ll savor without complicated cooking techniques.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Base and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 medium onion
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Marinate chicken thighs in yogurt, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and black pepper for 30 minutes at room temperature.
2. Dice onion and mince garlic and ginger. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Sauté onions until translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 1 minute.
4. Incorporate crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to create a smooth base sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Remove marinated chicken from yogurt mixture, shaking off excess. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning.
6. Pour heavy cream and butter into the skillet, stirring gently to combine. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and sauce thickens.
7. Check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F. If needed, continue cooking until desired consistency is achieved.
8. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
9. Serve hot with rice or naan bread, allowing the rich, aromatic sauce to complement the tender chicken.

Notes

• Swap chicken thighs with tofu or paneer for a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, creamy texture of the original dish.
• Reduce spice intensity by halving chili powder for sensitive palates, ensuring a milder yet flavorful experience.
• Opt for Greek yogurt in marinade to boost protein content and create an extra-tender chicken texture.
• Make-ahead friendly by preparing marinade and sauce base a day in advance, allowing flavors to develop deeper complexity.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 36-43 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 652
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 54 g
• Saturated Fat: 30 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg