Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Indian Butter Chicken is a rich and creamy dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a flavorful spiced tomato sauce. This comforting favorite is perfect for sharing and pairs wonderfully with basmati rice or warm naan bread.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the vegetable oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and cook until they turn lightly golden, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced ginger and garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken chunks to the skillet along with tomato paste, garam masala, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Step 3: Pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the mixture simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
4. Step 4: Serve the butter chicken hot over basmati rice or with naan bread. Enjoy your meal!

Tips & Variations

• Marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor and tenderness.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk.
• Add a pinch of fenugreek leaves or kasuri methi for an authentic aroma.
• Control the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili powder.

Storage

Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove 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 thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used and may offer more moisture and flavor. Adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked.

Is butter chicken spicy?

Butter chicken typically has a mild to moderate spice level. You can adjust the chili powder to make it milder or spicier according to your preference.

Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 60 reviews

A rich and creamy Indian Butter Chicken recipe featuring tender chunks of boneless chicken simmered in a flavorful tomato and spice-infused cream sauce. Perfectly balanced with garam masala, garlic, and ginger, this dish delivers authentic Indian taste that pairs beautifully with basmati rice or naan bread.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Sauce

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Prepare Aromatics and Sauté Onion: Heat the vegetable oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and cook until they become lightly golden, about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
2. Add Ginger and Garlic: Stir in the minced ginger and garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring the base of your sauce develops deep flavor.
3. Cook Chicken with Spices: Add the chicken chunks to the skillet along with tomato paste, garam masala, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices and tomato paste. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
4. Simmer with Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the mixture simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy, melding all the flavors perfectly.
5. Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot over fragrant basmati rice or with warm naan bread to soak up the luscious sauce. Enjoy this classic Indian butter chicken for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Notes

• For extra depth of flavor, marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for 1 hour before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer a few minutes longer until desired consistency is reached.
• Adjust chili powder to taste for desired heat level.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness.
• Can be made gluten-free by ensuring all spices and tomato paste are gluten-free and serving with gluten-free bread or rice.

Keywords: Indian Butter Chicken, Chicken Curry, Indian Cuisine, Creamy Chicken, Garam Masala Chicken