Irresistible Indian Butter Chicken Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Creamy, aromatic Indian butter chicken promises a culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance with delight.

Fragrant spices blend seamlessly in this classic dish, creating layers of complex flavors.

Tender chicken pieces nestle in a rich, velvety sauce that whispers stories of traditional Indian kitchens.

Yourself transported to the bustling streets of delhi with each savory bite.

Bold yet comforting, this recipe brings restaurant-quality magic right into your home kitchen.

Mild enough for cautious eaters but exciting for spice lovers, the dish balances warmth and depth perfectly.

You’ll want to gather friends and share this incredible meal that celebrates the heart of Indian cuisine.

Let’s unlock the secrets to making this irresistible butter chicken that will become your new favorite dinner sensation.

Why Indian Butter Chicken Is Rich And Flavorful

• Flavor Explosion: Dive into a symphony of spices that dance on your tongue, with cumin, coriander, and garam masala creating an authentic Indian taste experience that transports you straight to the streets of Delhi.
• Marinating Magic: The yogurt-based marinade works double duty, tenderizing the chicken while infusing deep, complex flavors that guarantee juicy, mouthwatering meat in every single bite.
• Quick Prep, Big Rewards: With just a simple mixing of ingredients and minimal hands-on time, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results that seem way more complicated than they actually are, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive weekend cooking.
• Flexible Foodie Favorite: The overnight marinating option means you can prep ahead, making this dish incredibly convenient for busy home cooks who want to maximize flavor with minimal evening effort.

Ingredients Needed For Indian Butter Chicken

• Yogurt: Tender and tangy base that helps break down chicken proteins for a soft texture.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the meat with its natural acidity.
• Cumin, Coriander, Turmeric, Chili Powder, Garam Masala: Classic Indian spice blend that creates deep, complex flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and brings out the spices' natural flavors.

• Chicken: Preferred cut is boneless, skinless chicken thighs for maximum juiciness and rich flavor. Chicken breasts can work as a leaner alternative.

• Black Pepper: Optional addition for extra warmth and subtle heat.

Steps To Make Indian Butter Chicken At Home

Marinating The Chicken

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

Toss chicken pieces into the aromatic marinade, ensuring each morsel gets thoroughly coated. Seal the bowl and let the chicken chill in the refrigerator. For maximum flavor explosion, marinate overnight, but a minimum of one hour will still deliver delicious results.

Creating The Creamy Butter Sauce

Heat a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium flame. Melt butter and add finely chopped onions, sautéing until they turn soft and golden. Introduce minced garlic and ginger, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Pouring In Tomato Magic

• Garam masala
• Ground cumin
• Ground coriander

Simmering The Chicken

Remove marinated chicken from refrigerator. Shake off excess marinade and gently place chicken pieces into the simmering sauce. Cover and cook on low heat, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb all the incredible flavors.

Finishing With Creamy Richness

Stir in heavy cream, creating a luxurious, velvety texture. Let the sauce simmer for a few more minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of cream.

Serving Suggestion

Serve hot alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread. This dish brings the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine right to your dinner table.

Helpful Cooking Tips For Indian Butter Chicken

• Maximize Marinade Magic: Let chicken soak in the spice-packed yogurt mixture overnight to deeply infuse flavors and tenderize the meat completely.
• Spice Precision Matters: Use fresh, high-quality ground spices for authentic, vibrant taste that transforms the dish from good to extraordinary.
• Temperature Control Technique: Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safe cooking while maintaining juicy, tender texture.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap yogurt with coconut milk or dairy-free yogurt alternative for those with lactose sensitivities, keeping the rich, creamy essence intact.
• Storage Smart Strategy: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify with time.

Best Way To Store Indian Butter Chicken For Later

• Refrigerate: Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent flavor loss.
• Cool Down: Let the dish reach room temperature before placing in the refrigerator. This prevents condensation and keeps the sauce's consistency intact.
• Microwave Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of water or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying.
• Safe Consumption: Enjoy refrigerated butter chicken within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety. Discard if any unusual odor or texture appears.

What To Serve With Indian Butter Chicken

• Pair with Fragrant Basmati Rice: Serve the butter chicken over a bed of fluffy basmati rice to soak up the rich, creamy sauce. The delicate, aromatic grains perfectly complement the bold, spicy flavors of the dish.
• Complement with Warm Naan Bread: Grab some freshly baked naan to scoop up every last bit of the luxurious sauce. Its soft, slightly charred texture creates an incredible contrast with the tender chicken.
• Enhance with Crisp Indian Lager: Enjoy a cold Kingfisher or Taj Mahal beer to cool down the spicy notes. The light, refreshing beer cuts through the richness of the butter chicken and cleanses the palate.
• Balance with Cooling Raita: Add a side of cucumber raita to provide a cool, tangy counterpoint to the warm, spicy dish. The yogurt-based condiment brings a fresh, soothing element that perfectly balances the intense flavors.

Tasty Variations Of Indian Butter Chicken

• Spicy Herb Infusion: Replace mild spices with red chili flakes and fresh herbs like mint and basil for a zesty, aromatic profile that elevates the traditional butter chicken flavor.
• Coconut Cream Fusion: Swap yogurt with coconut milk and add a splash of coconut cream to create a richer, tropical-inspired marinade that softens the chicken and introduces a creamy undertone.
• Tandoori-Style Adaptation: Incorporate smoked paprika and use a clay tandoor or grill to char the marinated chicken, developing deeper smoky notes and authentic Indian restaurant-style char marks.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, paneer, or roasted cauliflower florets, maintaining the same spice blend and marination technique for a plant-based alternative that retains the classic butter chicken essence.

Your Indian Butter Chicken FAQs

• What makes butter chicken different from other Indian chicken dishes?

Butter chicken, or murgh makhani, stands out for its rich, creamy tomato-based sauce that blends tangy and sweet flavors, originating from Delhi’s culinary scene in the 1950s.

• Can I use any type of yogurt for marinating the chicken?

Greek yogurt works best because it’s thicker and helps the spices cling better to the chicken, creating a more flavorful and tender result.

• Why is marinating the chicken important in this recipe?

Marinating allows the spices to deeply penetrate the meat, tenderizing it and infusing each bite with complex, authentic Indian flavors that make butter chicken so delicious.

• Is garam masala necessary for the recipe?

Garam masala is crucial as it provides the signature warm, aromatic blend of spices that gives butter chicken its distinctive and authentic taste profile.

Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy, aromatic butter chicken whispers tales of Indian culinary tradition, blending tender marinated chicken in a luxurious tomato-based sauce. Rich spices and silky cream invite passionate cooks to savor this classic North Indian delicacy that promises comfort and pure gastronomic delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (450 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (or paprika for a milder heat)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Liquids and Bases:

• ½ cup (120 grams) plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) tomato puree
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for finishing)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Whisk together tangy yogurt, zesty lemon juice, and a vibrant medley of ground spices including cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and salt in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Gently immerse chicken pieces into the aromatic marinade, meticulously massaging each morsel to ensure comprehensive coverage and deep flavor penetration.
3. Seal the marinating container and allow the chicken to rest in the refrigerator, letting the spices work their magic for a minimum of 60 minutes, though overnight marination will yield the most profound taste complexity.
4. When ready to prepare, remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it gradually approach room temperature, which promotes more even cooking.
5. Ensure each chicken piece is thoroughly coated with the spice-infused yogurt mixture, guaranteeing maximum flavor absorption and tender, succulent results.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for a minimum of 1 hour to allow the spices to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat, enhancing flavor and texture.
• Use full-fat yogurt for a richer, creamier marinade that helps keep the chicken incredibly moist during cooking.
• For a gluten-free version, verify that all spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially garam masala blends.
• Consider removing chicken skin before marinating to reduce fat content and allow better spice absorption, creating a healthier yet still delicious dish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg