If you’re craving a dish that wraps you in warm, luscious flavors and creamy comfort, this Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe is just what you need. With tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich blend of aromatic spices, buttery tomato sauce, and velvety cream, every bite feels like a celebration of Indian cuisine right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a seasoned foodie, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create an unforgettable classic that will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in the dish’s depth and richness. From buttery goodness to the vibrant spices that build layers of flavor, these components are essential to bringing this dish to life.
- 1 lb boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces: Choose fresh, tender chicken for the best texture and flavor absorption.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and smoothness while carrying the spices beautifully.
- 1 onion, chopped: Provides sweetness and a foundational flavor note after sautéing.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a pungent, savory depth that wakes up the palate.
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger: Offers a bright, zesty contrast that balances the creamy sauce.
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric: Contributes a warm color and mild earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Gives a smokey, nutty undertone essential to Indian cooking.
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander: Adds a subtle citrusy and floral note for complexity.
- 1 teaspoon ground garam masala: The key spice blend that defines the dish’s signature warmth.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Brings just the right hint of heat to awaken the senses.
- 1 cup tomato puree: The tangy base that forms the heart of the butter chicken sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates the lush, creamy texture that makes this dish irresistible.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by warming up the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook them gently for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base that invites the spices to shine in the following steps.
Step 2: Toast the Spices
Next, stir in the turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and chili powder. Let these spices toast for about 1 minute. This quick cooking step releases their essential oils, filling your kitchen with an amazing aroma and infusing the dish with vibrant layers of flavor.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Add in the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, turning them to brown on all sides. Getting a little color on the chicken is important because it locks in juices and adds that crave-worthy depth of flavor.
Step 4: Simmer in Tomato Puree
Pour the tomato puree over the chicken and reduce the heat to low, allowing everything to simmer gently for 10 minutes. This slow cooking thickens the sauce and lets the chicken soak up the tangy, spiced tomato goodness.
Step 5: Add the Cream
Now, stir in the heavy cream and continue to cook for another 5 minutes. This step transforms the sauce into a rich, velvety bath of flavor that defines the Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, taste and season with salt and pepper. Your butter chicken is ready to serve! Pair it with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up every bit of that heavenly sauce.
How to Serve Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro leaves always brightens the dish, adding a fresh, herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce. For an extra special touch, a drizzle of warm melted butter or a few toasted cashews on top offers texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Traditional is delicious — serve this cream-laden chicken with fragrant basmati rice or soft, pillowy naan bread to soak up the irresistibly creamy sauce. You can also complement it with a cooling cucumber raita or lightly sautéed greens to balance richness with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try serving the Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe in small ramekins as individual portions topped with a swirl of cream and fresh herbs. Alternatively, transform it into a flavorful wrap with warmed flatbreads, crisp lettuce, and pickled onions for a fusion twist everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors meld over time, making leftovers taste even more amazing the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the butter chicken in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve the creamy texture and rich flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at medium power to avoid curdling the cream. Stir frequently and add a splash of water or cream if needed to restore the sauce to its luscious consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, making them a fantastic choice for the Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with plant-based margarine and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Make sure to double-check that your spices don’t contain any animal-derived ingredients.
How spicy is this butter chicken?
The recipe has a gentle warmth from the chili powder that you can easily adjust. For milder tastes, reduce or omit the chili powder; for heat lovers, add more or include a fresh chili while cooking.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make the spiced tomato and cream sauce in advance and refrigerate it separately. When ready to serve, just reheat gently and add freshly cooked chicken for the best texture.
What else can I serve with this dish?
Besides rice and naan, you might try pairing it with roasted vegetables, lentil dal, or a simple salad of cucumber and tomatoes to add refreshing contrast to the creamy richness.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comforting hug of a homemade Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe to brighten your meal times. It’s easy to make, delightfully flavorful, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to share your table. So go ahead, give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new all-time favorite!
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Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This classic Indian Butter Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken cooked in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices. Perfectly balanced with spices like turmeric, cumin, and garam masala, finished with butter and cream for a luscious texture, this dish serves as a comforting and flavorful meal ideal for pairing with rice or naan.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Toast the Spices: Stir in the ground turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute to release the spices’ aromas and deepen their flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides.
- Add Tomato Puree and Simmer: Pour in the tomato puree and reduce the heat slightly. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to allow it to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Finish with Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes, making the sauce creamy and rich in texture.
- Season and Serve: Season the butter chicken with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with steamed rice or warm naan bread.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices before cooking, if desired.
- You can adjust the chili powder amount based on your preferred spice level.
- Butter chicken pairs well with basmati rice or naan to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 2-3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
