If you have ever longed for that perfect blend of flavors wrapped up in a silky sauce, the Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe will absolutely delight your senses. This dish is the ultimate comfort food with its tender chicken bathed in a luscious tomato-cream sauce, layered with warm spices that embrace every bite. Whether it’s your first time cooking Indian cuisine or you’re a seasoned home chef looking for a new favorite, this recipe delivers a symphony of aromas and textures that will make your kitchen feel like a bustling Indian restaurant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the beautiful part about this dish—each ingredient is simple yet vital in building those rich, creamy flavors and vibrant colors that define an authentic Indian Butter Chicken. From bright spices to fresh herbs, each one adds a special touch that brings the whole dish alive.
- Chicken breast, 500 g: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and absorb the spice marinade perfectly for tender meat.
- Greek yogurt, 1 cup: Adds creaminess and acts as a tenderizer in the marinade making the chicken juicy inside.
- Lemon juice, 2 tablespoons: Introduces a subtle tang that balances the cream and spices beautifully.
- Ground cumin, 2 teaspoons: Offers a warm, earthy flavor foundational to Indian cuisine.
- Ground cinnamon, 1.5 teaspoons: Provides a sweet warmth that subtly lifts the entire dish.
- Cayenne pepper, 2 teaspoons: Brings a lively kick, adjust to your preferred spice level.
- Ground black pepper, 2 teaspoons: Adds pungency to deepen the flavor profile.
- Ground coriander, 1 tablespoon: Contributes a fresh, citrusy aroma to the marinade.
- Ground turmeric, 2 teaspoons: Gives that iconic golden hue and mild earthiness to your sauce.
- Garam masala, 2 tablespoons: A quintessential spice mix that ties all other flavors together, split between marinade and sauce.
- Minced ginger, 1 tablespoon: Offers a zesty brightness and natural warmth.
- Butter, 2 tablespoons: Melts into the sauce for richness and silky texture.
- Minced garlic, 1 clove: Enhances aroma and brings a savory depth.
- Jalapeño, 1 finely chopped: Adds a subtle heat and fresh bite, customizable to taste.
- Heavy cream, 2 cups: The star ingredient behind the creamy sauce that gently envelops the chicken.
- Tomato puree, 0.5 cup: Imparts sweetness and a luscious base for the sauce.
- Vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons: Ideal for frying to give the chicken a golden sear.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for bringing out all those wonderful flavors.
- Fresh cilantro leaves: A fresh, herbal touch to finish the dish beautifully.
- Cooked basmati rice: The perfect fluffy companion to soak up the rich sauce.
How to Make Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
First, the magic begins with a vibrant marinade where the flavors really get to mingle. In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, black pepper, coriander, turmeric, and half of the garam masala. Toss in your chicken pieces until they’re well-coated and let them rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour—overnight if you can—so the spices seep deeply, making every bite intensely flavorful.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
After marinating, heating vegetable oil in a large skillet gives you the perfect hot surface to sear the chicken. When you add the pieces, they begin to caramelize and develop a gorgeous golden crust that locks in juices. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside. This step adds texture and depth that lifts the whole dish.
Step 3: Build the Aromatic Base
In the same skillet, melt your butter, instantly creating that rich, velvety foundation. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped jalapeño to this bubbling bath and stir for a minute or two until the smell releases its inviting warmth. This aromatic base is where the heat and fragrant notes of your butter chicken come alive.
Step 4: Spice It Up
Now stir in the remaining garam masala and freshly minced ginger for a minute, letting the spices toast lightly in the butter and deepen their flavors. This quick sauté enhances the layers and builds that signature complexity you’re craving in this Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the tomato puree and heavy cream, stirring everything together into a luxuriously smooth sauce. Bring it to a gentle simmer—slow and steady makes the cream meld with the tangy tomato perfectly, creating a sauce that’s rich, luscious, and ready to embrace the chicken pieces once again.
Step 6: Combine and Cook Through
Return the beautifully browned chicken to the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let it all cook together for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to finish cooking through and the sauce to thicken nicely. Give it a final seasoning check to add salt according to your taste, inviting all the flavors to harmonize.
How to Serve Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro leaves aren’t just for looks—they bring a burst of brightness that cuts through the creamy richness, adding a vibrant herbal note with every bite. For an added touch, a sprinkle of freshly chopped green chili or a dash of garam masala can elevate the presentation and taste beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish deserves a perfect partner, and cooked basmati rice is the classic choice. Its fluffy, slightly nutty grains soak up the decadent sauce effortlessly. You can also serve it alongside warm naan bread to scoop up every last bit of that heavenly sauce, or even some lightly sautéed greens for a fresh contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a restaurant-worthy experience, serve your Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe in beautiful bowls with a drizzle of cream on top and a sprinkle of piquant pomegranate seeds, adding a burst of color and sweetness. Alternatively, pile it over a bed of fragrant pilaf or alongside roasted vegetables for a colorful, balanced plate that dazzles visually and palatably.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover butter chicken keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain the sauce’s richness and keep the chicken tender. Just remember to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to preserve its best quality.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for a busy day, this Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible. It will keep for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture, making it a perfect make-ahead comfort meal.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, so the cream sauce stays smooth and doesn’t break. You can add a splash of water or cream if the sauce thickened too much. Alternatively, use the microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring between each interval to warm evenly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs remain juicy and often add a richer flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re perfectly tender.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes! Paneer or tofu cubes make excellent substitutes for chicken and absorb the buttery, spiced sauce beautifully for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Definitely. You can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and jalapeño to tone down the heat without sacrificing the rich creamy flavor.
What if I don’t have garam masala?
If you don’t have garam masala, you can make a quick substitute by mixing equal parts ground cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, and black pepper.
Can I use light cream instead of heavy cream?
Heavy cream is preferred for richness and texture, but light cream can work if you’re looking for a lighter version. Just note the sauce may be a little less thick and creamy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about sitting down to a plate of Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe that you made yourself. The layers of spices, the creamy tomato sauce, and that perfectly cooked chicken all come together in a way that feels like a big comforting hug. I can’t wait for you to try it in your own kitchen and experience just how effortlessly this dish can elevate your meal times into something special and deeply satisfying.
Print
Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
Experience the rich, creamy flavors of traditional Indian Butter Chicken with tender, marinated chicken pieces cooked in a luscious tomato and cream sauce, infused with aromatic spices and garnished with fresh cilantro. Perfectly paired with steamed basmati rice, this dish offers an authentic taste of Indian cuisine.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 500 g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 2 tablespoons garam masala (divided)
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup tomato puree
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt, to taste
Garnish & Serving
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Cooked basmati rice, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, ground black pepper, ground coriander, ground turmeric, and 1 tablespoon of garam masala. Add the chicken pieces and mix well to coat them evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Brown the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for later use.
- Prepare the sauce base: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and finely chopped jalapeño, sautéing for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add spices and ginger: Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of garam masala and minced ginger, continuing to sauté for another minute to release their aromas.
- Create the creamy tomato sauce: Pour in the tomato puree and heavy cream, stirring to blend the ingredients together. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer, which helps the flavors meld.
- Simmer with chicken: Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet. Lower the heat to low and let the chicken cook thoroughly while the sauce thickens, about 15 to 20 minutes. Season the dish with salt according to taste.
- Garnish and serve: Just before serving, sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves on top as garnish. Serve the rich and creamy butter chicken hot alongside cooked basmati rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavors and tenderizes the meat.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper or jalapeño according to your preferred spice level.
- Use full-fat heavy cream for a richer and creamier sauce.
- Garam masala adds a distinctive warmth—ensure it’s fresh for best flavor.
- You can substitute tomato puree with fresh blended tomatoes in season.
- Serve with naan or other Indian breads as an alternative to basmati rice.
