Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
If you have a soft spot for rich, creamy, and comforting Indian cuisine, then you’re going to adore this Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. It brings together tender chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant mix of spices and yogurt, simmered in a luscious tomato and butter cream sauce that’s utterly irresistible. This dish is a celebration of bold flavors and velvety textures, perfect for sharing with family and friends or treating yourself to a comforting meal that feels special every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, giving you that authentic taste you crave. From aromatic spices to creamy dairy, these essentials come together simply yet spectacularly to create the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and buttery goodness.
- Plain yogurt: Acts as the tenderizing base in the marinade, infusing the chicken with moisture and flavor.
- Lemon juice: Adds a fresh, tangy punch that brightens the marinade.
- Garam masala: A warm and fragrant spice blend that provides the signature Indian aroma.
- Ground turmeric: Gives a mild earthiness and beautiful golden hue to the dish.
- Ground cumin: Imparts a nutty, slightly smoky flavor that deepens the overall spice.
- Chili powder: Adds just the right level of heat for an inviting kick.
- Ground coriander: Offers a citrusy, floral note that balances the spices.
- Minced ginger: Brings warmth and a touch of zing to the marinade.
- Minced garlic: Enhances the savory depth and richness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Perfectly tender and juicy, absorbing flavors beautifully.
- Butter: Critical to achieving that signature creamy richness.
- Onion, finely chopped: Adds natural sweetness and texture once softened.
- Tomato puree: Creates the vibrant and tangy sauce base.
- Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its silky, indulgent finish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every flavor.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: A bright and fresh garnish that lifts the whole dish.
How to Make Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by whisking together the yogurt, lemon juice, and all the spices—including garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, coriander, plus fresh ginger and garlic. This marinade is packed with flavor and will tenderize your chicken thighs beautifully. Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least an hour. This step is key to building deep layers of flavor, so patience here will reward you tenfold.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Chicken
Melt half of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the finely chopped onion. Cook gently until translucent and soft, releasing their natural sweetness, which forms a flavorful base. Next, add the marinated chicken along with the marinade to the skillet and cook until the chicken loses its pink hue—around 5 to 7 minutes. This method locks in moisture while starting to blend those beautiful spices into the chicken.
Step 3: Simmer with Tomato Puree
Pour in the tomato puree and let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes. This step lets the tomato’s tang mellow and integrates it perfectly with the spices and chicken. You’ll notice the sauce thickening and developing a rich, inviting aroma that signals you’re on the right track.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Transfer your skillet contents into an oven-safe dish and bake for 20 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Baking allows the flavors to intensify and the chicken to finish cooking perfectly tender without drying out. This oven step is often overlooked but is absolutely essential to get that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 5: Add the Creamy Sauce
While the chicken bakes, melt the remaining butter in the same skillet, then stir in the heavy cream. This creates the luxurious sauce that makes this dish simply unforgettable. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once your chicken is out of the oven, pour the cream sauce over everything, stirring gently to coat every bite in that rich, buttery goodness.
Step 6: Final Touch with Fresh Cilantro
Garnish generously with freshly chopped cilantro to add a burst of color and a hint of freshness that perfectly complements the creamy texture. Your homemade butter chicken is now ready to serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro is a classic choice, but you can also add a squeeze of lime juice or slit green chilies for extra zing and visual appeal. Garnishes bring a fresh counterbalance to the rich sauce and make your presentation pop invitingly.
Side Dishes
Butter chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice or warm, soft naan bread that soaks up every delicious drop of that creamy sauce. For a healthier twist, try serving it alongside steamed vegetables or a crisp cucumber raita, which adds a cooling contrast and complete meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the butter chicken over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or stuff it inside warm pita pockets for an easy handheld version. You can also layer it with roasted vegetables or even use it as a filling for savory pies. The velvety sauce makes it incredibly versatile and perfect for reinventing weeknight dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover butter chicken stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop even more, making reheated portions tasty and convenient for busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze homemade butter chicken for up to 3 months. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain the dish’s luscious texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from splitting. Adding a splash of cream or water can help bring back the sauce’s smooth consistency if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but thighs are preferred for their juiciness and richer flavor. If using breasts, watch the cooking time closely to avoid drying out the meat.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The chili powder adds a gentle warmth, but the recipe is not overly spicy. You can adjust the chili levels to suit your heat preference by reducing or increasing the amount.
Can I make a dairy-free version?
Absolutely! To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with coconut oil and the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. The flavor will still be wonderfully creamy and satisfying.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
The recipe calls for at least one hour of marinating, but if you have more time, 4 to 6 hours or overnight is even better for deeper flavor penetration.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh garlic or ginger?
While fresh is best, you can use garlic and ginger paste or powdered versions if fresh isn’t available. Just adjust quantities to taste as dried forms are more concentrated.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that delivers comfort and excitement in every bite. Its wonderful blend of spices, creamy sauce, and tender chicken makes it a recipe you’ll want in your regular rotation. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a new favorite for your family and friends to rave about!
Print
Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Homemade Butter Chicken recipe offers a rich and creamy Indian classic with tender chicken thighs marinated in a blend of yogurt and spices, cooked with butter, onions, and tomato puree, then finished with heavy cream for a luscious sauce. Perfect for a comforting meal that brings delightful flavors and textures to your table.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Cooking Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken later in the recipe.
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the plain yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, coriander, minced ginger, and minced garlic to form a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken pieces into the marinade bowl and toss well until all pieces are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Sauté Onions: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, which takes about 5 minutes.
- Cook Chicken: Add the marinated chicken mixture (including marinade) to the skillet and cook until the chicken turns no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
- Add Tomato Puree and Simmer: Stir in the tomato puree into the skillet and let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to blend.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the chicken and sauce mixture to an oven-safe dish. Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes to finish cooking and meld flavors deeply.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: In the same skillet used previously, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, creating a rich, creamy sauce base.
- Season Sauce: Add salt and pepper to taste to the cream sauce, adjusting the seasoning according to your preference.
- Combine and Garnish: Pour the creamy sauce over the baked chicken in the dish and stir thoroughly to coat all pieces well. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a fresh touch and vibrant color.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer than 1 hour (up to overnight) will intensify the flavor and tenderize the meat further.
- Use heavy cream for the richest texture, but you can substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Adjust chili powder to control the spice level according to your taste.
- Serve with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread to complete the authentic meal experience.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through before baking; the oven step helps meld flavors and finish cooking gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
