Butter Chicken

This Butter Chicken recipe brings the rich, aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine right to your kitchen. With a blend of fragrant spices and creamy sauce, it’s a comforting, satisfying dish that rivals your favorite take-out curry.

Whether you’re cooking it on the stovetop or using a slow cooker, this recipe is designed for simplicity. The tender chicken absorbs the bold flavors of cinnamon, cumin, and garam masala, creating a truly indulgent meal.

Serve it with basmati rice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a complete, flavorful meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with a restaurant-quality dish made at home.

Butter Chicken Ingredients

The foundation of this rich Butter Chicken begins with extra-virgin olive oil, which imparts a smooth, subtle base for the aromatic spices that follow. Onion, garlic, and ginger meld together, creating a fragrant, savory trio that elevates the dish’s depth of flavor.

A hint of cinnamon and the warm, earthy notes of cumin, garam masala, and turmeric infuse the sauce with a vibrant, complex spice profile. Tomato paste offers a tangy richness that balances the heat, while chicken stock provides a savory, full-bodied base.

To bring it all together, butter enriches the sauce with a creamy, luxurious texture, and heavy cream adds the perfect amount of silkiness, rounding out the bold spices. Finally, a splash of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish, adding a zesty contrast to the creamy indulgence.

Butter Chicken Recipe Tips

1. Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are convenient, using bone-in chicken thighs or breasts can infuse the curry with deeper flavors. The bones release natural juices that add richness to the sauce. If using bone-in chicken, be sure to increase the cooking time accordingly.
2. Adjust Spice Levels: The spices in butter chicken create a warm, aromatic base, but you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preferences. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of garam masala and turmeric. For a spicier kick, increase the cumin or add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper.
3. Slow Cooker Option for Convenience: If you’re short on time, consider making butter chicken in the slow cooker. Simply sauté the onions, garlic, ginger, and spices as instructed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the chicken, stock, and tomato paste. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, and finish with the lemon juice, cream, and butter for a creamy, rich sauce.

What to Serve with Butter Chicken

1. Steamed Basmati Rice: Butter chicken pairs wonderfully with soft, fluffy basmati rice. The aromatic rice helps to absorb the rich, creamy sauce, making it a perfect complement to the bold flavors of the curry. For an added touch, garnish the rice with a few slivers of toasted almonds for a bit of crunch.
2. Garlic Naan Bread: A warm, buttery garlic naan is an ideal side for scooping up the creamy butter chicken sauce. The soft, pillowy texture of the naan contrasts beautifully with the savory spices of the curry. You can easily buy naan from most grocery stores, or make it at home for a fresh, comforting addition to the meal.
3. Cucumber Raita: To balance the richness of butter chicken, a cool, refreshing cucumber raita is a great accompaniment. The yogurt-based raita with diced cucumber, mint, and a dash of cumin helps to cut through the heat and provide a light, creamy contrast to the curry.

FAQ

1. Can I make Butter Chicken in advance? Yes, butter chicken can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors intensify after sitting for a few hours. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
2. Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely! While chicken is traditional, you can substitute it with other proteins like lamb, beef, or even paneer for a vegetarian version. Adjust the cooking times based on the type of meat you’re using.
3. How can I make this recipe dairy-free? To make butter chicken dairy-free, simply replace the butter with coconut oil and the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. This will still provide the creamy texture while keeping the dish dairy-free.
4. Can I freeze Butter Chicken? Yes, butter chicken freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove, adding a splash of water or chicken stock if needed to restore the sauce’s consistency.

Butter Chicken

This indulgent Butter Chicken, infused with aromatic Indian spices, offers a creamy, comforting curry experience that rivals your favorite take-out. Whether prepared on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, it’s an effortlessly delightful dish to savor.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 6 People

Ingredients

  

• 2 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup grated yellow onion from 1 small onion
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• ¾ cup chicken stock
• 8 ounces tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice from 2 lemons
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• 6 cups cooked basmati rice for serving

Instructions

 

• Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the grated onion, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir frequently until the onion softens and the garlic and ginger become aromatic, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
• Next, incorporate the butter, chicken stock, tomato paste, cinnamon, salt, cumin, garam masala, and turmeric into the skillet. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is well combined. Bring this to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well-coated with the sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
• Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the fresh lemon juice and heavy cream. Allow the mixture to return to a simmer and cook for an additional 2 minutes, just until the sauce is warmed through.
• Serve the butter chicken over the cooked basmati rice, garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy the richness and warmth of this flavorful dish.

Notes

For a dairy-free variation, replace the butter with coconut oil and the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.

Keyword Butter Chicken