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Butter Chicken Recipe

Do you want a hot, spicy, and creamy meal that will warm you up on cold days? Then you need butter chicken! This traditional Indian dish is full of flavor, simple to make, and provides diversity to your meals. Butter chicken is a treat for every meal, whether it’s a casual midweek diner or a memorable Sunday brunch. The creamy tomato sauce that surrounds the succulent pieces of chicken makes every bite a delight. Families and home cooks love it since it has simple ingredients and is easy to make.

Ready to serve in under 30 minutes
Only needs basic pantry items
Can be changed easily (for example, make it vegetarian by adding paneer or tofu)
Perfect for family evenings or guests
A classic that makes you feel wonderful with an unusual twist

Ingredients for Marinated Chicken and Sauce

For the chicken that has been marinated:

500 g diced chicken breast fillet
150 g of plain yogurt
1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon of garam masala
1 teaspoon of paprika powder (smoked for additional taste)
Add salt to taste

For the sauce:

2 tbsp butter (or ghee for traditional taste)
1 onion, cut up very small
Two cloves of garlic, smashed
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon of turmeric
1 teaspoon of cumin
1 teaspoon of coriander powder
1 can of chopped tomatoes (400g)
150 ml of cream (or coconut milk for a variant that doesn’t contain lactose)
1 tsp of sugar
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Fresh cilantro to decorate

If you don’t have ginger-garlic paste, you can use a mortar and pestle to grind fresh garlic and ginger.

Instructions

1. Marinate: Combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add the chicken cubes, mix well , and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (preferably overnight).
2. To fry the chicken, heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken pieces until they are nicely browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Put aside.

In the same pan, heat the rest of the butter and saute the onions until they are clear (approximately 5 minutes). Then add the garlic and ginger and fry for 1 minute.
Add spices: Add turmeric, cumin, and coriander powder, and roast them for a short time until they smell good.
Make the tomato sauce:Add the sugar and diced tomatoes, bring to a boil, and then let it cook for 10 minutes.
Stir in cream: Refine the sauce with cream, stir well and return the fried chicken pieces to the pan.
Add salt, pepper, and more garam masala to taste. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Serving: Add freshly chopped coriander on top and serve with basmati rice or naan bread.

Nutrition Information

Calories, protein, and carbs

Fat

450 30g 12g 28g

Note: The values are estimates and may change somewhat based on the ingredients.

Additional Butter Chicken Recipe Variation

600 g of chicken breast, cut into small pieces
150 g of plain yogurt
1 teaspoon of turmeric
1 teaspoon of cumin
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp sweet paprika powder
1 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1 tablespoon of oil
2 tablespoons of butter
1 onion, cut up very small
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tbsp of ginger that has been grated
1 teaspoon of ground coriander
1 tsp garam masala
½ teaspoon of chili powder (optional)
400 g of tomatoes that have been strained
150 ml of cream (or coconut milk if you don’t want to eat dairy)
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander for garnishing

Instructions for Variation

To marinate the chicken, mix all of the marinade ingredients together in a bowl. Put the chicken cubes in the bowl, mix well, and let them sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (overnight is best).
Brown the chicken: Heat the oil in a pan and fry the marinated chicken until golden brown (about 6–8 minutes). Put aside.
Prepare the sauce: Melt the butter in the same pan, fry the onion until translucent (about 5 minutes), then add the garlic and ginger and fry for 1 minute.
Spices and tomatoes: Stir in coriander, garam masala, and chili powder. Add the passata and simmer for 10 minutes.
Cream & Sugar: Stir in cream and sugar, simmer for another 5 minutes. Season with salt, if desired.
Add chicken: Return chicken to the pan, mix well, and simmer for another 5 minutes.
Serving: Sprinkle with fresh coriander and serve with basmati rice and naan.

Storage, Heating & Variations

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Heating: Heat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk.

Variations:

Use coconut milk instead of cream for a vegan version.
With grilled tofu for a vegetarian version.
Extra spice? Add more chili.

Additional Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Category: Main Course

Method: Fry and simmer

Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition per Serving

Calories: 480kcal
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 680 mg
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 42g
Cholesterol: 120 mg

Storage Advice & Warming Tips

Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days.

To warm up, put a splash of water or cream in the microwave or on the stove and heat it up slowly.

More Variations

For a vegetarian variation, use paneer or tofu instead of chicken.
For greater heat, add more chili powder.
Add roasted cashews on top for a crunchy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to prepare this recipe without lactose? Of course! If you want a dairy-free version, use coconut milk and plant-based butter.
Is it okay to use other meat? Absolutely! Lamb or turkey also works well.
Why is my sauce too watery? I might not have reduced the sauce sufficiently. Just let it stew longer.
Is butter chicken hot? No, it’s usually mild. But you can add chili flakes.
Is it okay to freeze butter chicken? Yes! Just freeze it in small pieces, and it will last for up to three months.
What goes well with it? 100% Basmati rice, naan, mango chutney, or a dip made with cucumber and yogurt.

Final Notes

Butter chicken is not only one of the best Indian dishes, but it’s also a great comfort food for everyday life. This creamy recipe is sure to bring warmth, flavor, and happiness to the table, whether you’re with friends, family, or just by yourself on the sofa. Give it a try now and bring some Indian flavor into your kitchen!