Butter Chicken 5 Easy Steps for a Flavorful Dinner

Did you know that Butter Chicken ranks among the top 5 most searched chicken recipes worldwide, with over 1 million monthly Google searches? Despite its global popularity, many home cooks assume it’s complicated or time-consuming to prepare. The truth is, with the right approach, you can make restaurant-quality Butter Chicken at home in less than two hours—and in this guide, I’ll show you exactly how.

This post will walk you through 5 simple steps to create a rich, creamy, and aromatic Butter Chicken recipe, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients List

Butter Chicken is all about balancing creaminess, spice, and aroma. Below is a complete list of ingredients, along with substitutions to suit your pantry and preferences:

• 1 ½ lbs (700 g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts (thighs are juicier)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (substitute with ghee for a richer flavor)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or olive oil for a lighter version)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 ½ cups tomato puree (or canned crushed tomatoes)
• ½ cup heavy cream (swap with coconut milk for dairy-free)
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (optional for extra creaminess)
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp red chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

💡 Pro Tip: If you don’t have garam masala, combine equal parts cumin, coriander, cardamom, and cinnamon.

Timing

One of the biggest misconceptions is that Butter Chicken takes hours. In reality, it’s quicker than most curries.

• Preparation Time: PT20M
• Cooking Time: PT40M
• Total Time: PT1H

That’s 20% less time than many classic curry recipes, making it weeknight-friendly without compromising flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Mix yogurt, half of the garlic, ginger, and spices in a bowl. Coat the chicken evenly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
👉 Tip: The longer the marinade, the deeper the flavor—overnight is best!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet. Add marinated chicken pieces and cook until golden brown (about 8–10 minutes). Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, add onions, remaining garlic, and ginger. Cook until golden and fragrant. Stir in tomato puree, turmeric, chili powder, cumin, and coriander. Simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Add the Creaminess

Reduce heat and stir in cream, yogurt, and the remaining butter. Mix well until silky smooth. Return chicken to the skillet and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle garam masala and fresh cilantro before serving. Pair with basmati rice, naan, or even quinoa for a modern twist.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fat: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Lower Fat: Swap heavy cream with low-fat yogurt or coconut milk.
• High Protein: Use chicken breast instead of thighs.
• Low Carb: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of basmati rice.
• Dairy-Free: Replace cream with cashew cream for a nutty twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with warm naan or garlic bread for an authentic Indian touch.
• Add a side of cucumber raita to balance the heat.
• Pair with roasted vegetables for a wholesome plate.
• Try it as a Butter Chicken wrap for a fun lunch idea.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking Chicken: Leads to dryness—remove once golden.
• Skipping Marinade: The yogurt-spice marinade is key to tender meat.
• Too Much Cream: Balance is everything; too much cream overpowers spices.
• Cooking on High Heat: Always simmer sauce gently for the best flavor.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months; reheat slowly to maintain creaminess.
• Meal Prep Tip: Cook chicken and sauce separately, then combine before serving.

Conclusion

Butter Chicken doesn’t need to be complicated—just follow these 5 steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-style dish at home. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s bound to be a family favorite.

👉 Try this recipe today, share your feedback in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for more flavorful dinner ideas!

FAQs

1. Can I make Butter Chicken without cream?

Yes! Use yogurt, coconut milk, or cashew cream for a lighter version.

2. Is Butter Chicken spicy?

It’s mildly spiced, but you can adjust chili powder to your liking.

3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but cooking raw chicken in the sauce develops deeper flavor.

4. What’s the best side dish for Butter Chicken?

Basmati rice, naan bread, or even roasted veggies complement it perfectly.

5. Can I meal-prep Butter Chicken?

Absolutely! It stores and reheats well, making it great for weekly meal plans.