Name: Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs chicken breast meat, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger; 2 tsp garam masala seasoning; 1 1/2 tsp turmeric powder; 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 8 oz tomato sauce (or tomato passata/canned pureed tomatoes); 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp butter; Cilantro leaves for garnish; Garlic naan bread, for serving

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Introduction

Butter chicken is a creamy, flavorful Indian classic that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich tomato and spice sauce create a comforting dish that pairs beautifully with rice or naan bread.

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface, holding a meal with three main layers: at the base is a layer of fluffy white rice, topped on one side with chunky, creamy orange curry pieces with a smooth sauce texture, and on the other side, a heap of golden chickpeas cooked in a thick brownish-orange sauce, both touching in the center. A few fresh green cilantro leaves rest on top near the chickpeas, adding color contrast. A shiny fork lies beside the curry on the plate. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs chicken breast meat
Marinade:

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
2 tsp garam masala seasoning
1 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp lemon juice

Cooking:

1 tbsp vegetable oil
8 oz tomato sauce
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp butter
Cilantro for garnish
Garlic naan bread (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Combine all marinade ingredients with the chicken in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, or up to 24 hours for best flavor.
Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 3–5 minutes until the chicken turns white all over. It won’t brown much due to the marinade.
Step 3: Stir in tomato sauce, sugar, and salt. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens and reduces.
Step 4: Taste and adjust salt if needed. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 5: Add butter and swirl it through the sauce until melted. Garnish with cilantro leaves and an optional pinch of garam masala.
Step 6: Serve hot over rice alongside garlic naan bread.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken tender strips or thigh fillets cut into bite-sized pieces as a substitute for chicken breast.
Adjust the amount of garam masala to control the spice level—it adds flavor more than heat.
Substitute tomato passata for tomato sauce if you prefer a smoother texture or want little tomato bits in your sauce.
Frozen baked naan is a convenient side and easy to find in many supermarkets or specialty stores.

Storage

Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy. Avoid boiling to preserve the texture of the cream.

How to Serve

A top view of three round silver bowls on a white marbled surface; the central bowl holds a rich orange curry with chicken pieces covered in creamy sauce, topped with green cilantro leaves. To the top left, the second bowl is filled with fluffy white rice garnished with a small sprig of cilantro. To the top right, the third bowl contains dark brown chickpeas in thick sauce. Surrounding the bowls are several pieces of toasted naan bread with charred spots, lying flat on the white marbled surface. Some fresh cilantro sprigs are placed near the naan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking and best flavor absorption.

Is butter chicken very spicy?

Butter chicken is generally mild, focusing more on rich flavors than heat. You can adjust the spice levels by varying the garam masala and cayenne pepper according to your taste.