Name: Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces); 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 large onion (finely chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated); 1 ½ teaspoons garam masala; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce; 1 cup heavy cream; Salt to taste; Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

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Prepare to fall in love with this luxurious, deeply flavorful Homemade Butter Chicken. It’s the kind of recipe that’ll make your kitchen smell like an Indian restaurant in the best way—rich tomato, warm spices, and buttery cream swirling together with tender chicken. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a comforting dinner for a cozy night in, this Homemade Butter Chicken has that magical blend of silky sauce and aromatic spices that keeps everyone coming back for just one more bite.

Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Homemade Butter Chicken lies in its surprisingly simple ingredients—each one shines and layers another note of flavor or texture. Together, they create a vibrant sauce and succulent chicken that’s always a hit.

Chicken thighs: These stay juicy and tender even after simmering in the creamy sauce.
Plain Greek yogurt: Marinating the chicken in yogurt makes every bite extra tender and flavorful.
Lemon juice: A splash wakes up all the spices and keeps the marinade bright.
Garam masala: This essential Indian spice blend packs warmth and depth; you’ll use it for both marinade and sauce.
Ground cumin: Earthy and bold, cumin is a signature background note in the dish.
Ground coriander: Delivers a gentle citrusy flavor that balances all the richness.
Turmeric: Its golden hue gives butter chicken that iconic, sunny color.
Paprika: Adds gentle sweetness and further brightens the dish.
Chili powder: Just enough for a gentle background heat—feel free to adjust if you like it spicy.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making every bite more delicious.
Vegetable oil: Helps brown the chicken to perfection.
Butter: The star ingredient—responsible for the velvety sauce and irresistible mouthfeel.
Onion: Cooking it low and slow builds that savory flavor base.
Garlic: Freshly minced, it gives welcome punch and aroma.
Fresh ginger: Lively and a little spicy, ginger brightens every layer.
Smoked paprika: Adds a touch of smokiness and deepens the color of the sauce.
Tomato sauce: This rounds out the body of the curry, balancing creamy and tangy flavors.
Heavy cream: The secret to that luscious, luxurious finished sauce.
Chopped fresh cilantro: Always add at the end for a burst of color and freshness.

How to Make Homemade Butter Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, paprika, chili powder, and salt. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and let this mixture marinate in the fridge for at least one hour—overnight is even better if you have the time, as it lets those flavors soak in and keeps the chicken extra juicy.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces, shaking off excess marinade as you go but not wiping them clean. Cook the chicken until it’s browned and almost cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally for even color. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside—you’ll bring it back for a grand finish!

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Spices

In the same pan, lower the heat slightly and add the butter. Once melted, toss in the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it’s soft and just starting to turn golden. Add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, followed by another sprinkle of garam masala, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir well for another minute or so—you’ll smell the transformation as the spices bloom in the hot butter.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour in the canned tomato sauce and give everything a good stir, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This time lets the raw edge cook off the tomato and all the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Chicken

Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and a pinch more salt if needed. Add the browned chicken (and all those juices) back to the pan, and let everything bubble gently together for 10 more minutes. The sauce will thicken, the chicken will finish cooking, and the flavors will go straight to delicious town.

How to Serve Homemade Butter Chicken

Garnishes

Don’t skip the final touch: a big handful of chopped fresh cilantro sprinkled over your Homemade Butter Chicken just before serving. For an elegant twist, you can also swirl a little extra cream or a squeeze of lemon juice over the top, which looks beautiful and brightens up the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

Soft, steamed basmati rice is the classic partner for soaking up all the silky sauce. If you want to go all out, serve with warm, pillowy naan or parathas to scoop and swipe through every last drop. For a lighter option, try a side of roasted cauliflower, cucumber raita, or a simple green salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Butter chicken is surprisingly versatile! Serve it in small bowls for a casual dinner party, ladle over fries or baked potatoes for a crowd-pleasing twist, or spoon into lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held bite. If you’re feeling adventurous, Homemade Butter Chicken pizza is absolutely delicious—just spread a layer over naan, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until bubbly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Homemade Butter Chicken is like culinary treasure—just transfer any extra to an airtight container once it’s cooled, and store in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors actually develop even more overnight, making it perfect for quick meals throughout the week.

Freezing

For longer storage, Homemade Butter Chicken freezes beautifully. Cool completely and portion into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (leave a little space for expansion). It will keep well for up to three months, making it a lifesaver for busy nights when you crave homemade comfort.

Reheating

When you’re ready to reheat, simply warm the chicken gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce seems thick. Avoid boiling—the cream can separate at high heat. You can also microwave leftovers, stirring halfway through to ensure everything heats evenly.

FAQs

Can I make Homemade Butter Chicken without cream?

Definitely! For a dairy-free or lighter version, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or even cashew cream. The sauce will be a bit different but still rich and delicious.

Is it possible to use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes—chicken breast works, though be careful not to overcook as it can dry out more easily than thighs. Marinading helps keep breast meat juicy, but thighs are more forgiving for beginners.

How spicy is Homemade Butter Chicken?

Homemade Butter Chicken is traditionally mild with just a hint of heat from the chili powder. If you’re heat-averse, reduce or skip the chili; if you crave more, add a pinch of cayenne or chopped fresh chilies to taste.

Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken one or even two days ahead of cooking. The longer it sits (within reason), the more flavorful and tender the chicken will become.

What type Main Course

Plain Greek yogurt is ideal because it’s thick and tangy, which really helps tenderize the chicken. Regular plain yogurt also works, but avoid anything with added flavors or sweeteners.

Final Thoughts

I can’t think of a more crowd-pleasing dish than Homemade Butter Chicken—it truly captures the spirit of comfort food with a fragrant, creamy twist. Give this recipe a try, and you might just start a new favorite dinner tradition!

Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this Homemade Butter Chicken recipe. Marinated in a blend of spices and yogurt, the tender chicken is simmered in a luxurious tomato cream sauce, creating a satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with rice or naan.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade:

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt

Sauce:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons butter
1 large onion (finely chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
1 ½ teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream
Salt to taste
Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, chili powder, and salt. Add chicken, toss to coat, and marinate.
Cook Chicken: Brown marinated chicken in oil, then set aside.
Prepare Sauce: Cook onion, garlic, ginger, spices. Add tomato sauce, simmer, then add cream.
Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the sauce, simmer until cooked through. Garnish with cilantro and serve.