Every so often, my family requests Butter Chicken with such enthusiasm it lights up the dinner table. One evening, after a busy day juggling work and homework, my kids asked if we could have that creamy Indian classic again. I was thrilled because Butter Chicken is one of my go-to meals when I want something comforting yet impressive. When I brought it to the table that night, the smiles and the eager forks reminded me why this dish stays in our rotation.
That Butter Chicken recipe is a family favorite because it brings everyone together—the rich spiced tomato gravy and tender chicken invite conversation and full plates. Over the years, I’ve learned to adjust the flavors and timing until it fits our busy schedule perfectly. Now I feel confident sharing it with friends who are exploring Indian creamy chicken curry for the first time. This Butter Chicken is easy enough for weeknights and special enough for celebrations.
If you want a meal that creates warm memories and satisfies both kids and adults, this Butter Chicken will be your new favorite. It’s reminiscent of the classic Murgh Makhani you might find at an Indian restaurant but tailored for a family kitchen. This recipe’s creamy texture and balanced spices are approachable, even if you’re new to North Indian cuisine. I’m excited for you to try it and find that same sense of togetherness and delight around your own table.
Speaking of favorites, this Butter Chicken reminds me of another family-loved recipe you might enjoy, like the garlic butter chicken thigh skillet. It’s a simple comfort recipe with buttery richness as well. And if you like soups, the chicken Alfredo soup is on my list of meal wins after a long day. For those who love a bit of spice, the chili’s chicken enchilada soup recipe is a crowd-pleaser. All these dishes share that comforting vibe that makes dinner feel like a warm hug.
What You’ll Need
Here’s a straightforward list of ingredients for this Butter Chicken recipe. Trust me, this Butter Chicken ingredient list keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor!

- 1 ½ pounds boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt (for marinating the chicken)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 tablespoons butter (unsalted preferred)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 ½ cups tomato puree (you can use canned or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
For the best Butter Chicken, I recommend using chicken thighs over breasts because they stay juicy and tender in the Indian creamy chicken curry. You’ll find everything for this Butter Chicken at your regular grocery store, including the spices if you look in the international aisle.
Here’s a Butter Chicken secret that makes all the difference: marinating the chicken in yogurt with spices not only tenderizes it but also infuses deeper flavor. This Butter Chicken is forgiving if you need to swap cream for coconut milk or use ghee instead of butter. My family prefers when I use fresh ginger for that zingy note—it makes the spiced tomato gravy pop.
Once you have these ingredients, you’re ready to start your Butter Chicken journey. Now let me guide you through each step with tips from my kitchen.
How to Make It
Making Butter Chicken isn’t as tricky as it looks. Here’s my step-by-step guide to getting it right every time. This Butter Chicken typically takes me about 45 minutes from start to finish, and the results are so worth it.
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken pieces with yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. This step is where your Butter Chicken gains its tender, flavorful base.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan over medium heat. Shake excess marinade off the chicken, then add it to the pan. Cook until the chicken is browned but not fully cooked through—about 5-7 minutes. The aroma at this point is inviting and hints at the meal ahead.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the remaining butter. Toss in chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook until the onions soften and begin to brown, usually 6-8 minutes. This step builds the rich spiced tomato gravy foundation for the Butter Chicken.
- Add Spices and Tomato Puree: Sprinkle in cumin and coriander powder, stirring well. Then pour in the tomato puree, stir, and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine beautifully. Your kitchen will smell amazing while this Butter Chicken cooks.
- Finish the Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Return the chicken to the pan, simmer gently uncovered for another 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened to your liking. Don’t worry if your Butter Chicken looks a little oily on top —that’s a sign of the butter and cream doing their magic.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top, and your Butter Chicken is ready to warm up your family meal.
Here’s where I used to mess up my Butter Chicken — not marinating long enough or overcooking the chicken, which makes it tough. Now I always remember to stir gently after adding cream to keep the sauce silky. While your Butter Chicken is cooking, you’ll have time to set the table or prepare some quick rice.
If you want to make your Butter Chicken more special, check out Murgh Makhani Butter Chicken recipes online like Maunika Gowardhan’s version with a spiced tomato gravy twist. For more family meal ideas, the Chicken Tikka Masala is close in flavor and just as satisfying.
Serving Ideas
My family loves this Butter Chicken served over fluffy basmati rice to soak up the creamy spiced tomato gravy. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something really satisfying without a lot of fuss.

We often serve it with warm naan or roti, both perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce. When guests are over, I add a side of sautéed greens or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. Everyone reaches for seconds when this Butter Chicken comes out with those sides.
This Butter Chicken is ideal for celebrations and special dinners—it’s familiar enough for kids but packed with layers of flavor that adults appreciate. For an easy leftover lunch, heat it gently and serve with a side of steamed vegetables. My family likes it even better the next day, as the flavors deepen after resting.
If you want to mix it up, try adding cashew paste to the sauce for extra creaminess or tossing in some grilled veggies. When I made a version inspired by chicken tikka masala, my family loved the smoky twist. For those who prefer a little less heat, leave out the chili powder and the Butter Chicken remains delicious.
If your family loves this, they’ll also enjoy recipes like the garlic butter chicken thigh skillet or the chili’s chicken enchilada soup recipe—both bring warmth to any meal plan. Seasonal sides like roasted cauliflower or sautéed spinach make a great complement too.
Your Questions Answered
I hear so many questions about Butter Chicken from home cooks looking for success and simplicity. Let me share some answers from my own experience to help you make the best Butter Chicken in your kitchen.
Can I make this Butter Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely. Marinate the chicken the day before, then cook and cool the Butter Chicken sauce separately. When ready to eat, combine and warm gently. It tastes just as good or even better because the flavors have melded.
What if I don’t have yogurt for marinating?
You can use buttermilk or even a squeeze of lemon juice with a splash of milk for tenderizing. Marinating is key for that authentic Butter Chicken texture.
Can I use chicken breasts in Butter Chicken?
Yes, but thighs give you juicier results. If using breasts, watch the cooking time closely to avoid drying out your chicken.
How do I store leftover Butter Chicken?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. It reheats well in a pan over low heat, stirring gently to prevent breaking the sauce.
Is Butter Chicken the same as Chicken Tikka Masala?
They’re similar but not the same. Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, usually has a creamier sauce with a slightly sweeter tone, while chicken tikka masala often has more spices and a tomato-forward taste.
Can I make Butter Chicken dairy-free?
Yes, swap cream for coconut milk and butter with oil or vegan butter. The flavors will be slightly different but still delicious.
Why does my Butter Chicken sauce separate?
It usually happens if the heat is too high when adding cream or butter. Lower the heat and stir gently. Using fresh cream helps too.
When my family first tried this Butter Chicken, the spiced tomato gravy was a hit, and now questions mostly come from friends wanting to nail their own versions. I’m always happy to share my tips and hear their meal wins too.
The Final Word
This Butter Chicken has earned its place on our recipe list because it never fails to bring smiles and full plates around our table. From the creamy texture to the warm spiced tomato gravy, it’s comfort food in a dish. I’ve tried a few versions — adding cashews, swapping cream for coconut milk, or making it extra spicy for my husband — and each has become a family favorite in its own way.
My Butter Chicken Tips:
- Marinate the chicken at least an hour for juicy bites.
- Cook the sauce low and slow after adding cream to keep sauce silky.
- Use chicken thighs whenever possible for tenderness.
For variety, I’ve made a smoky version inspired by chicken tikka masala, a vegan version with coconut milk, and a simple weeknight Butter Chicken with fewer spices for picky eaters. My kids love the mild ones; my husband prefers his with a little heat.
I hope this Butter Chicken becomes a recipe you enjoy making and sharing as much as I do. Remember, it’s about making memories around your table with food that feels like a warm conversation. For more recipes your family might love, try the garlic butter chicken thigh skillet or warm up with the chicken Alfredo soup.
And if you’re curious about authentic dishes like Murgh Makhani, or want to read restaurant reviews from places like Destination India Restaurant in Lafayette, Louisiana, those are great resources too. The community there shares plenty of great ideas for Indian creamy chicken curry lovers like us.
Enjoy making this Butter Chicken your own—it’s a crowd-pleaser that always brings everyone back for seconds and stories. Happy cooking!
Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken is a creamy, flavorful Indian dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a rich tomato and butter-based sauce, perfect for a comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
- 500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into pieces
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken pieces with yogurt, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Set aside for 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté the chopped onions until golden brown.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the marinated chicken and cook on medium heat until it’s no longer pink.
- Add the tomato puree and cook for 10 minutes until the oil starts to separate.
- Stir in garam masala and adjust salt as needed.
- Reduce heat and add butter and cream, stirring gently to combine and heat through.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce is creamy and thick.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with naan or rice.
Notes
For extra richness, add a tablespoon of cashew paste to the sauce or serve with garlic naan for a delicious twist.

