When you think of comfort food that hits all the right notes—creamy, savory, just the right amount of spice—butter chicken always comes to mind. This rich and flavorful dish originated in Northern India and has since captured hearts around the globe. It’s a dish that delivers restaurant-quality satisfaction without requiring a culinary degree to pull off.

Made with tender chicken simmered in a velvety tomato-based sauce enriched with butter and cream, this version brings it home with pantry staples and easy steps. Pair it with warm naan or a heap of fluffy basmati rice, and you’ve got a satisfying meal that never fails to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Homemade Butter Chicken

This butter chicken recipe is a lifesaver for weeknights when you want something comforting and indulgent but don’t want to spend hours cooking. The chicken is marinated in warming spices and yogurt, ensuring deep flavor and tenderness. The sauce is where the magic happens—creamy, slightly tangy, with a smooth buttery finish that’s better than takeout.

It’s customizable too. Want it spicy? Add more chili powder. Need it dairy-free? Sub in coconut milk. Plus, it stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep.

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?

Absolutely. In fact, chicken thighs are often preferred for butter chicken because they stay juicier and more flavorful, especially after marinating and simmering. If you only have chicken breasts on hand, just make sure not to overcook them so they stay tender.

Ingredients for the Creamy Homemade Butter Chicken

Name: Creamy Homemade Butter Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts; 1 cup plain yogurt; 4 cloves garlic minced; 2 teaspoons fresh ginger grated; 2 teaspoons garam masala; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons oil; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 cup tomato puree; 1 teaspoon sugar (optional); 1 cup heavy cream

This dish gets its signature flavor from a mix of aromatic spices, creamy additions, and rich tomato. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building that restaurant-style taste.

Boneless chicken thighs or breasts bring the main protein and soak up all the flavor from the marinade and sauce.

Plain yogurt acts as the base of the marinade, tenderizing the chicken while infusing it with subtle tang.

Garlic and ginger are essential aromatics that add deep, earthy flavor to both the marinade and sauce.

Garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika, and chili powder create that warm and complex spice base.

Tomato puree or crushed tomatoes provide the base for the luscious sauce, adding natural acidity.

Heavy cream delivers the rich, velvety texture butter chicken is known for.

Butter enhances the sauce with a smooth, slightly sweet finish.

Salt and sugar help balance the heat and acidity.

How To Make the Creamy Homemade Butter Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika, chili powder, and salt. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour, or overnight for the best flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil. Sear the marinated chicken pieces until browned on both sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this point. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add more garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant. Pour in the tomato puree and all the remaining spices. Let it simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened and deep in color.

Step 4: Simmer Everything Together

Add the partially cooked chicken back into the sauce and let it simmer on low for another 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream, stir to combine, and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and a pinch of sugar if needed.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Homemade Butter Chicken

This butter chicken is best served hot, ladled over steamed basmati rice or paired with soft naan bread to soak up that velvety sauce. You can also spoon it over cauliflower rice if you’re going low-carb.

It feeds about 4 people generously, and leftovers are just as satisfying the next day. Store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat or microwave until heated through. You can even freeze it for up to 2 months—just make sure it’s cooled completely before freezing.

What to Serve With Butter Chicken?

Basmati Rice

A classic pairing that soaks up the sauce and keeps the meal balanced.

Garlic Naan

Soft, chewy naan brushed with garlic butter takes this dish to another level.

Cucumber Raita

A cooling yogurt-based side dish that cuts through the richness of the sauce.

Roasted Cauliflower

Oven-roasted cauliflower adds a crispy, nutty contrast.

Indian Pickles

Tangy and spicy pickles give you a punchy contrast to the buttery richness.

Lentil Dal

For a heartier meal, serve alongside a simple dal for added protein and texture.

Sliced Red Onions with Lemon

Tossed with salt and lemon juice, they make a zesty bite between spoonfuls.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If creamy butter chicken makes your weeknight feel a little more special, you might also love these comforting dinners:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go bold with the spices or keep it mild? Maybe you swapped the cream for coconut milk?

I always enjoy seeing your personal spin on this creamy favorite. Questions? Drop them below and let’s make this dish perfect together.

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