Delicious Butter Chicken served with rice and naan on a rustic table

Butter Chicken Recipe

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Butter Chicken is a beloved dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy, spiced tomato sauce. It’s not only delicious but also easy to make at home. This recipe gives you the chance to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to impress family and friends with your cooking skills!

How to Make Butter Chicken

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup plain yoghurt (full fat)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 2 tsp garam masala (Note 1)
  • 1/2 tsp chilli powder or cayenne pepper powder (Note 2)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp ginger, freshly grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1.5 lb / 750 g chicken thigh fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp (30 g) ghee or butter (or 1 tbsp vegetable oil) (Note 3)
  • 1 cup tomato passata (aka tomato puree) (Note 4)
  • 1 cup heavy/thickened cream (Note 5)
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 1/4 tsp salt
  • Basmati rice or white rice
  • Coriander/cilantro (optional)

Directions

  1. Optional blitz: For a smoother sauce, combine the marinade ingredients (except the chicken) in a food processor and blend until smooth.

  2. Marinate: Mix all marinade ingredients with the chicken in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 3 hours.

  3. Cook chicken: Heat the ghee (or butter/oil) over high heat in a large fry pan. Remove the chicken from the marinade, but do not wipe or shake off the marinade. Place the chicken in the pan and cook for about 3 minutes, or until the chicken is white all over.

  4. Make sauce: Add the tomato passata, cream, sugar, and salt. If you have leftover marinade, add it to the pan too. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

  5. Garnish and serve: If you like, sprinkle fresh coriander/cilantro on top. Serve with basmati or white rice.

How to Serve Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken is best served hot. You can enjoy it with steaming basmati rice, which helps soak up the rich sauce. Pair it with naan or flatbread for a complete meal.

How to Store Butter Chicken

To store leftovers, let the Butter Chicken cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the Butter Chicken for up to a month. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stove or in the microwave.

Tips to Make Butter Chicken

  • Make sure to marinate the chicken long enough for the flavors to soak in.
  • Adjust the spice levels by adding more or less chili powder based on your preference.
  • For a rich flavor, use ghee instead of butter or oil.

Variation

You can add vegetables like peas or bell peppers to the chicken while cooking for extra nutrients and color. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with paneer or chickpeas.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast, but it might be a bit less juicy than using thighs.

2. Is Butter Chicken spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted. Use less chili powder for a milder version.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken a day in advance and cook it when you’re ready to serve.