Butter Chicken

Name: Butter Chicken
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken thighs (or breasts; I used bone-in); 2 teaspoons Kashmiri chili powder; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves); 1 tablespoon minced ginger; 1/2 cup oil; 2 large onions; 3 tablespoons chopped garlic (about 9 cloves); 1 tablespoon chopped ginger; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 2 teaspoons Kashmiri chili powder; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon garam masala; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; 1/2 (6-ounce) can tomato paste; 1 (28-ounce) can tomatoes (diced, whole, or crushed); 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1/4 cup oil; 1/4 cup ground raw almonds; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup yogurt; 1/4 cup butter; 1 teaspoon kasoori methi (crushed)

Olivia Morgan

May 31, 2025

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Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken is a delightful and creamy dish that has captured hearts all over the world. The rich flavors and aromatic spices make it a favorite in many households. Imagine tender chicken marinated with spices, simmered to perfection in a savory sauce that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Its vibrant colors and heavenly aroma will fill your kitchen, making it an irresistible choice for dinner. Whether you serve it over fluffy rice or with warm naan, Butter Chicken is truly a culinary hug on a plate. #ButterChicken #ComfortFood

This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this fantastic dish that your family and friends will love. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, Butter Chicken is sure to impress!

Why Make This Recipe

You will love this Butter Chicken recipe for many reasons:

Flavorful and Aromatic: The blend of spices infuses the chicken with rich flavors.
Creamy Texture: The sauce is rich and creamy, making each bite comforting.
Easy to Make: With just a few steps, it’s accessible for home cooks of all levels.
Versatile: Enjoy it with rice, naan, or even in wraps.
Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors deepen when reheated, making it great for meal prep.

How to Make Butter Chicken

Making Butter Chicken is a fun and rewarding process. It starts with marinating the chicken, followed by cooking down the spices and tomatoes to create a luscious gravy. Here’s how to do it!

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken thighs (or breasts; I used bone-in)
2 teaspoons Kashmiri chili powder
1 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1/2 cup oil
2 large onions
3 tablespoons chopped garlic (about 9 cloves)
1 tablespoon chopped ginger
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
2 teaspoons Kashmiri chili powder
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1 (28-ounce) can tomatoes (diced, whole, or crushed)
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup oil
1/4 cup ground raw almonds
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup yogurt
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon kasoori methi (crush the leaves with your fingers)

Directions

Chicken Marinade

In a large bowl, combine the chicken and marinade ingredients. Mix well and refrigerate for at least one hour and up to two days.

Gravy

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the onions are golden. Make sure to stir often as the onions will try to stick to the bottom.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the cumin, coriander, Kashmiri chili powder, salt, garam masala, and turmeric. Cook for 30 seconds until they smell delicious.
Add the tomato paste, canned tomatoes, and cilantro. Bring to a boil then simmer for 30 minutes, or until the oil starts separating from the gravy.
Now either transfer it to a blender or use a hand blender to blend until smooth. I strongly prefer the regular blender because it can get the consistency more smooth.

Grill the Chicken

Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil. Add 3-4 pieces of chicken skin-side down. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the skin is golden brown, then transfer to the gravy. Repeat with the remaining chicken. You may need to rinse the pan between batches to get rid of burnt spices.
When all the chicken is in the gravy, bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-45 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. The time mainly depends on if you used boneless or bone-in chicken.

Finish

Heat the oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the ground almonds and sugar. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the almonds are browned and toasty (careful not to burn them). Pour the mixture into the gravy.
Add the yogurt to a small bowl. Slowly mix in 1/2 a cup of gravy to the yogurt, then pour the mixture back into the gravy. This is to prevent the yogurt from curdling.
Finally, add the butter and kasoori methi. Once the butter melts, it’s ready to eat!

Tools You’ll Need

Large bowl for marinating
Large pot for cooking the gravy
Pan for grilling chicken
Blender or hand blender
Small pan for toasting almonds

How to Serve Butter Chicken

Serve your delicious Butter Chicken over fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan bread. For added freshness, top with chopped cilantro. You can also offer a side of cucumber salad or raita to balance the richness of the dish.

How to Store Butter Chicken

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors improve over time, making it a perfect dish for meal prep. To reheat, gently warm it in a pot over low heat until warmed through. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or cream.

Tips to Make Butter Chicken

Marinating the chicken longer will enhance the flavors, so plan accordingly.
For extra creaminess, stir in more yogurt or cream before serving.
Adjust the spice levels according to your heat preference. You can use more or less Kashmiri chili powder.

Variation

You can make Butter Chicken vegetarian by substituting chicken with paneer or tofu. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or peas for a colorful twist.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast can be used, but thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.

Can I freeze Butter Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze Butter Chicken. Just ensure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

How spicy is Butter Chicken?

The spice level is relatively mild but can be adjusted based on your taste. Kashmiri chili powder gives flavor without too much heat.

Personal Cook’s Note

I fondly remember the first time I made Butter Chicken for my family. The aroma filled the house, and everyone gathered in the kitchen, eager to taste. It quickly became a family favorite! I encourage you to try making this dish, even if it’s your first time cooking Indian food. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spices to make it your own. Please share your thoughts below and let me know how your Butter Chicken turned out!