Butter Chicken Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This butter chicken recipe is a delicious way to bring the flavors of Indian cuisine to your kitchen. It’s easy to make and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Rich, creamy sauce that’s packed with flavor from spices like garam masala and turmeric. Tender, juicy chicken that’s marinated and cooked to perfection. Simple ingredients you likely already have at home, making it both convenient and budget-friendly.

Recipe

Butter chicken, a beloved Indian dish, combines tender chicken pieces with a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce. This recipe is perfect for those seeking a flavorful and comforting meal that’s easy to prepare at home.

Ingredients:

• 500g boneless chicken, cut into cubes
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp sugar
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, cumin, garam masala, chili powder, and salt. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat butter and oil in a pan. Cook the marinated chicken until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté onions until golden. Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates.
4. Add the cooked chicken, heavy cream, sugar, and salt. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with naan or rice.

Notes:

• For a smokier flavor, grill the marinated chicken before adding it to the sauce.
• Adjust the chili powder for desired spiciness.

Time:

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Nutrition

Butter chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that is also nutritious. Here is the nutritional breakdown per serving:

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my butter chicken with simple side dishes, like steamed basmati rice or fresh cucumber salad, to balance the rich flavors. Warm, buttery naan or fluffy roti are my go-to bread options because they’re perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a tangy mango chutney for an extra pop of flavor.

Side Dishes

When I’m serving butter chicken, I always think about what’ll balance its rich, creamy flavor without stealing the spotlight. I love pairing it with simple, fresh sides like cucumber raita or a tangy green salad. Using kitchen tools like a grater or mandoline makes prepping veggies quick and easy. Cooking tips I swear by? Lightly toast cumin seeds for raita or toss salad greens with lemon juice for brightness. Steamed basmati rice is a classic, but I sometimes go for quinoa for a nutty twist. These sides complement the dish perfectly, letting the butter chicken shine.

Bread Options

While rice and salads are great, nothing soaks up that creamy butter chicken sauce quite like fresh, warm bread. I always reach for naan varieties first—garlic naan adds a punch of flavor, while butter naan is soft and indulgent. If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll try stuffed naan with paneer or herbs. Flatbread options like roti or paratha are also fantastic—they’re lighter but still perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce. Sometimes, I’ll even toast pita or tortillas for a quick fix. Trust me, the right bread turns butter chicken into a meal you’ll crave again and again.