Butter chicken, with its velvety sauce and tender bites of chicken, is an irresistible dish for any occasion. This classic Indian recipe combines the warmth of spices, the richness of butter and cream, and the tang of tomatoes into a culinary masterpiece.
It pairs beautifully with dishes like marry me chicken recipe for those looking to explore a variety of hearty meals! Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a spice aficionado, this recipe will become a staple in your meal rotation. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need:
- Chicken (2 pounds/900g)
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon)
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, divided)
- Garlic (5 cloves, minced)
- Fresh ginger (2 inches, grated)
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon)
- Garam masala (2 teaspoons)
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon)
- Ground turmeric (1 teaspoon)
- Chili powder (optional, 1/2 teaspoon)
- Salt (1 teaspoon)
- Tomato sauce or passata (15 oz/400ml):
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup/120ml)
- Fresh parsley, cilantro, or mint (2 tablespoons, finely chopped): For garnish.
For Serving:
- Cooked rice (e.g., basmati or brown rice)
- Naan bread
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Equipment
To prepare butter chicken, gather the following tools:
- A large skillet or pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Garlic press
- Grater (for ginger)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
Having sharp, high-quality tools ensures smooth preparation and even cooking.
How to Make Butter Chicken?
Follow these simple steps to prepare this creamy dish:
Prepare the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter, letting it melt. Place the diced chicken in the pan and cook until it’s golden brown on the outside (about 5-7 minutes). If needed, deglaze the pan with 2-4 tablespoons of water or chicken stock.
Infuse the Aromatics
Push the chicken to one side of the skillet and add the remaining butter. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for about a minute until fragrant.
Add the Spices
Sprinkle in the cumin, garam masala, smoked paprika, turmeric, chili powder (if using), and salt. Cook the mixture for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Create the Tomato Base
Pour in the tomato sauce or passata, mixing well. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer for 5-10 minutes. This allows the chicken to fully cook and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Add the Cream
Gently stir in the heavy cream, then allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for a few minutes until it’s slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve
Spoon the butter chicken over rice or serve with naan bread. Garnish with chopped parsley, cilantro, or mint for a fresh pop of flavor.
Why I Love Making This Recipe?
Butter chicken holds a special place in my heart because it’s a dish that brings people together. It’s one of the first Indian recipes I mastered, and I love how adaptable it is. Whether I’m hosting a dinner party or preparing a simple family meal, the warm spices and creamy sauce never fail to draw smiles and requests for seconds. Plus, it’s surprisingly quick to make, which is always a win in my book!
Tips and Variations
- Spice it Up
Want extra heat? Add more chili powder or a dash of cayenne. For a milder version, skip the chili altogether. - Switch Up the Protein
Swap out chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even roasted cauliflower for a vegetarian twist. If you enjoy lighter meals with robust flavors, this panera chicken salad recipe could be the perfect inspiration for a side or next recipe to try. - Make it Dairy-Free
Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a rich, dairy-free option. - Experiment with Herbs
While cilantro is classic, you can also garnish with chopped mint or parsley for variation. - Balance the Flavor
If your sauce is too tangy, a teaspoon of sugar can help mellow out the acidity of the tomatoes. - Thicker Sauce
To achieve a thicker consistency, simmer the sauce a little longer or add a cornstarch slurry.
Perfect Pairings for This Dish
Butter chicken shines when paired with these sides:
- Basmati Rice: Perfect for soaking up the luscious sauce. Choose classic white basmati or healthier brown rice.
- Naan Bread: A soft, pillowy bread to scoop up every bit of that creamy curry.
- Coconut Rice: For an indulgent twist, coconut rice adds sweetness and richness.
- Mushroom Bhaji: A simple, earthy side dish that complements the creamy butter chicken.
- Cucumber Raita: A cooling yogurt-based side to balance out the spices.
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Transfer leftovers into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheat: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce and prevent it from thickening too much.
- Freeze: Butter chicken freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can also explore more chicken recipes to round out your freezer meal prep.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 406
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and can vary based on ingredients.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Browning Step
Searing the chicken adds depth of flavor. Don’t skip this step, and deglaze the pan if needed to use all those tasty bits. - Overcooking the Chicken
Chicken breast can dry out if overcooked. Keep an eye on it and simmer just until tender. - Overpowering with Spices
Measure your spices carefully. Butter chicken is all about balance. - Forgetting to Stir
Stirring ensures the spices and cream blend smoothly, creating a perfectly rich sauce. - Using Low-Quality Tomatoes
Smooth, high-quality passata or tomato sauce makes all the difference. Avoid overly acidic or chunky varieties.
Butter chicken is a dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve guests. With its creamy texture, hearty flavor, and endless pairing options, it’s no surprise this recipe is a favorite worldwide. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it deserves a spot in your regular rotation!
Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Season the chicken generously with salt and black pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the chicken chunks and sauté them until they’re golden brown and cooked through. This usually takes about 7–10 minutes. When done, set the chicken aside.
- Why is this step important? Searing the chicken locks in juices, ensuring tender pieces throughout your dish.
- While the chicken is cooking, fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Add your spaghetti or chosen pasta, cooking it until al dente (firm to the bite). Typically, this takes 8–10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Using salted water enhances the flavor of the pasta, making every bite irresistible.
- Return your skillet with the cooked chicken to the stove over medium heat. Pour in the jars of alfredo sauce and stir to coat the chicken thoroughly. Add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, chopped onion, cayenne pepper, and fresh basil to the sauce. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Once the sauce is simmering, add the shredded Parmesan cheese if you’re using it. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce turns even creamier. A quick tip? Test the sauce by lifting a spoon; if it coats the spoon without dripping too much, your sauce is perfectly thickened.
- If you’re adding the broccoli, set up your steamer. Add enough water to a saucepan to sit just below the steamer basket. Bring the water to a boil, then add the broccoli. Cover and steam for 2–6 minutes until tender. Add the broccoli directly into the skillet with the sauce and chicken.
- Pour the cooked pasta into the skillet or mix in a large serving dish. Toss the pasta thoroughly to coat every inch with the alfredo sauce. Serve immediately, garnishing with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or fresh basil for an added touch.
Notes
- Overcooking Chicken: Overcooked chicken becomes dry and chewy. Watch your timing!
- Undercooked Pasta: Al dente pasta is key; mushy noodles make the dish less appetizing.
- Skipping the Cheese: Parmesan cheese not only thickens the sauce but enhances its flavor.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Taste as you go to adjust spices like cayenne, salt, or black pepper to your liking.
- Rushing the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer to achieve a luxurious, thick consistency.
