Butter Chicken Recipe for Everyone

Name: Delicious Butter Chicken Recipe for Everyone
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless chicken thighs; 3 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp fresh ginger, minced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup canned tomato puree; 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a vegan option); 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp coriander; 1 tsp garam masala; Salt and pepper to taste; Juice of 1 lemon

Recipe By:

Lily Hartwell

Posted:

September 10, 2025

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There’s something magical about the aroma of spices wafting through the kitchen. Picture this: tender chunks of chicken swimming in a rich, creamy sauce that dances with flavors of garlic, ginger, and spices. This butter chicken recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you straight to an Indian eatery without leaving your cozy home.

Let me tell you about the first time I made this dish. The family gathered around the table with eager anticipation, eyes sparkling like kids on Christmas morning. When they took that first bite, their expressions said it all—joy and satisfaction wrapped up in every mouthful. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together and makes even Mondays feel like a special occasion.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This delightful butter chicken recipe is incredibly easy to prepare even for beginners in the kitchen.
The flavor profile is rich, combining creamy tomato sauce with fragrant spices for an irresistible taste.
Visually stunning, this dish will impress guests at any gathering or family dinner.
Perfectly versatile, it pairs well with rice or naan and can be customized based on your spice preference.

Some friends once told me they could swim in this sauce—and honestly? I don’t blame them! It’s that good.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless Chicken Thighs: They’re juicier than breasts and hold up beautifully in sauce; plus, they’re forgiving if overcooked.
Butter: Because who doesn’t love buttery goodness? It adds richness and depth to the sauce.
Fresh Ginger: A must-have for that zingy freshness; choose plump pieces for maximum flavor.
Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic elevates the dish with its aromatic warmth; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient!
Canned Tomato Puree: It forms the base of our luscious sauce; look for high-quality brands for better flavor.
Cream: Heavy cream works best here for a luxuriously thick texture; you can also use coconut milk for a vegan twist.
Spices (Cumin, Coriander, Garam Masala): These spices create that signature Indian flavor profile; fresh spices are always more potent.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all flavors together; adjust to taste as necessary.
Lemon Juice: A splash at the end brightens up the dish like sunshine on a rainy day.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat your adventurous spirit because we’re diving into creating this scrumptious butter chicken!

Sear the Chicken: Start by heating a generous tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add boneless chicken thighs seasoned with salt and pepper and sear until they’re golden brown—about 5-7 minutes per side.

Sauté Aromatics: Remove the browned chicken from the pan and set aside. In the same skillet, toss in minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté until fragrant—around 30 seconds—making sure not to burn them or you’ll have an unpleasant surprise.

Add Tomato Puree & Spices: Pour in that beautiful tomato puree along with cumin and coriander. Stir everything together as colors deepen and aromas fill your kitchen—this is where magic happens.

Add Cream & Simmer: Slowly whisk in heavy cream until fully combined. Bring everything to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally; let those flavors meld beautifully for about 10 minutes.

Finish & Serve!: Return the seared chicken to your lovely sauce bath along with lemon juice. Simmer for another 5 minutes until heated through. Serve hot over fluffy rice or alongside warm naan for dipping!

Now that you’ve mastered this buttery delight, I guarantee you’ll be serving it up again soon (and maybe even dreaming about it). Enjoy!

You Must Know

This butter chicken recipe is a delightful blend of spices and creamy goodness.
It’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in.
The rich aroma wafting through your kitchen will make everyone ask for seconds, guaranteed!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve buttery perfection, start by marinating the chicken. Sauté the spices before adding tomatoes and cream for a flavor explosion.

Add Your Touch

Experiment with yogurt instead of cream for a tangy twist, or toss in some spinach for added nutrients and color to your butter chicken.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove for best texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use fresh spices to elevate flavors; stale spices can dull your dish.
Always simmer the sauce low and slow, allowing flavors to develop.
Pair with fluffy basmati rice for a complete meal experience.

There was one time I made this butter chicken recipe for my friends, and they couldn’t stop raving about it! Their compliments were so enthusiastic that I almost believed I had a Michelin star in my kitchen.

FAQ

What can I serve with butter chicken?

Butter chicken pairs beautifully with naan, basmati rice, or even quinoa for a lighter option.

Can I make butter chicken vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with paneer or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian version of this classic dish.

How spicy is this butter chicken recipe?

This recipe has mild spice; adjust chili levels to match your heat preference without sacrificing flavor.

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