Butter chicken (flavorful) is a dish that wraps itself around your senses like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine tender chicken swimming in a creamy tomato sauce, kissed by spices that dance on your palate like they own the place. creamy boursin chicken recipe The aroma wafts through your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around and drool just a little bit as they wait for dinner. light chicken avocado wrap.
When I think of butter chicken, I’m transported back to family gatherings, where laughter and the clinking of plates filled the air. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive celebration. spicy buffalo chicken flavors Trust me, this experience will be nothing short of spectacular, bursting with flavors that will have you dreaming about your next helping.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This flavorful butter chicken recipe simplifies meal prep while offering an explosion of taste
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually captivating for any dinner table
- Perfect for impressing guests but easy enough for weeknight dinners!
- Customize ingredients based on preferences for added versatility
I remember when my best friend first tasted butter chicken at my place; her eyes widened as she declared it “life-changing.”

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust depending on how many people you’re feeding.
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Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for the best flavor; no one wants sad garlic.
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Fresh Ginger: Use fresh ginger for its zesty kick; ground ginger just won’t cut it here.
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Canned Tomatoes: Opt for whole peeled tomatoes; they create a smoother sauce with rich flavor.
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Cream: Heavy cream works best to achieve that luscious texture; half-and-half might leave you wanting more.
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Butter: A good amount of butter is essential; after all, it’s called butter chicken for a reason!
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Spices (Garam Masala, Cumin, Coriander): These spices elevate the dish from ordinary to extraordinary; don’t skimp on them.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors throughout the cooking process.
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Cilantro (for garnish): Fresh cilantro adds color and an aromatic finish to this beautiful dish!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces and seasoning with salt, pepper, cumin, and coriander. This allows those spices to infuse right into the meat.
Sauté Aromatics
In a large pan over medium heat, melt some butter until it sizzles. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown and fragrant—this is when you know you’re in for something special.
Add Garlic and Ginger
Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook just until aromatic; be careful not to burn them—burnt garlic is like bad karaoke at a wedding.
Create the Sauce
Pour in those glorious canned tomatoes along with heavy cream while stirring well to combine everything into a vibrant orange concoction. Let it simmer gently so that flavors meld beautifully.
Cook the Chicken
Add your seasoned chicken pieces into the simmering sauce. Cover and cook until the chicken is thoroughly cooked—about 15 minutes should do the trick! You want it tender enough to make you swoon.
Finish with Garnish
Once cooked through, remove from heat and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top before serving. The bright green garnish adds freshness that complements the rich sauce beautifully!
Now you’ve got flavorful butter chicken ready to impress everyone at your dinner table! Serve it hot with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread for dipping.
Enjoy your culinary adventure with this amazing recipe!
You Must Know
- Butter chicken is more than just a dish; it’s a flavor explosion that warms your soul
- The creamy sauce and tender chicken create a delightful harmony, perfect for impressing guests or indulging yourself
- Plus, the leftovers are even better the next day!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken until golden brown, then simmer it in the sauce to absorb flavors. This sequence ensures a juicy, flavorful dish that’s perfectly cooked.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for paneer or tofu for a vegetarian twist. Add vegetables like bell peppers or peas for extra nutrition and color.
Storing & Reheating
Store butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. comforting chicken noodle soup Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always marinate your chicken overnight for maximum flavor
- Don’t skip the ghee; it enhances richness
- Serve it with naan or rice to soak up that scrumptious sauce!
Cooking butter chicken became an instant classic in my home after friends raved about it during a dinner party. Now it’s our go-to recipe for gatherings! For more inspiration, check out this Crockpot Butter Chicken recipe recipe.

FAQ
What is butter chicken?
Butter chicken is a creamy, spiced curry made with tender chicken pieces. For more inspiration, check out this Thai Red Curry Chicken recipe.
Can I make butter chicken vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken with paneer or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian option.
What can I serve with butter chicken?
Serve butter chicken with naan, rice, or roti to soak up all that flavor!
Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Butter chicken is a classic Indian dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices. This comforting meal is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, offering a delightful explosion of flavors that will leave everyone craving more. Served hot with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan, this butter chicken recipe is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings loved ones together.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can (28 oz) whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, cumin, and coriander.
- In a large pan over medium heat, melt butter. Sauté chopped onions until golden brown.
- Add garlic and ginger; cook until fragrant but not burnt.
- Stir in canned tomatoes and heavy cream; simmer for flavor melding.
- Add seasoned chicken to the sauce; cover and cook for about 15 minutes until tender.
- Remove from heat and garnish with cilantro before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg





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