The Best Butter Chicken Recipe: Creamy, Comforting & Foolproof

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Butter Chicken is one of those dishes that wraps you in warmth from the very first bite. The creamy tomato sauce, the tender chunks of spiced chicken, the buttery aroma filling your kitchen, it all feels like a big hug in a bowl.

I still remember the first time I made this dish for my family on a chilly Friday night. The scent of garlic, ginger, and garam masala drifting through the air made everyone wander into the kitchen long before dinner was ready.

This easy butter chicken recipe has become one of my go-to comfort meals, perfect for cozy nights in, family dinners, or when I want to impress guests without the stress.

It’s restaurant-quality but approachable enough for a weeknight. You don’t need any fancy ingredients, just a few pantry spices and a good simmer. Serve it over fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan, and you’ll see why it’s a favorite in homes everywhere.

Whether you’re cooking for a date night, meal prepping for the week, or introducing your kids to new flavors, this foolproof butter chicken will quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation.

About the Recipe

This version of butter chicken (also known as Murgh Makhani) focuses on simplicity without losing authenticity.

You’ll marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices to make it juicy and flavorful, then simmer it in a silky sauce made from butter, tomatoes, cream, and aromatics. The balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors is what makes this dish so irresistible.

What I love most about this recipe is that it’s flexible. You can use chicken breasts or thighs, dairy or coconut cream, and it still turns out amazing every single time. It makes about 4–6 servings, perfect for a family meal or leftovers for lunch the next day.

The sauce thickens beautifully as it cools, and it’s even better reheated. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this easy butter chicken is a must-try comfort dish.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ¾ cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free option)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Optional for Serving:

• Cooked basmati rice or naan bread
• Extra butter or cream drizzle

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and all marinade spices. Add the chicken and mix well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in batches and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through yet. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
   In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden and soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add Spices:
   Sprinkle in garam masala, cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Stir continuously for 30 seconds to release their aroma.
5. Add Tomatoes and Simmer:
   Pour in the tomato sauce, stirring well to deglaze the pan. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to deepen.
6. Blend for Smoothness (Optional):
   For an extra silky texture, transfer the sauce to a blender and purée until smooth. Return it to the pan.
7. Add Cream and Chicken:
   Stir in the heavy cream and sugar. Add the chicken back into the pan and simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce coats it beautifully.
8. Finish and Serve:
   Taste and adjust salt or spice level if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of cream or melted butter. Serve hot with rice or naan.

Tips for Success

For truly tender butter chicken, give the marinade time to work its magic. Even a one-hour marination helps, but overnight will make the chicken melt-in-your-mouth soft and flavorful. The yogurt and lemon juice gently break down the meat fibers while infusing them with spices.

Be patient when simmering the sauce. The longer you let it cook, the more the tomato base mellows and the flavors deepen.

Don’t rush this step, it’s what turns a simple sauce into something restaurant-worthy. If your sauce tastes too tangy, a pinch of sugar or a little extra cream balances it perfectly.

Finally, use good-quality garam masala and fresh ginger. These two ingredients carry the flavor of the entire dish. A quick tip: grate ginger on a microplane for a smooth texture and maximum aroma.

What Goes Well With It

Butter chicken is a showstopper on its own, but pairing it right makes it unforgettable. Spoon it generously over basmati rice so every grain gets coated in that luscious sauce. The slightly nutty, fluffy rice balances the rich creaminess beautifully.

Or go the classic route with warm, buttery naan, perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce. You can even serve garlic naan or roti if you want a bolder flavor. Add a side of cucumber raita or a crisp salad to lighten the meal.

For drinks, a cool mango lassi or even a chilled glass of white wine pairs wonderfully. And if you’re making it for a cozy evening, serve it by candlelight with soft music, it feels like dining at your favorite Indian restaurant, right at home.

Nutrition & Health Benefits

While butter chicken feels indulgent, it’s more balanced than you might think. The lean chicken provides plenty of protein, keeping you full and satisfied.

The yogurt marinade adds probiotics for gut health, while the spices, especially turmeric and cumin, bring natural anti-inflammatory benefits.

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health and glowing skin. And though there’s butter and cream in the mix, using moderate amounts makes the dish comforting without being heavy.

For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk. You’ll still get that creamy texture and rich flavor while cutting down on calories and saturated fat.

How to Store & Reheat

Butter chicken keeps beautifully, which makes it a great make-ahead or meal prep dish. Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, so it’s even better the next day.

For freezing, portion the cooled butter chicken into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickened too much. You can also microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, but stovetop reheating preserves the best texture.

Closing Personal Touch

Every time I make this butter chicken, it reminds me how food brings people together. My kids call it “orange chicken,” and they always ask for seconds. It’s one of those recipes that fills the table with laughter, conversation, and empty plates.

I’ve made it for holidays, casual Sunday dinners, and even as a surprise “welcome home” meal, it never fails to impress. There’s something about that creamy, spiced sauce that feels both comforting and celebratory.

If you’ve never tried making butter chicken from scratch before, let this be your sign. It’s simpler than it looks, deeply satisfying, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing.

Once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this dish has become a beloved classic around the world, and maybe, just maybe, a new favorite in your own home too.