Best Butter Chicken Recipe You’ll Make on Repeat

If you’ve ever wondered how to make restaurant-quality butter chicken at home, you’re in the right place. This best butter chicken recipe you’ll make on repeat blends tender chicken pieces with a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices. You’ll find it perfectly balanced—comforting, flavorful, and just spicy enough.

this Recipe

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or hosting friends, this butter chicken will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Let’s dive into making this delicious dish that brings Indian flavors straight to your stovetop.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and creamy sauce with perfectly balanced spices
• Tender chicken marinated to lock in flavor and moisture
• Easy stovetop method with straightforward ingredients
• Perfect for meal prep or feeding a family of 4
• Pairs beautifully with rice, naan, or your favorite sides

Ingredients

Gather these simple, fresh ingredients to make an authentic and creamy butter chicken that’s bursting with flavor.

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 tsp garam masala, divided
• 2 tsp ground cumin, divided
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp Kashmiri chili powder or paprika
• 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp honey
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 520 per serving

How to Make Best Butter Chicken – Recipe You’ll Make on Repeat

1. In a medium bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, 2 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp cumin, turmeric, chili powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Add chicken pieces and coat well. Marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight in the fridge.
2. Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 7 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add remaining 1 tsp cumin and 1 tsp garam masala to the skillet, stirring to toast the spices for 30 seconds. Pour in crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and darkens.
4. While sauce simmers, heat a separate pan over medium-high heat with a light coating of oil. Remove chicken from marinade and cook in batches until browned and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Set aside.
5. Reduce sauce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, honey, remaining 1/2 tsp salt, and the last 2 tbsp butter until fully incorporated and creamy.
6. Return cooked chicken to the sauce, coating evenly. Simmer on low for 5-7 minutes to meld flavors and warm through.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with basmati rice or warm naan bread.

Tips for the Best Results

• Marinate your chicken overnight to deepen the flavor and tenderize the meat fully.
• Use boneless chicken thighs for juiciness—breasts tend to dry out.
• Don’t rush cooking the onions; caramelizing them slowly adds natural sweetness.
• Adjust chili powder according to your heat preference; Kashmiri chili powder gives color with mild heat.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream with coconut milk and use oil instead of butter.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can add a splash of cream or water if the sauce thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts can dry out more easily. Cook them carefully and avoid overcooking for tender results, or opt for thighs for juicier meat.

Is butter chicken spicy?

Traditional butter chicken is mildly spiced with a creamy, rich sauce. You can adjust the chili powder to make it more or less spicy depending on your preference.

What can I serve with butter chicken?

Butter chicken pairs wonderfully with basmati rice, naan bread, or even steamed vegetables. These sides help soak up the flavorful sauce.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Marinate the chicken the night before and prepare the sauce in advance. Butter chicken often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.