Butter chicken is one of those dishes that instantly feels like home. This hausgemachtes butter chicken recipe brings a perfect balance of creamy richness and warm spices, making it an ideal meal for cozy nights or dinner parties. You’ll love how simple it is to make yet so full of authentic flavor.
If you’ve been searching for an easy and delicious way to enjoy butter chicken at home, this recipe is for you. It’s straightforward, packed with spices, and the sauce has that signature buttery, tomato-based richness that everyone craves.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy texture with balanced spices that aren’t overpowering
- Easy stovetop method that’s perfect for weeknights
- Uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients
- Comforting and satisfying – perfect with naan or rice
- Can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make a delicious hausgemachtes butter chicken that’s full of flavor and perfectly spiced.
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories (approx. per serving): 480
How to Make Hausgemachtes Butter Chicken – Einfach & würzig
- In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, cumin, and 1/2 tsp salt. Add chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for about 7 minutes until soft and golden brown.
- Add garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir well. Cook for 10 minutes on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add marinated chicken pieces with all the marinade to the skillet. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Pour in the heavy cream, water, and sugar. Stir to combine, reduce heat to low, and simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and stir until melted and incorporated. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with basmati rice or warm naan bread.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
- Simmer the sauce slowly to develop a rich, creamy texture without curdling the cream.
- Adjust chili powder to your preferred spice level for a milder or spicier dish.
- Serve with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon for added brightness.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully, so leftovers often taste even better.
For freezing, place cooled butter chicken in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they tend to be less juicy and can dry out faster. Thighs are preferred for their tenderness and flavor.
Is this recipe very spicy?
This hausgemachtes butter chicken has a mild to moderate spice level. You can adjust the chili powder and garam masala amounts to make it milder or spicier according to your taste.
Can I make this dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with coconut oil and use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
What should I serve with butter chicken?
Butter chicken pairs wonderfully with basmati rice, naan bread, or even roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
