Hey there, food lover! If you’re ready to take your taste buds on a wild, comforting ride, this recipe for Creamy Indian Butter Chicken is exactly what you need. It’s everything you crave in a rich, saucy dish—tender chicken, silky butter, and a symphony of spices that’ll make your kitchen smell like heaven. Trust me, you’re going to love this one.
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Why You’ll Love Creamy Indian Butter Chicken
This isn’t just another chicken recipe. Oh no. This Creamy Indian Butter Chicken is a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or serving it to impress guests, this dish checks all the boxes. Here’s why it’ll quickly become a favorite:
- Versatile: It’s perfect for anything from a casual weeknight dinner to a fun dinner party with friends. Imagine serving this at your next gathering and seeing your guests go wild over the flavors.
- Budget-Friendly: You don’t need to break the bank to create this flavorful dish. Using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, this recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary.
- Quick and Easy: The steps are straightforward, and even beginners can master this one. You don’t need to be a pro chef to whip up this delicious meal!
- Customizable: Want to spice things up a little? Add more heat with chili flakes or adjust the seasonings to suit your personal taste. This recipe is as flexible as you want it to be.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s for your kids or your adult friends, this dish is a guaranteed hit. It’s creamy, flavorful, and comforting, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic behind this creamy, dreamy dish. All you need are these simple, yet powerful ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts: The main attraction. Juicy, tender chicken breasts cook up perfectly in that creamy sauce.
- Butter: Because, well, it’s Butter Chicken! Adds that rich, indulgent flavor that makes this dish unforgettable.
- Onion: Finely chopped and sautéed to create a soft, flavorful base.
- Garlic & Ginger: A flavorful, aromatic combo that packs a punch and gives the dish its authentic taste.
- Tomato Puree: For a tangy sweetness that balances the richness of the butter.
- Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce so velvety and luscious.
- Garam Masala: The magical blend of spices that gives this dish its signature taste.
- Ground Cumin & Coriander: Adds that warm, earthy depth to the sauce.
- Turmeric: For a touch of color and a hint of earthy flavor.
- Chili Powder: Optional, but totally worth it if you like a little kick in your dish!
- Salt: To taste.
- Fresh Cilantro: For garnish. A little pop of green to brighten up your dish.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
1. Cook the Chicken: Heat some oil in a pan and cook the chicken breasts until golden and cooked through. Once done, set them aside to rest before cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until soft and golden. Stir in the garlic and ginger and let them cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the Spices: Sprinkle in the garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder (if using). Stir well to coat the onions in the spices, letting them toast for a minute or so to bring out their full flavor.
4. Add the Tomato Puree: Pour in the tomato puree and stir until it combines with the spices. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken up and develop its rich flavor.
5. Cream It Up: Slowly stir in the heavy cream, bringing the sauce to a creamy, dreamy consistency. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken pieces into the sauce and stir well to coat every bite. Let it simmer together for another 10 minutes so the chicken can soak up all that saucy goodness.
7. Final Touches: Season with salt to taste. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve this creamy butter chicken with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread. Get ready for your taste buds to be blown away.
How to Serve Creamy Indian Butter Chicken
This dish is perfect when paired with a few sides that’ll balance the richness. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
- Fresh Salads: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Vegetable Sides: Roasted veggies, like carrots or zucchini, add color and nutrition to the meal.
- As a Standalone: Sometimes, this dish is hearty enough on its own—just garnish with fresh herbs for a little extra flair.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: Chop and measure your ingredients the night before. It’ll save you time when it’s cooking time.
- Spice It Up: Add extra chili flakes or smoked paprika for some added heat if you love bold flavors.
- Dietary Adjustments: You can swap dairy ingredients for plant-based alternatives for a vegan option.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently for the best results.
- Double the Batch: This dish freezes wonderfully, so why not make a big batch for future easy dinners?
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute chicken breasts with thighs?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a slightly richer flavor and are a great substitute.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prep it the day before and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently for the best results.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, it freezes beautifully. Just store in a freezer-safe container and reheat when needed.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q7: How can I make this dish spicier?
A7: Add extra chili powder or fresh chili slices to crank up the heat.
Q8: Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
A8: Yes! You can cook the chicken in the slow cooker, then make the sauce and combine the two at the end.
Q9: Can I use dairy-free cream?
A9: Yes, you can substitute with a plant-based cream for a dairy-free version.
Q10: Can I make this dish without butter?
A10: You can try ghee or oil as a substitute for butter, but it won’t have the same richness.
Conclusion
There you have it—Creamy Indian Butter Chicken that’s rich, flavorful, and totally irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a meal that will make your heart and stomach happy. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this again and again!
Print
Creamy Indian Butter Chicken with Aromatic Spices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Creamy Indian Butter Chicken is rich, flavorful, and filled with aromatic spices, making it the perfect cozy dinner served with basmati rice or naan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 1/2 teaspoons turmeric
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked basmati rice or naan (to serve)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, paprika, coriander, chili powder, and salt. Add chicken pieces and coat well. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.
- Heat oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté onions until soft and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, cooking another 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in tomato puree and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and deepen in flavor.
- Return chicken to the skillet, mixing to coat in sauce. Pour in heavy cream, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is tender and sauce is rich and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with basmati rice or warm naan.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Adjust chili powder to control the heat level to your preference.
- Use full-fat yogurt and cream for the creamiest sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 180mg