Homemade Butter Chicken

I still remember the first time I tried making butter chicken, and I thought it would be easy, but of course, I ended up burning the onions because I was too busy chatting with the kids, and I had to start all over again, and honestly, that’s just typical me because I always think I can multitask better than I really can

But here’s the funny part, and even with that messy start, the second try turned out so good, and it shocked me, and I couldn’t believe how creamy and flavorful it was, and the kids actually licked their plates clean and even asked for seconds, and you know that never happens with new recipes

Have you ever had one of those cooking moments where you’re halfway sure it’s going to flop, but then somehow it becomes one of your best meals, and that’s exactly what happened with this butter chicken, and now it’s one of our go-to dinners whenever we want something cozy and comforting?

What is Homemade Butter Chicken?

Butter Chicken is one of the most loved dishes from Indian cuisine. It’s creamy, flavorful, and has the perfect balance of spices without being too spicy. The sauce is rich and silky, made with butter, tomatoes, cream, and warm spices, and the chicken is tender and juicy. This dish is so comforting that it’s become popular all around the world, not just in India. Even if you’ve never made Indian food before, this recipe is simple enough to try at home and will make your kitchen smell amazing.

What to Eat with Butter Chicken?

Butter Chicken is usually served with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread. Both options are great for soaking up all that creamy sauce. You can also pair it with roti, parathas, or even steamed vegetables on the side. If you want a lighter option, try it with cauliflower rice. For a complete Indian-style meal, serve it with a cucumber raita (a cooling yogurt dip) and a fresh salad.

Homemade Butter Chicken Ingredients:

• 🍗 1 ½ lbs boneless chicken (thighs or breasts), cut into pieces
• 🥛 1 cup plain yogurt
• 🍋 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 🌿 2 tsp garam masala
• 🌕 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 🥄 2 tsp ground cumin
• 🌶️ 2 tsp paprika
• 🔥 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 🧈 3 tbsp butter
• 🥢 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 🧅 1 large onion, chopped
• 🧄 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 🫚 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 🍅 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 🥛 1 cup heavy cream
• 🍬 1 tsp sugar (optional)
• 🧂 Salt to taste
• 🌿 Fresh cilantro for garnish

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Large skillet or deep pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Blender or immersion blender (optional, for smooth sauce)
• Serving bowls and plates

How to make Homemade Butter Chicken?

1. 1️⃣ Marinate Chicken – Mix yogurt + lemon juice + spices (garam masala, turmeric, cumin, paprika, chili). Add chicken pieces 🐔, coat well, cover, and refrigerate 1 hour (or overnight).
2. 2️⃣ Cook Chicken – Heat a little oil in a pan 🍳. Add marinated chicken and cook until lightly browned 🔥. Remove and set aside (it will finish cooking later).
3. 3️⃣ Make Sauce – In the same pan, add butter 🧈 + onions 🧅. Cook until golden, then add garlic 🧄 + ginger 🫚 and stir.
4. 4️⃣ Add Tomatoes – Pour crushed tomatoes 🍅 + spices + salt. Simmer 10 min. Blend for a smooth sauce if you like 🌀.
5. 5️⃣ Creamy Finish – Stir in cream 🥛 + sugar 🍬. Simmer gently 5 min.
6. 6️⃣ Combine – Add chicken back 🍗. Cook 10–12 min until tender and juicy.
7. 7️⃣ Serve – Garnish with cilantro 🌿 and serve with rice 🍚 or naan 🫓.

Notes

• Chicken thighs stay juicier than chicken breasts, but both work fine.
• You can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
• Adjust the chili powder if you want it milder or spicier.
• Marinating overnight makes the chicken more flavorful, but if you’re short on time, 1 hour is enough.

How to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a pan on the stove or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of cream or water while reheating. You can also freeze butter chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQ About Butter Chicken

1. Can I use store-bought garam masala?

Yes, you can. Homemade garam masala has a fresher flavor, but store-bought works perfectly fine for this recipe.

2. Can I make butter chicken without cream?

Yes, you can substitute with yogurt, coconut cream, or even milk with a little cornstarch for thickness.

3. Is butter chicken spicy?

Butter chicken is usually mild, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder.

4. Can I cook it in a slow cooker?

Yes! Add the marinated chicken, tomatoes, and spices to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, then stir in the cream at the end.

5. Can I make butter chicken ahead of time?

Definitely. Butter chicken tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight.

6. What’s the difference between butter chicken and chicken tikka masala?

Butter chicken is creamier and slightly sweeter, while chicken tikka masala is more tomato-forward and spicier.

7. Can I use leftover roast chicken?

Yes, just skip the marination and add the cooked chicken directly into the sauce at the end.

8. What type of rice goes best with butter chicken?

Basmati rice is the best choice because it’s light and fluffy, but jasmine rice or plain white rice also works well.

Conclusion

Homemade Butter Chicken is a delicious, comforting dish that’s surprisingly simple to make. With tender chicken and a creamy tomato sauce, it’s a recipe the whole family will enjoy. Whether you serve it with rice or naan, this meal will bring warmth and flavor to your table.

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