If you’ve ever wanted to indulge in a dish that perfectly balances vibrant spices with luscious creaminess, look no further than this Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe. It’s a comforting, flavorful classic that brings the warmth of Indian cuisine right into your kitchen. Tender chicken pieces bathed in a velvety tomato-cream sauce, infused with fragrant spices and a subtle kick of heat, make this recipe an absolute favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try this Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe, it’s going to become your go-to for cozy dinners that feel like a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its beautifully simple yet bold ingredients, each playing a vital role in building texture, depth, and color. From the tangy yogurt marinade that tenderizes the chicken to the aromatic mix of spices that create layers of flavor, these ingredients bring the Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe to life.
- Chicken breast (500 g): Cut into bite-sized pieces, it’s the hearty protein that soaks up all the delicious marinade and sauce.
- Greek yogurt (1 cup): Adds creamy tanginess and helps tenderize the chicken perfectly.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Provides a fresh, zesty brightness to balance rich flavors.
- Ground cumin (2 teaspoons): Offers a warm, earthy undertone that grounds the dish.
- Ground cinnamon (1 ½ teaspoons): Adds subtle sweetness and complexity to the spice profile.
- Cayenne pepper (2 teaspoons): Gives the dish its characteristic gentle heat without overpowering.
- Ground black pepper (2 teaspoons): Enhances the savory depth and spice layers.
- Ground coriander (1 tablespoon): Lends a citrusy and slightly sweet flavor, brightening the sauce.
- Ground turmeric (2 teaspoons): Not only adds beautiful golden color but also earthy warmth.
- Garam masala (2 tablespoons): This blend of spices is the heart of the dish, delivering fragrance and richness.
- Minced ginger (1 tablespoon): Adds fresh zing and a subtle spicy kick.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Creates the luscious base for the sauce and adds richness.
- Garlic clove (1, minced): Provides aromatic depth and pungency.
- Jalapeño (1, finely chopped): Lends mild heat and vibrant flavor.
- Heavy cream (2 cups): The secret to that rich, silky texture that defines the dish.
- Tomato puree (1/2 cup): Balances creaminess with a hint of acidity and color.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Used for sautéing to keep flavors vibrant.
- Salt (to taste): Essential to enhance all the layers of flavor.
- Fresh cilantro leaves: For garnish, adding a fresh, herbal finish.
- Cooked basmati rice: The perfect light and fragrant side to soak up the sauce.
How to Make Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and your blend of spices including cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, black pepper, coriander, turmeric, and half of the garam masala in a large bowl. Toss in the chicken pieces, making sure each one is coated beautifully. Marinating the chicken for at least one hour (or even overnight if you have the time) lets those spices seep deeply into the meat, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor in this Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
In a large skillet heated over medium-high, add vegetable oil and sear the marinated chicken until it’s gorgeously browned and slightly caramelized, about 8 to 10 minutes. This step locks in juices and adds a lovely texture contrast. Once browned, set the chicken aside so we can focus on building that luscious sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic along with finely chopped jalapeño. Sauté these aromatics just until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes, filling your kitchen with tantalizing scents. The jalapeño adds just the right hint of warmth that works beautifully in this Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe.
Step 4: Spice It Up
Now stir in the remaining garam masala and minced ginger. Cooking these spices for an additional minute helps unlock their essential oils and deepens the flavor complexity of the sauce you’re creating.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce
Pour in the tomato puree and heavy cream gradually while stirring gently to combine everything into a smooth, velvety sauce. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer — this is where the magic happens, marrying the vivid tomato flavor with the richness of cream to build the iconic base of the Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe.
Step 6: Simmer with Chicken
Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet, reducing the heat to low. Let everything cook gently for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is perfectly tender and the sauce has thickened into a luscious coating. Give it a final seasoning with salt to taste, and you’ll have a dish bursting with balanced, rich flavors.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling fresh cilantro leaves over the top for a vibrant and fresh contrast. Serve this incredible dish hot alongside fluffy basmati rice to soak up every drop of the sauce. Your kitchen is officially your favorite Indian restaurant now!
How to Serve Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a classic and beautiful garnish that adds a punch of herbaceous brightness to the richness of the dish. You can also sprinkle a little extra garam masala or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to bring a zesty lift. Toasted cashews or slivered almonds make a fun crunchy topping that adds texture and elegance.
Side Dishes
Basmati rice is the quintessential accompaniment, perfectly light and fragrant to balance the creamy sauce. For more variety, try serving with warm garlic naan or flaky parathas, which are fantastic for scooping up the luscious curry. A crisp cucumber raita or simple salad can offer a refreshing contrast that balances the bold spices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve your Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe in individual ramekins with a drizzle of cream and a cilantro sprig on top—this presentation instantly adds sophistication. You could also turn it into a flavorful wrap using warmed flatbread stuffed with the chicken and some fresh salad toppings for a fun twist. No matter how you choose to present it, this dish’s vibrant colors and inviting aroma will captivate your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This chicken dish keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen with time, making your leftovers taste even better the next day. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing.
Freezing
You can freeze this Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe if you want to enjoy it later. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply transfer to the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid splitting the cream. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or cream to bring it back to that perfect silky consistency. Avoid microwaving at high power as it can sometimes make the cream separate.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs remain juicier and more forgiving during cooking, making them a fantastic alternative that works wonderfully in this Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe has a mild to medium kick thanks to the cayenne pepper and jalapeño, but you can easily adjust the heat by reducing or increasing those ingredients to suit your taste.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
While marinating overnight enhances the depth of flavor and tenderness, even a one-hour marinate will give you delicious results. Just remember that longer is better for flavor penetration.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute Greek yogurt and heavy cream with coconut yogurt and coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version. This will slightly change the flavor but still create a rich and creamy texture.
What can I serve with this dish if I don’t want rice?
Aside from basmati rice, you can serve this with naan bread, quinoa, or even roasted vegetables for a lower-carb option. Each provides a great base to enjoy the sauce fully.
Final Thoughts
This Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that warms not just the belly but the heart as well. Its balance of bold spices, creamy sauce, and tender chicken makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing friends, I can’t recommend this recipe enough—give it a try, and watch your dining table transform into a celebration of unforgettable flavor.
Print
Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken recipe features tender chicken pieces marinated in a fragrant blend of yogurt and spices, then cooked in a luscious tomato and cream sauce. Perfectly balanced with warming spices like garam masala, cumin, and turmeric, this dish is a comforting classic of Indian cuisine served best with fragrant basmati rice.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 500 g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 2 tablespoons garam masala (divided)
Sauce & Cooking
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup tomato puree
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt, to taste
To Serve
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Cooked basmati rice
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, black pepper, ground coriander, ground turmeric, and 1 tablespoon garam masala. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, stirring well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until browned evenly on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped jalapeño, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Spices and Ginger: Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon garam masala and minced ginger. Cook for an additional minute to release their aromas.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the tomato puree and heavy cream, stirring to combine everything smoothly. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
- Cook Chicken in Sauce: Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet. Reduce heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the creamy sauce until cooked through and the sauce has thickened, approximately 15-20 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves on top and serve the butter chicken hot alongside cooked basmati rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavors and tenderness.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the heat level.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Use fresh ginger for the best aromatic flavor.
- Serve with naan or roti as an alternative to basmati rice.
