There’s something irresistibly comforting about this Simple Butter Chicken Recipe. It perfectly balances rich, creamy tomato goodness with tender, flavorful chicken, making it a standout dish whether you’re impressing guests or enjoying a cozy weeknight dinner. The way the spices meld with buttery warmth creates a depth of flavor that’s just as satisfying as it is straightforward, making it a go-to recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—a handful of every day, accessible ingredients come together to create an unforgettable flavor. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s the tang from the yogurt in the marinade, the warm spice from curry powder and garam masala, or the creamy texture that butter and cream bring to the dish.
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (full fat): This tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tang to the marinade.
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger: Adds a zesty and slightly spicy brightness.
- 6 cloves garlic (minced): Brings depth and aromatic warmth that’s essential to the flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons curry powder: Provides the signature curry flavor that defines this dish.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Offers an earthy undertone that complements the other spices.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-size pieces): The star protein, tender and juicy once cooked.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps in browning the chicken while adding mild fruitiness.
- 1/4 cup butter (divided): Infuses the dish with richness and silky texture.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and body when sautéed to golden perfection.
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce: Forms the base of the creamy sauce and provides vibrant color.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: Lends luscious creaminess to balance out the spices.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Rounds out acidity from the tomato sauce and enhances mellow sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon garam masala: A warming spice blend that elevates the overall aroma and taste.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential to bring all ingredients together and highlight flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste): Adds just the right hint of heat without overwhelming.
- Chopped fresh cilantro: For a fresh, herbal garnish that brightens the final dish.
- Cooked rice (try basmati or jasmine): Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Naan: A soft, pillowy bread to scoop up every last bite.
How to Make Simple Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing the yogurt, ginger, garlic, curry powder, and cumin to create a fragrant marinade. Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in this mixture until well-coated. This step is key because it infuses your chicken with amazing flavors and ensures it stays tender. For best results, cover and refrigerate the chicken overnight, though even an hour will work if you’re pressed for time.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Using tongs, add the chicken pieces (discard any leftover marinade). This technique gives you nicely browned edges while sealing in those juicy flavors. Cook each side for about 3 minutes until the chicken develops a beautiful golden crust, then transfer the pieces to a plate to rest.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Build Your Base
Add the remaining butter to the skillet along with chopped onions. Turn the heat to medium and cook slowly until onions soften and start to brown, releasing their natural sweetness. As they cook, use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan for extra flavor—this is where the magic happens!
Step 4: Combine Sauce Ingredients
Pour in the tomato sauce, then stir in the cream, sugar, garam masala, salt, and cayenne pepper. Take a moment here to smell those intoxicating aromas as they meld together, creating a thick, luscious sauce that perfectly balances creamy richness and spice.
Step 5: Simmer the Chicken
Return the seared chicken along with any juices on the plate to the skillet. Crank up the heat just enough to bring everything to a simmer, then reduce it to low and let it gently cook for about 10 minutes. This final simmer helps the chicken finish cooking through and thickens the sauce to a silky finish. Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro right before serving to add that final burst of color and flavor!
How to Serve Simple Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro is a game changer, brightening the rich sauce with its fresh herbal notes. For some extra flair, consider a light drizzle of cream on top just before serving to make the presentation pop. Toasted cashews or a few julienned ginger strips also work wonderfully as garnish if you want to get creative.
Side Dishes
This Simple Butter Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati or jasmine rice that soaks up every bit of the sauce. Soft, warm naan bread is also a must-have to scoop and savor the curry. For a full meal, add a side of lightly sautéed greens or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, serve the butter chicken in a rustic bowl surrounded by small dishes of accompaniments like mango chutney, pickled onions, or lime wedges. You can even serve it over a bed of fragrant saffron rice or alongside grilled vegetables to elevate the experience. The possibilities are endless when you want to add your personal touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify over time, making leftovers even more delicious. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to preserve the creamy texture.
Freezing
If you want to save it for later, butter chicken freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge followed by gentle reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the butter chicken gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or separation of the cream. Adding a splash of water or cream can help restore the smooth sauce consistency. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the chicken tender and the sauce creamy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe, offering even more juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through and tender.
Do I need to marinate the chicken overnight?
While overnight marination yields the best flavor and tenderness, even a minimum of one hour is enough to get a tasty result if you’re short on time.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use coconut milk or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative. Keep in mind this will slightly change the flavor and texture but still make a delicious sauce.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level is mild to moderate thanks to the cayenne pepper and garam masala. Feel free to adjust the cayenne amount to suit your personal spice tolerance.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients naturally are gluten-free, just be sure to serve it with gluten-free naan or rice instead of traditional wheat-based naan bread.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Simple Butter Chicken Recipe, it will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s warm, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make, with a rich, flavorful sauce that everyone will rave about. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish is sure to bring joy and satisfaction to your table. So grab those ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every buttery, spiced bite!
Print
Simple Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This Simple Butter Chicken recipe delivers a rich and creamy Indian-inspired dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender chicken breasts are marinated in yogurt and spices, then cooked with a luscious tomato-cream sauce flavored with garam masala, ginger, garlic, and a hint of cayenne. Served with fluffy basmati rice and warm naan, this comforting meal is both flavorful and straightforward to prepare.
Ingredients
Marinade & Chicken
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (full fat)
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-size pieces)
Cooking Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup butter (divided)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
To Serve
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Cooked rice (try basmati or jasmine)
- Naan bread
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, stir together the plain yogurt, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, curry powder, and ground cumin until smooth. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and stir to coat them evenly in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight for best flavor, or for a minimum of 1 hour if short on time.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat in a large 12-inch skillet. Once hot, remove the chicken pieces from the marinade using tongs (discard any remaining marinade) and place them in the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until lightly browned but not fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: Add the remaining butter and chopped onions to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium and sauté until the onions are softened and lightly browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. While cooking, use a spoon to scrape and loosen any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan as these add extra flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, heavy cream, sugar, garam masala, salt, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients into a smooth sauce.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the browned chicken pieces along with any juices on the plate back into the skillet with the sauce. Increase the heat until the sauce begins to bubble, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for approximately 10 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Serve: Garnish the butter chicken with chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot over cooked basmati or jasmine rice with warm naan bread on the side for a complete meal.
Notes
- For an even deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight but a minimum of 1 hour will still yield good results.
- If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit cayenne pepper.
- Use full-fat yogurt and heavy cream for the creamiest sauce.
- Tomato sauce with no added seasoning is preferred to control the flavor balance.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated gently on stovetop or in the microwave.
