Get ready to fall in love with this Delicious Recipe for Butter Chicken—a dish so rich, creamy, and inviting, it instantly transports you to culinary comfort. This classic favorite wraps tender pieces of spiced chicken in a velvety, tomato-based sauce, rounded out by aromatic spices and a luscious swirl of cream. The best part? You don’t need hours in the kitchen or a shelf lined with specialty ingredients. Just a handful of pantry staples and simple techniques bring this showstopper to life, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, special gatherings, or when you’re simply craving something extra cozy.

Ingredients You’ll Need
What I absolutely love about making Butter Chicken is how each component, though simple, brings something magical to the table. These approachable ingredients each offer a unique spin—deep flavor, luxurious texture, or a pop of color—so every bite is layered with satisfaction.
- Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful, chicken thighs stay tender through marination and cooking.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the sauce, heightening all the other flavors.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses a subtle garlicky warmth into the marinade, enhancing the overall savoriness.
- Sweet Paprika: Brings a hint of sweetness and gorgeous color to both the chicken and sauce.
- Curry Powder: Lends a melded depth, adding aromatic, earthy notes to the dish.
- Greek Yogurt: Tenderizes the chicken as it marinates and adds tangy complexity to the bite.
- Vegetable Oil: With its neutral flavor, it’s perfect for searing the chicken golden without overpowering the spices.
- Butter: The star for richness and silkiness, making that sauce irresistibly smooth.
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced, they offer sharpness and zing to the simmering aromatics.
- Onion: Diced for a mellow sweetness, providing the sauce its foundation.
- Tomato Sauce: The base that adds gentle tang and color, making the sauce sing.
- Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes, rounding out the sauce’s flavors.
- Black Pepper: Provides a gentle undertone of heat, enhancing spice complexity.
- Heavy Cream: The ticket to buttery heaven, transforming everything into silken perfection.
- Cayenne Pepper: Optional if you love an extra fiery kick—add as your heat tolerance allows!
- Garam Masala: That signature, warming mix of spices gives Butter Chicken its authentic Indian aroma.
- Fresh Parsley: A pop of green not only brightens the plate but adds fresh herbal notes (optional for garnish).
- Naan Bread & Rice: The must-have vehicles for scooping up every last bit of that Delicious Recipe sauce.
How to Make Delicious Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by giving your chicken the ultimate flavor bath. In a medium bowl, combine bite-sized chicken pieces, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Toss everything until each piece is gloriously coated. Marinate for at least 15 minutes—just enough time to let those spices mingle and ensure the chicken comes out extra succulent.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat up a large skillet with vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Slide in the marinated chicken and let it sizzle, stirring occasionally. After about 8–10 minutes, the chicken should be beautifully golden and cooked through. Scoop it out and set aside, but leave the oil (and all those tasty golden bits) behind for the next step.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base
Turn the heat to medium and drop in a tablespoon of butter. This is where all the caramelized chicken bits in the pan start working their magic. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, plus a pinch of salt, and sauté for a few minutes—until everything is soft and fragrant, hinting at delicious things to come.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Next comes the heart of this Delicious Recipe: stir in the tomato sauce and sugar, letting it simmer together for a few minutes so the sweetness melds with the savory. Return the cooked chicken (and all its flavorful juices) to the pan. Pour in the heavy cream and watch the sauce turn that classic sunset-orange color you love.
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Now it’s time for those signature spices. Sprinkle in the cayenne (if using), garam masala, an extra hit of curry powder, and a touch more salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for around 10 minutes; this is where everything marries and becomes the Butter Chicken of your dreams.
Step 6: Finish with Butter
Last but not least, swirl in the remaining cold butter until it’s completely melted. This final touch transforms your sauce into pure silk. If you’re going for the “wow” factor, scatter some fresh parsley over the top—it pops against the creamy sauce and adds a lovely freshness.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle your steaming Butter Chicken into bowls or over fluffy rice, and serve it up with plenty of warm naan or flatbread. This is the kind of Delicious Recipe that invites everyone to reach for seconds—you’ll see smiles all around!
How to Serve Delicious Recipe

Garnishes
Top your finished Butter Chicken with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a flash of color and a fresh, herbal note. For a little extra decadence, a drizzle of cream across the top is a beautiful finishing touch. And if you’re a fan of texture, sprinkle on some toasted almond slivers for an unexpected but delicious crunch.
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong with fluffy steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread—the classic scooping partners for every drop of that luxurious sauce. Add a simple cucumber salad or pickled onions on the side to cut through the richness and refresh your palate. The Delicious Recipe works like a charm in a feast with saag paneer or roasted vegetables, too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party twist, try serving Butter Chicken in mini bowls or ramekins, garnished individually for a restaurant-style vibe. Turn it into a “Butter Chicken Bowl” by layering rice, chicken, sauce, and garnishes in a big bowl for each guest. Or, for kids or parties, use the Delicious Recipe as a filling for naan wraps or stuffed buns—ultimate comfort, reinvented!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Transfer cooled Butter Chicken to an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three days—the flavors continue to meld, and the sauce gets richer overnight.
Freezing
This Butter Chicken freezes like a dream. Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready for another round, just thaw in the fridge overnight. This makes it a hero for meal prepping or surprise guests—just heat and serve!
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions, covering loosely and stirring halfway through. The key is low and slow to keep that silky sauce at its best.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works fine if you prefer it, just keep an eye on cook time so it doesn’t dry out. Thighs generally stay juicier, but your Delicious Recipe will still be wonderful either way.
Is there a way to make this lighter?
Yes! You can use half-and-half or light cream instead of heavy cream, and swap in Greek yogurt for some of the cream if you like—a lighter touch that still gives you the creamy, comforting vibe of the Delicious Recipe.
Can I make the Delicious Recipe dairy-free?
You can! Substitute coconut milk or unsweetened cashew cream for the heavy cream, and use plant-based butter. The sauce stays rich, and you still get all those delicious spices in this version of the Delicious Recipe.
How spicy is Butter Chicken?
Butter Chicken is known for its mild, comforting flavor profile, but you can adjust the heat easily. Leave out the cayenne for a gentle dish, or add extra if you want more punch—the Delicious Recipe is truly customizable.
What’s the best way to marinate the chicken?
For maximum flavor, try marinating the chicken overnight. If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes makes a difference, but a longer marinade gives every bite of the Delicious Recipe extra tenderness and depth.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a go-to comfort food that’s both impressive and totally doable on a busy weeknight, this Delicious Recipe for Butter Chicken hits all the right notes. Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, give it a try—you might just find yourself wishing you’d made a double batch!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Indian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken recipe. With its perfect blend of spices and velvety sauce, it’s a comfort food favorite that you can whip up effortlessly in your own kitchen. Serve with naan bread and steamed rice for a satisfying meal!
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
For the Butter Chicken Sauce
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
To Serve
- Naan bread
- Steamed rice
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken – In a medium bowl, combine chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken – Cook marinated chicken in oil until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base – Sauté garlic, onion, then add tomato sauce and sugar. Add chicken back in with heavy cream.
- Build the Sauce – Add spices and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Finish with Butter – Stir in butter for a silky finish.
- Serve and Enjoy – Serve hot with naan bread and rice.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste.
- For a healthier version, you can use yogurt or coconut milk as a substitute for heavy cream.
- This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 220mg