Best Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Okay, so you know those dinners that make you go “mmm” after the first bite? Yeah, this Indian Butter Chicken is one of those. It’s creamy, cozy, and kinda magical.

I made it once, and now it’s on repeat. The sauce? Oh wow. It’s buttery, a little tangy, and full of warm spices.

If you’ve never tried making it at home, don’t worry. It’s easier than it sounds. I’ll show you how I do it—step by step.

Ready to cook? Let’s make butter chicken that tastes just like the restaurant. Maybe even better.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep.
• Authentic Flavor: Tastes just like classic Indian restaurant butter chicken.
• Creamy & Comforting: The perfect balance of warming spices and rich, silky sauce.
• One-Pan Meal: Everything comes together in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level to your preference.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings

This recipe serves 4 people when paired with rice or naan.

Difficulty Level

Beginner-friendly—perfect for anyone new to Indian cooking.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this butter chicken, you’ll need:

• Large Skillet or Pan – A heavy-bottomed pan for even cooking.
• Mixing Bowls – For marinating the chicken.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula – To stir the sauce without scratching the pan.
• Measuring Spoons & Cups – For accuracy in spice and sauce measurements.
• Knife & Cutting Board – For prepping garlic, ginger, and chicken.

Ingredients for the Chicken Marinade

Marinating the chicken infuses it with flavor and ensures tender bites. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs – Juicy and tender, these work best for butter chicken.
• Plain Greek yogurt – Helps tenderize the chicken while adding creaminess.
• Garlic – Freshly minced for bold flavor.
• Ginger – Adds warmth and depth.
• Garam masala – A blend of warming Indian spices.
• Turmeric – Provides earthy flavor and a golden hue.
• Cumin – Enhances the smoky depth of the dish.
• Red chili powder – Adds a touch of heat (adjust as needed).
• Sea salt – Brings out the flavors.

How to Make the Butter Chicken Sauce

The secret to a rich, flavorful butter chicken lies in its velvety sauce. This sauce is packed with aromatic spices, tangy tomato sauce, and a touch of cream for a smooth, luxurious texture.

Ingredients for the Sauce

• Oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado) – Helps sauté the spices and aromatics.
• Ghee (or butter) – Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• Garlic – Essential for building the base flavor.
• Cumin – Adds a warm, earthy undertone.
• Garam masala – A fragrant spice blend that defines butter chicken.
• Ground coriander – Provides a slightly citrusy, herbal note.
• Tomato sauce – Gives the sauce a deep, tangy base.
• Red chili powder – Adds mild heat (adjust according to preference).
• Cayenne pepper – For extra spice (optional).
• Sea salt – Enhances all the flavors.
• Heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk – Creates the signature creamy consistency.
• Dried fenugreek or crushed kasoori methi – The key ingredient that adds a signature restaurant-style flavor.
• Fresh cilantro (optional) – For garnish and added freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Sauce

1. Sauté the Aromatics
   • Heat 2 tablespoons oil and 2 tablespoons ghee (or butter) in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add 5 cloves minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
2. Toast the Spices
   • Stir in 1 ½ teaspoons cumin, 1 ½ teaspoons garam masala, and 1 teaspoon ground coriander.
   • Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. This step releases the essential oils in the spices, enhancing the depth of flavor.
3. Add the Tomato Sauce
   • Pour in 14 ounces of tomato sauce and stir well.
   • Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens.
4. Incorporate the Heat & Seasonings
   • Add 1 teaspoon red chili powder, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt.
   • Stir well and let it cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Finish with Cream & Fenugreek
   • Reduce the heat to low and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk.
   • Stir gently to combine, allowing the sauce to turn a rich orange color.
   • Crumble in ½ teaspoon dried fenugreek (kasoori methi) and stir again.

How to Cook the Chicken and Combine with the Sauce

Now that the sauce is ready, it’s time to cook the marinated chicken and bring everything together. The goal is to sear the chicken until lightly browned while keeping it juicy and tender.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking the Chicken

1. Cook the Marinated Chicken
   • Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer.
   • Let them cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust.
   • Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked.
   • Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
2. Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce
   • Transfer the cooked chicken into the simmering butter chicken sauce.
   • Stir well, ensuring the chicken is fully coated.
   • Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Adjust Seasoning & Final Touches
   • Taste and adjust salt, spice, or creaminess as needed.
   • If you want a thinner consistency, add a splash of water or more cream.
   • Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving (optional).

Serving Suggestions

Butter chicken pairs beautifully with various sides. Here are a few serving ideas:

• Basmati Rice – Fluffy, fragrant rice absorbs the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Naan or Roti – Soft, warm Indian bread to scoop up every last drop.
• Jeera Rice – Cumin-flavored rice for an extra layer of flavor.
• Vegetable Sides – Serve with sautéed spinach, roasted cauliflower, or cucumber raita for a fresh contrast.

Storing and Meal Prep Tips

Butter chicken stores well, making it perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

Freezing

• Freeze butter chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Meal Prep Tip

• Cook a double batch and store portions separately for quick meals.
• Pair with pre-cooked rice or naan for easy reheating.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• For the best flavor: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours if time allows.
• Control the spice: Adjust the chili powder and cayenne to your heat preference.
• For restaurant-style creaminess: Blend the tomato sauce before adding the cream for an ultra-smooth texture.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and kasoori methi make a noticeable difference in flavor.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	~450 kcal
Protein	32g
Carbohydrates	14g
Fats	30g
Saturated Fat	14g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	6g
Sodium	850mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but thighs remain juicier. If using chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid dryness.

What if I don’t have kasoori methi?

Kasoori methi adds a signature taste, but you can omit it or replace it with a tiny pinch of dried celery leaves for a similar effect.

Is this butter chicken spicy?

It has mild heat, but you can adjust the spice levels by increasing or reducing the red chili powder and cayenne pepper.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the yogurt with dairy-free yogurt and use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream.

Conclusion

This 30-Minute Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken is a delicious, foolproof way to enjoy restaurant-style butter chicken at home. With a creamy sauce, aromatic spices, and juicy chicken, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Pair it with basmati rice or naan, and you’ll have an irresistible meal.