Ready in just over 30 minutes, this simple butter chicken recipe with tender chicken simmered in a spiced creamy tomato sauce for the best butter chicken recipe every night of the week.
In This Post
Indian food is one of my favorite cuisines. I love the deeply aromatic spices and flavors so much. I have a quick and easy chana masala recipe, a coconut chicken curry, as well as a recipe for easy chicken tandoori with vegetables. I’d certainly be remiss if I didn’t have a recipe for butter chicken in my repertoire because it’s a classic and something I always order when we go out for Indian food. While this recipe for Indian butter chicken tastes far from basic, cooking it at home is so simple. Tender chunks of chicken thighs are simmered in a rich, creamy, buttery, tomato sauce flavored with garam masala, ground ginger, and chile powder. You’re going to love this as much as I do.
What is Butter Chicken?
If you’ve never tried Indian butter chicken before, I’m so sorry. Because you’ve been missing out your whole life! Known as “murgh makhani” in India (chicken with butter), this dish is made with a spiced tomato sauce, and (as the name suggests), it’s made with a healthy amount of butter and heavy cream.
What’s in This Butter Chicken?
Most of the ingredients needed for this easy butter chicken recipe are spices and other aromatics. You may have to buy a few for this recipe, but they can all be used in lots of other recipes too.
For this butter chicken, you’ll need:
- Vegetable oil
- Butter
- Onion
- Garam masala
- Ground ginger
- Chili powder
- Tomato paste
- Tomato sauce
- Bay leaf
- Cream (use full-fat Greek yogurt or half and half if you want to make this a little lighter, but I don’t recommend using milk)
- Chicken thighs–I’m such a fan of chicken thighs. They have more flavor and won’t dry out as they cook in the sauce.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Lime
- Fresh cilantro
Tip: I keep this spice blend simple, but you could add cumin, coriander, or turmeric if you like.
How to Make Butter Chicken
This easy butter chicken recipe is so simple. And, it takes just over 30 minutes to make, so it’s weeknight-friendly, which I love. Here’s how to make it:
Make your sauce base. Sauté the onion in a little olive oil and butter until translucent. Add the spices to the skillet and continue cooking until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and sauce, along with the bay leaf.
Thicken it up. Slowly stir in the cream, bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.
Cook the chicken. In a separate skillet, cook the chicken in a skillet with butter and oil until it’s brown on all sides. Pour the tomato cream sauce into the pan with the chicken, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Finish with more butter. Stir in the butter until melted. Serve the butter chicken over basmati rice, then garnish with lime and cilantro.
TIP: If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to thin.
What is the Difference Between Butter Chicken and Tikka Masala?
Like butter chicken, chicken tikka masala is another popular Indian dish, and the two are quite similar. The difference is chicken tikka masala typically has a more complex flavor profile that is spicier and tangier, whereas butter chicken is often milder, richer, and creamier.
Is There a Cream Substitute I Can Use?
If you’re trying to make this butter chicken recipe a little healthier, you could use half and half in place of all or part of the cream.
Can I Prep This in Advance?
Butter chicken leftovers reheat well so it’s great to make ahead. If you have leftovers or want to meal prep this recipe, I recommend reheating it in a saucepan with the lid on to prevent the chicken from drying out.
Depending on how much sauce you have left over, you may need to add a splash of cream or water to loosen up the leftover chicken and sauce.
Tips for Making Butter Chicken
- While thighs have more flavor and won’t dry out, you can use boneless chicken breasts in this easy butter chicken recipe.
- To make this dish spicy, add a dash of cayenne pepper, but add it gradually—a little goes a long way.
- Finally, you can add lots of other veggies to this butter chicken if desired. Try it with frozen peas, spinach, kale, carrots, or butternut squash.
What to Serve with Butter Chicken
- Garlic naan (warm it in your oven)
- Basmati rice or white rice
- Garlic bread
- Mango smoothie (for mango lassi vibes)
- Chana Masala with Spinach
If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on this recipe below and leave a comment, take a photo and tag me on Instagram with #foodiecrusheats.
Butter Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs , trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil , divided
- 4 tablespoons butter , divided
- 1 yellow onion , diced
- 3 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 6 ounce can tomato paste
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ lime
- cilantro leaves , for garnish
Instructions
- Add the chunks of chicken to a bowl and season with the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss to coat and set aside.
- In a large, high-sided skillet or 6-quart pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4-5 minutes or until it begins to soften. Add the garam masala, ground ginger, and chili powder and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often so it doesn't burn. Stir in the tomato paste and tomato sauce and whisk until smooth; cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the cream until smooth then add the bay leaf. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- While the sauce cooks, add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
- Add the tomato cream sauce to the chicken and stir to combine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Add a squeeze of lime and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve with basmati rice and garlic naan on the side.
Nutrition
More Easy Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
- Easy Tandoori Chicken with Vegetables
- Coconut Chicken Curry
- 7 Spice Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls
- Oven Roasted Chicken with Lemon Rosemary Butter
- Easy Shredded Chicken and Zucchini Tacos
- Honey Mustard Chicken
- The Best Baked Chicken Breasts
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Emilie
This crap is INSANE!!! My picky husband raved and raved, my picky toddler ate his whole plate. Made my house smell divine and the leftovers are just as good! I’m new to cooking anything and love how easy this was! Adding to my faves list!
So happy everyone enjoyed Emilie!
Jen
I tried this and really loved it (although I did kick the spice up a lil bit!) Thank you!
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
YUM!! Glad you liked it!
Brenda Chihi
I made this last night and my guests wouldn’t believe that it wasn’t from a restaurant. I made it exact to the recipe, but the guest arrived late so it simmered for 2 hours. It tasted amazing.
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
Thanks Brenda!! I am so glad it was such a hit!
Dee
This was divine!!! Even my 3 year ate it up with brocolli and peas! Used a little chicken stock to thin it out since I had to make this stretch with my family. Definitely a staple – thank you!
Jon
I added some cayenne and a little sugar. Great recipe.
So glad you enjoyed it Jon!
Marilyne
I just made this for dinner and it’s to die for!!! Thanks for this great recipe. I will definitely make this again. Easy recipe, awesome taste!
patti
I’m going to have to try this, it looks so delicious. Hope I get kudos from the Lover of Indian buffets.
Cassie | Bake Your Day
These photos are incredible and now I’m totally craving butter chicken!
Diane {Created by Diane}
Indian Butter Chicken, WOW I need this in my life.
Hope you are feeling better, feeling sick is THE worst.
Love your new “gift” to you and well deserved for all the reasons you mentioned and simply because you’re so sweet!
I do not have a juicer but can’t wait to see what fun things you come up with :)
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen
That butter chicken is bringing memories of the one time I made it, years ago. Why on earth don´t I make it all the time?! And, chicken thighs, of course! No question.
carrian
This looks incredible!
Ali | Gimme Some Oven
Ha…I often watch Bravo when cooking for that exact reason. Good, ridiculous, entertaining fluff. :)
I hope that you’re feeling better. And please oh please give Mexican food another chance!
In the meantime, this chicken sounds perfect. Cheers to great flavor and, well it’s true, great thighs!
Jennifer @ Mother Thyme
This looks mouthwatering! I definitely need to add this to my dinner menu!
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
Your chicken looks so tempting!
Barbara @ Barbara Bakes
That sauce is such a gorgeous color. Glad you’re feeling better. Good luck with the juicing.
Erika-Southern Souffle
Girl.. You had me at Chicken and Butter.
Bev @ Bev Cooks
Heeeeeiiiiiiddddi. This is serious. I’m making this as soon as I regain vision.
Gorgeous!
Deborah
I want to dive into that chicken for breakfast!! And I always love your Friday favs. I’m thinking I want a juicer…
Maria
We just got a juicer too! Can’t wait to see what you come up with! Happy Mother’s Day to you! xo
Tieghan
That butter chicken looks so creamy and so perfect!! I have been trying for months to prefect a butter chicken recipe and had failed one to many times!! I can not wait to head over and check your out!
Happy early Mothers Day!!
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
Mmm love butter chicken, especially when it’s got heaps of veggies to mop up the sauce! I hope you’re feeling better for this weekend, and enjoy your new juicer! I adore mine and use it practically every day in the spring and summer. Happy Mothers Day weekend Heidi!
Thanks Angela, all better by now, but keeping the cleanse up. :)
Ellen M.
Our local Indian restaurants don’t put any veggies in their butter chicken. Just chicken and all of that glorious sauce (just add basmati). Can’t wait to make it!
Kristina
stunning photos! hope you’re feeling better, that watermelon juice sounds good right about now…
Arthur in the Garden!
Wonderful! I love Indian food!
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious
Butter chicken is my second to favorite after an ultra strong vindaloo. in fact ive been known to order again after dinner so i have lunch for the next day…see how smart i am :) Hope you feel better soon!
Gerry, you are my hero. Why choose just one?