This butter chicken recipe is everything you want in a cozy, satisfying dinner—creamy, deeply spiced, and incredibly comforting. With tender pieces of marinated chicken simmered in a velvety tomato-cream sauce, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen without difficult techniques or long cooking times. It’s the kind of recipe that feels luxurious but is genuinely easy enough to pull off any night of the week.

Butter chicken is known for its mellow warmth, aromatic spices, and signature silky texture that pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan. Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing a special dinner for guests, or just craving a cozy homemade recipe, this dish delivers every time.

This version stays true to the classic flavors while keeping the method simple and foolproof. The chicken is briefly marinated to enhance tenderness, then browned for extra flavor before being coated in a creamy tomato-based sauce infused with spices like garam masala, paprika, curry powder, and a hint of cayenne for optional heat. Every bite is rich, comforting, and perfectly balanced.

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Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken Recipe

This recipe is a true dinner winner. It gives you all the creamy, comforting flavors you crave from classic butter chicken while still being quick and manageable for weeknights. The ingredients are easy to find, the steps are straightforward, and the results are consistently delicious. Plus, the marinated chicken stays incredibly tender, and the sauce comes together into a smooth, silky finish that feels indulgent but not heavy. To top it off, this dish reheats beautifully, making leftovers something to look forward to.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken & Marinade

• Skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Sweet paprika
• Curry powder
• Greek yogurt

Butter Chicken Sauce

• Vegetable oil
• Butter (divided)
• Fresh garlic, minced
• Onion, diced
• Tomato sauce
• Sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Heavy cream
• Cayenne pepper (optional for a spicier kick)
• Garam masala
• Curry powder
• Fresh chopped parsley (optional)

To Serve

• Steamed rice
• Naan bread

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Equipment

• Knife and cutting board
• Large skillet
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing bowl

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How to Make This Butter Chicken Recipe

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, salt, and Greek yogurt. Mix until every piece is coated. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes while you prep the remaining ingredients. This step boosts flavor and keeps the chicken tender.

2. Sear the Chicken

Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on the outside and cooked through—about 8–10 minutes. When done, transfer the chicken to a plate but keep the flavorful oil in the pan.

3. Build the Sauce Bas

Lower the heat to medium and add a tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. As it melts, scrape any caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan—these deepen the flavor. Toss in the garlic and onion with a pinch of salt and sauté them until soft and aromatic.

4. Add Tomato Sauce & Simmer

Pour in the tomato sauce and stir in the sugar. Let the mixture lightly bubble for 2–3 minutes so the flavors blend and the acidity mellows. The kitchen will already smell amazing at this point.

5. Add the Cooked Chicken & Cream

Return the seared chicken (and its juices) to the skillet. Stir gently, then pour in the heavy cream. The sauce will transform into a rich orange color as everything blends together.

6. Season & Simmer to Perfection

Add black pepper, curry powder, garam masala, and cayenne (if you enjoy a little heat). Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors deepen and the sauce thickens slightly.

7. Finish with Butter

Stir in the remaining cold butter. This final touch gives the sauce that signature silky finish. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like.

8. Serve & Enjoy

Dish up this creamy butter chicken with warm naan and hot steamed rice. This dinner recipe is comforting, cozy, and unforgettable.

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Tips for Success

• Marinate longer if you can — up to 4 hours enhances tenderness and flavor.
• Don’t rush the simmer — gentle cooking develops the creamy, rich finish.
• Use chicken thighs for best results; they stay juicy and flavorful.
• Add butter at the end for that restaurant-style glossy sauce.

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Substitutions

• Chicken thighs → chicken breasts, turkey, or tofu
• Greek yogurt → regular yogurt or sour cream
• Heavy cream → coconut cream or half-and-half
• Tomato sauce → blended canned tomatoes or tomato paste + water
• Butter → ghee for a more traditional taste

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Storage

• Refrigerate up to 3 days
• Reheat gently on low heat
• Freeze up to 2 months and thaw overnight before warming

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