Butter Chicken is a rich and creamy dish that’s perfect for a comforting family dinner. With its velvety sauce, marinated chicken, and a blend of spices, this homemade recipe comes together quickly and easily. Served with naan or steamed rice, it’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.

Full Recipe:

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

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well and let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes.

2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce Base:
   In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

4. Build the Sauce:
   Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar, simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add the chicken back into the skillet and stir well. Pour in the heavy cream and mix until the sauce turns a beautiful orange hue.

5. Season and Simmer:
   Add cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

6. Finish with Butter:
   Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter and let it melt into the sauce for a silky finish. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve the butter chicken hot with naan bread and steamed rice.

Nutrients

• Calories: 317 per serving (without rice or naan)

• Carbohydrates: 8g

• Protein: 23g

• Fat: 23g

• Saturated Fat: 10g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 4g

• Vitamin A: 1021 IU

• Vitamin C: 7.5 mg

• Calcium: 88 mg

• Iron: 2.2 mg

Why Butter Chicken is a Great Choice

Butter Chicken has earned its place as one of the most beloved dishes in Indian cuisine, and for good reason. One of the standout features of this dish is its rich, creamy texture, which comes from the combination of butter and heavy cream in the sauce. The sauce is luxuriously smooth and balanced, providing a comforting base for the marinated chicken.

In addition to its creamy richness, Butter Chicken is full of vibrant and aromatic spices, giving it a depth of flavor that’s incredibly satisfying. The spices—such as curry powder, garam masala, and cayenne pepper—add layers of warmth, while the tomato sauce contributes a slight tanginess to balance out the richness. The marinated chicken is tender and juicy, absorbing the flavors of the spices, which makes each bite a flavorful experience.

What’s more, Butter Chicken is versatile. It pairs perfectly with naan bread or steamed rice, and you can adjust the heat level to your liking by adding or omitting cayenne pepper. The dish is both comforting and impressive, making it ideal for a casual family dinner or a more elaborate meal when you’re entertaining guests.

How to Make Butter Chicken

Making Butter Chicken is easier than it may seem, and the steps can be broken down into a few simple parts: marinating the chicken, cooking the chicken, preparing the sauce, and finishing it all together. Here’s how you can make it at home:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken to infuse it with flavor. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chicken with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well to coat the chicken, and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step allows the chicken to absorb the flavors, making it more flavorful and tender when cooked.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Once the chicken is marinated, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook it for 8-10 minutes, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onion with a pinch of salt until the onion is translucent and fragrant. This step creates a savory base for the sauce, which will give the dish its deliciously aromatic foundation.

Step 4: Build the Sauce
Next, stir in the tomato sauce and sugar, allowing it to simmer for 2-3 minutes. This helps the flavors come together and adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir well to coat it in the sauce. Then, pour in the heavy cream and mix until the sauce turns a rich, beautiful orange hue.

Step 5: Season and Simmer
Now, it’s time to season the sauce. Add cayenne pepper (if you prefer heat), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to allow the spices to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. The result will be a perfectly seasoned sauce that’s both creamy and flavorful.

Step 6: Finish with Butter
To finish the dish, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter. Let it melt into the sauce to create a silky texture and an extra layer of richness. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Butter Chicken hot with warm naan bread or steamed rice. The combination of the creamy sauce and tender chicken, paired with naan or rice, creates the perfect meal that will leave everyone satisfied.

Nutritional Benefits of Butter Chicken

While Butter Chicken is indulgent and rich, it also provides a good amount of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Each serving of Butter Chicken (without rice or naan) contains approximately 317 calories, making it a moderate-calorie meal that can fit into a balanced diet.

The dish provides 23g of protein per serving, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. The protein primarily comes from the chicken, which is a great source of lean, high-quality protein. The 23g of fat per serving includes healthy fats from butter and cream, which provide a rich, satisfying texture. While this dish is higher in fat, it is also a source of essential fatty acids.

Butter Chicken also offers 8g of carbohydrates, with 1g of fiber. The carbohydrates come primarily from the tomato sauce, and the small amount of fiber helps support digestion. The sugar content is low at 4g per serving, thanks to the use of natural ingredients like tomatoes and a small amount of added sugar.

In terms of micronutrients, Butter Chicken is a good source of Vitamin A (1021 IU) and Vitamin C (7.5 mg), which are essential for immune health and skin health. It also provides calcium (88 mg), which supports strong bones and teeth, and iron (2.2 mg), important for oxygen transport in the blood.

Serving Suggestions for Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken is best served with warm naan bread or steamed rice, which helps soak up the rich, flavorful sauce. Here are some additional ideas for serving this delicious dish:

• With Naan Bread: Naan is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce and adds a bit of chewiness to the meal. You can also try garlic naan or butter naan for added flavor.

• With Steamed Rice: Steamed basmati rice is a classic pairing with Butter Chicken, and it complements the sauce beautifully. The rice will absorb the rich sauce and make each bite even more satisfying.

• With a Side Salad: To balance out the richness of the Butter Chicken, serve it with a light salad made with cucumber, tomato, and a tangy vinaigrette. This will add a fresh, crunchy element to the meal.

• For a Spice Kick: If you like a little extra heat, add some chopped green chilies or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the dish before serving. This will give the Butter Chicken a spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Conclusion

Butter Chicken is a comforting, rich, and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its tender marinated chicken, velvety tomato cream sauce, and aromatic spices, this dish will surely impress anyone who tastes it. It’s an easy recipe to prepare, and its versatility makes it a great choice for both family dinners and special occasions. Serve it with naan or rice, and you’ve got a delicious, satisfying meal that will quickly become a favorite in your household. So, if you’re looking for a comforting and indulgent meal, give Butter Chicken a try—you won’t be disappointed!