There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a creamy, spiced dish that warms your soul and satisfies every craving. Homemade Butter Chicken is a true masterpiece of Indian cuisine — velvety smooth, packed with flavor, and surprisingly easy to prepare right in your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
If you enjoy rich, flavorful dinners like this one, you’ll also love our creamy mushroom chicken or coconut curry chicken meatballs for equally satisfying alternatives.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything to grab before you begin cooking:
For the Chicken & Marinade:
- 1 ½ lbs skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- ½ tsp curry powder
- 1 tbsp Greek yogurt
For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp curry powder
- ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional)
To Serve:
- Naan bread
- Steamed rice
Looking for a unique twist on rice? Try it with our fragrant Greek lemon rice or earthy mushroom rice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine chicken with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix well until evenly coated. Marinate for at least 15 minutes (longer is even better — up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat 3 tbsp of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8–10 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce Base
Lower the heat to medium, add 1 tbsp butter to the same pan. Scrape up the browned bits (this adds flavor!). Add minced garlic, diced onions, and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
4. Build the Sauce
Add tomato sauce and sugar. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes, then return the chicken to the skillet. Mix well and pour in heavy cream. Stir until the sauce turns a rich orange color.
5. Spice it Up
Add cayenne pepper (optional), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Let simmer on low for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Finish with Butter
Stir in the remaining 2 tbsp cold butter. This final step gives the sauce its silky, restaurant-style texture. Garnish with fresh parsley.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Plate your butter chicken with naan and fluffy rice, and enjoy every creamy, bold, and comforting bite.
Need a side dish idea? Our spicy maple roasted carrots with chickpeas pair beautifully!
Substitutions for Dietary Needs
- Chicken Thighs → Chicken breasts, turkey, or tofu (vegetarian)
- Greek Yogurt → Plain yogurt, sour cream, or coconut yogurt (dairy-free)
- Heavy Cream → Coconut cream, half-and-half, or cashew cream
- Butter → Ghee, olive oil, or plant-based alternatives
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream if needed. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
Pro Cooking Tips
- Max Flavor: Marinate longer (up to 4 hours)
- Toast Spices: Add them to oil briefly before liquids to release their aroma
- Creamy Finish: Always finish with cold butter for that silky restaurant-quality texture
Final Thoughts
Homemade Butter Chicken is one of those dishes that never goes out of style. It’s warm, rich, full of layered spices, and easy enough to become a go-to weeknight dinner.
If you’re exploring more global comfort foods, don’t miss: