Creamy Butter Chicken

This creamy butter chicken is a rich and cozy Indian chicken curry made with tender marinated chicken, warm spices, and a smooth tomato cream sauce. It is full of bold flavor and tastes like a comforting homemade version of your favorite takeout.

For more easy creamy chicken dinners with rich sauces and cozy flavor, explore my Creamy Chicken Recipes collection.

You can also try my Creamy French Chicken with Potatoes, Creamy Herb Chicken, and Creamy Peanut Butter Chicken for more creamy chicken dinner inspiration.

The yogurt marinade gives the chicken deeper flavor and helps keep it tender while it cooks. This easy butter chicken recipe finishes with a creamy buttery sauce that makes it one of the best simple Indian chicken dinners to make at home.

Why This Recipe Works

The yogurt marinade gives this creamy butter chicken deeper flavor and helps keep the chicken tender while it cooks, which makes every bite juicy and well seasoned. It is a simple step, but it gives this easy butter chicken recipe a richer flavor and the soft, tender texture that makes homemade butter chicken so satisfying.

The sauce comes together with butter, cream, tomatoes, and warm Indian spices for a rich and balanced finish that tastes comforting without feeling too heavy. This creamy Indian chicken recipe delivers the classic flavor of butter chicken curry with simple ingredients, a smooth tomato cream sauce, and an easy stovetop method.

Quick Look at the Ingredients

This creamy butter chicken recipe uses simple ingredients to build the rich flavor of a classic Indian butter chicken at home. From tender marinated chicken to warm spices and a smooth tomato cream sauce, each ingredient helps create a creamy chicken curry that tastes cozy, balanced, and full of flavor.

• Chicken thighs: Stay tender and juicy, making them perfect for creamy butter chicken.
• Yogurt: Helps marinate the chicken and keeps it tender while adding extra flavor.
• Garlic and ginger: Build the savory base and give the sauce its classic warm flavor.
• Tomatoes and chicken broth: Create the rich base of the sauce and help it simmer into a smooth, flavorful butter chicken curry.
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce smooth, rich, and velvety.
• Butter: Adds richness and gives the sauce its signature buttery finish.
• Garam masala, paprika, and turmeric: Add warm spice and give this Indian butter chicken its classic flavor.

You can also browse my Chicken Recipes for more easy chicken dinner ideas made with simple ingredients.

Note: Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredient list and exact measurements.

How to Make Creamy Butter Chicken

This creamy butter chicken recipe comes together in a few simple steps and cooks easily as a one skillet chicken dinner. The yogurt marinade keeps the chicken tender, while the creamy tomato sauce gives this homemade butter chicken its rich, cozy flavor.

Marinate the chicken. Add the chicken pieces to a large bowl, then mix in the yogurt, garlic, paprika, garam masala, turmeric, and salt until everything is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for 2 to 3 hours if you have a little extra time.

Cook the chicken. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until lightly golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.

Start the sauce. Lower the heat to medium and add the onion and butter to the same skillet. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring often, until the onion softens and turns lightly golden.

Add the aromatics. Stir in the garlic and fresh ginger, then cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Build the sauce. Pour in the tomatoes and chicken broth, then stir in the garam masala, paprika, sugar, and a little salt. Let the sauce simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until it thickens and the flavor deepens.

Finish with cream. Lower the heat and slowly stir in the room-temperature heavy cream until the sauce turns smooth, creamy, and velvety.

Bring it all together. Return the chicken to the skillet and stir well to coat it in the sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 5 to 6 minutes over low heat, then finish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

What to Serve with Butter Chicken

Creamy butter chicken is perfect served over fluffy stovetop rice to soak up every bit of the rich tomato cream sauce. For something extra cozy, it is also delicious with creamy mashed potatoes or warm naan on the side.

Pro Tips

• Let the chicken marinate as long as you can for deeper flavor and more tender bites.
• Use room-temperature cream so it blends smoothly into the sauce and keeps the texture silky.
• Let the tomato sauce simmer long enough before adding the cream so the flavor becomes deeper, richer, and more balanced.
• If the sauce tastes too sharp, add a small splash of extra cream or a pinch more sugar to soften the acidity.
• A little smoked paprika adds extra depth and gives the sauce a warmer, richer flavor.
• For a smoother restaurant-style butter chicken sauce, blend the sauce before adding the chicken back in.
• Do not skimp on the butter. It is what gives butter chicken its rich finish and signature flavor.
• If you want an even richer finish, stir in one small extra piece of butter right at the end before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use chicken breast: Chicken breast works well here if you prefer a leaner option, just be careful not to overcook it.
• Swap the cream: Half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich and creamy.
• Make it spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes if you want a little extra heat.
• Use passata: Tomato passata makes the sauce smoother, while crushed tomatoes give it a little more texture.
• Add cashew flavor: Stir in a spoonful of cashew butter for a richer, more classic restaurant-style butter chicken sauce.

Storage and Leftovers

Store leftover creamy butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to settle together.

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. If the sauce thickens too much, add a small splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it back up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works well if you prefer a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook it so it stays tender.

Can I make this homemade butter chicken ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe reheats very well and the flavor gets even better after a few hours in the fridge.

What is the difference between butter chicken and tikka masala?
Butter chicken is usually creamier, milder, and slightly sweeter, while tikka masala tends to have a bolder tomato flavor and more spice.

This creamy butter chicken is rich, cozy, and full of comforting flavor, making it an easy dinner that always feels a little special. If you try it, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below.