Get ready to fall in love with this Delicious Recipe for homemade Butter Chicken! With tender chunks of marinated chicken swimming in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, every bite feels like an indulgence. This dish is as comforting as it is impressive, and thanks to a streamlined prep and simple pantry staples, you’ll be amazed at how effortless it is to whip up a restaurant-worthy meal right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or gathering loved ones for dinner, Butter Chicken truly delivers a big dose of deliciousness—the kind you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a mile-long list to make this Delicious Recipe shine. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen for maximum impact: they create that trademark creamy, spiced profile while still keeping things homey and approachable. Let’s break it down so you can see how every element works its magic.
- Chicken thighs: These stay juicy and tender in the sauce, and are more forgiving than chicken breast.
- Salt: Lifts all the flavors and ensures your chicken is perfectly seasoned.
- Garlic powder: Infuses subtle, earthy warmth right into your marinade.
- Sweet paprika: Brings color and a mild smokiness to the mix, creating depth.
- Curry powder: Adds that signature hint of spice that makes this Delicious Recipe uniquely craveable.
- Greek yogurt: Marinates and tenderizes the chicken, also adding creaminess.
- Vegetable oil: The key to nicely browning your chicken without sticking.
- Butter: Essential in “butter chicken” for a silky, luxurious sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic goes into the sauce for even more punch.
- Onion: Diced and sautéed, it builds classic aromatic flavor.
- Tomato sauce: The heart of the sauce, providing sweetness and tang.
- Sugar: Rounds out the acidity of the tomatoes, giving a mellow base.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of background heat.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luscious and indulgently creamy.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a spicy kick!
- Garam masala: Infuses cozy warmth and that authentic Indian flair.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds color and freshness on top.
- Naan bread & steamed rice: Must-haves for soaking up every drop of the sauce.
How to Make Delicious Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by getting your chicken ready for ultimate flavor. Combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt in a bowl. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes (longer if you can!) while you prep the rest of the ingredients. The yogurt works its magic here, yielding chicken that stays juicy and bursting with flavor in the final dish.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat up the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add in the marinated chicken and cook for 8–10 minutes. You want each piece to turn golden brown and cooked through, with those tasty, caramelized bits at the bottom of the pan. When done, transfer the chicken to a plate, leaving the flavorful oil behind in the skillet.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base
Reduce your heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter to that same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and diced onion along with a pinch of salt. Scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom—they’ll give tons of depth to your sauce. Sauté until the onion turns translucent and everything smells wonderfully fragrant.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle in the sugar. Let it bubble gently for a couple of minutes so the acidity mellows and the flavors start to blend. Toss your cooked chicken back into the skillet, then add the heavy cream. Stir until you see that irresistible, bright orange color—this is when it truly looks like Butter Chicken!
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Add in your cayenne pepper (if you like heat), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper. Let everything simmer on low for about 10 minutes, giving the chicken plenty of time to soak up that gorgeous sauce. Taste and adjust with more salt or spice as you like—this Delicious Recipe is all about making it your own.
Step 6: Finish with Butter
For the grand finale, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter. Let it melt slowly into the sauce, enriching it with silkiness and shine. A sprinkle of chopped parsley over the top adds a pop of freshness. Now you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve Delicious Recipe

Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley brings vibrance and an eye-catching finish to your Butter Chicken. For a more classic touch, you can swap in cilantro. Drizzle a little extra cream or swirl of yogurt on top for maximum wow-factor—these small details elevate the whole experience and make your Delicious Recipe photo-worthy!
Side Dishes
You simply can’t go wrong with warm, fluffy naan bread for scooping up every bit of luscious sauce. Steamed basmati rice is another essential—its delicate flavor is perfect for soaking up all that creamy, spiced tomato gravy. If you want to add a veggie, try lightly sautéed spinach or a simple cucumber salad for a cool, refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Butter Chicken in mini bowls as a part of a “make your own Indian night” with plenty of naan and toppings on the side. Layer leftovers into a wrap or stuff into pita pockets for a next-day lunch. You can even serve this Delicious Recipe over roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice if you want to mix things up!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Butter Chicken might be even tastier the next day! Store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making your second (or third) meal with this Delicious Recipe just as satisfying.
Freezing
If you want to stash away a batch, Butter Chicken freezes beautifully. Let the dish cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 2 months without losing its creamy texture or depth of flavor. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat this Delicious Recipe, gently warm it in a pan on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce seems thick. You can microwave it as well—just cover the container and stir halfway through to ensure it heats evenly. Either way, the flavors truly stand up to time.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast will work for this Delicious Recipe, but keep in mind that thighs tend to be more tender and forgiving. If you use breasts, watch the cooking time closely to avoid drying out the meat.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes, you can swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use a plant-based yogurt in the marinade. Vegan butter can substitute for regular butter, making this Delicious Recipe suitable for dairy-free diets.
Can I make this Delicious Recipe spicier?
Definitely—just add extra cayenne pepper or even a chopped green chili along with the onions for more kick. Taste as you go so the heat level is just right for your crowd.
What can I use instead of naan?
If you don’t have naan, try pita, roti, or any soft, pillowy bread. Even simple dinner rolls will work, as will basmati rice, which is perfect for catching all that savory sauce from the Delicious Recipe.
How do I keep the sauce from separating?
The key is to add the cream slowly and keep the heat low while simmering. Butter Chicken’s sauce should stay smooth and luscious; if it looks a bit thick as it cools, a splash of hot water or cream while reheating brings it right back.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so special about sharing a Delicious Recipe like this Butter Chicken with the people you care about. The rich aroma, vibrant color, and melt-in-your-mouth texture are pure comfort in every sense. If you’ve never tried making it at home, now’s your chance—I promise, you’ll be hooked after just one taste!
PrintDelicious Recipe
Indulge in the creamy and flavorful goodness of this homemade Butter Chicken recipe. This rich and velvety dish is a perfect comfort food option for a cozy family dinner or when entertaining friends. Serve with warm naan bread and fluffy rice for a delightful dining experience!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying, Simmering
- Cuisine: American, Indian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
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)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
To Serve
- Naan bread
- Steamed rice
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken – In a medium bowl, combine chicken, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken – Heat oil in a skillet, cook marinated chicken until golden brown. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base – Sauté garlic, onion, then add tomato sauce and sugar.
- Build the Sauce – Add chicken, heavy cream, and spices. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Season and Simmer – Adjust seasoning, simmer for additional 10 minutes.
- Finish with Butter – Stir in butter until melted for a silky finish. Garnish with parsley.
- Serve and Enjoy – Serve hot with naan bread and steamed rice.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice levels by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
- For a healthier version, you can use yogurt instead of heavy cream, though the consistency and flavor will vary.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 810mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 235mg