I’ve always believed that comfort food should feel like a warm hug, and butter chicken does exactly that. The aroma of garlic, ginger, and spices drifting through my kitchen takes me straight back to my first taste at a small Indian restaurant. Making it at home not only saves me a trip, but also gives me the freedom to play with the flavors until they match my mood. Sometimes I go heavy on the cream, other times I sneak in extra chili just to keep everyone on their toes. When I started testing this recipe, I wanted it to taste like something I could proudly serve at a restaurant but with the coziness of homemade dinner recipes. The sauce coats the chicken in a silky, rich blanket that’s irresistible with warm naan or fluffy rice. And let me tell you, when that sauce hits the table, there are never leftovers. My family knows it’s a good night when butter chicken is bubbling away on the stove. If you’ve ever looked at restaurant menus and thought, ‘How do they make it taste so good?’ this recipe is your answer. With simple steps and pantry spices, you can whip it up without hunting down fancy ingredients. So go ahead—pour yourself a glass of something nice, put on a little music, and let’s make butter chicken together.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
3) Ingredients for Indian Butter Chicken
4) How to Make Indian Butter Chicken
5) Tips for Making Indian Butter Chicken
6) Making Indian Butter Chicken Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Indian Butter Chicken
8) Try these Main Course next!
9) Indian Butter Chicken
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This dish balances rich cream with bold spices for a comforting homemade dinner recipe.
Marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices makes it tender and flavorful.
The sauce pairs beautifully with rice or naan, making it a complete meal.
It tastes restaurant-quality but can be cooked easily at home with pantry staples.

2) Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

I don’t think there’s anything quite like making Indian Butter Chicken at home. It feels indulgent but it’s simple enough to pull off on a busy weeknight. When I first tried this dish at a restaurant, I thought I’d never manage the same flavors in my kitchen. But once I started experimenting, I realized that the secret lies in the marination and the slow simmer of the sauce.

This recipe is one of my go-to homemade dinner recipes. The yogurt and spice coating gives the chicken depth and a subtle tang. Then, when the tomato and cream sauce comes together, it clings to every piece like it was made to be there. I can’t resist tearing into warm naan and scooping up that silky sauce.

It’s a dish that can stand proudly beside the best chicken salad recipe or even the best salmon recipe on your table. It’s warm, satisfying, and it makes you feel like you’ve just created restaurant dinner magic in your own kitchen. Cooking at home has never been this rewarding.

3) Ingredients for Indian Butter Chicken

Chicken Thighs: I use boneless chicken thighs cut into chunks. They hold flavor well and stay juicy after cooking.

Yogurt: This helps tenderize the chicken and balances the spices during marination.

Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon wakes up the marinade with bright, sharp notes.

Ground Spices: Cumin, garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder form the heart of the flavor profile. Each one adds its own kick.

Butter: Unsalted butter makes the base rich and smooth.

Onion: A large onion, finely chopped, gives the sauce sweetness as it cooks down.

Garlic and Ginger: Fresh minced garlic and grated ginger create a base that smells heavenly the moment they hit the pan.

Tomato Puree: The sauce foundation. It adds color and depth without overpowering the spices.

Heavy Cream: This is what turns the dish into a creamy comfort food you can’t resist.

Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle at the end brings a burst of freshness.

4) How to Make Indian Butter Chicken

Step 1. Marinate the chicken. In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, and all the dry spices. Coat the chicken well and let it sit for at least an hour. Longer is even better.

Step 2. Start the sauce. Melt butter in a skillet and sauté onions until golden. Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.

Step 3. Cook the chicken. Add the marinated pieces to the pan and sear until browned on all sides.

Step 4. Add tomato puree and let the mixture simmer gently. The sauce thickens and the spices meld into something rich and flavorful.

Step 5. Stir in cream and lower the heat. Let the sauce bubble slowly until it’s velvety smooth.

Step 6. Taste and season. A sprinkle of salt and a garnish of cilantro, and you’re ready to serve with rice or naan.

5) Tips for Making Indian Butter Chicken

Marinate the chicken overnight if you can. It makes the meat tender and infuses every bite with spice. If you’re pressed for time, even an hour helps.

Use a heavy-bottomed pan to avoid burning the tomato puree. Slow cooking lets the sauce deepen in flavor without harsh edges.

Don’t skip the butter. A smaller amount can be used, but that rich flavor is what makes the dish shine. This is one of those recipes at the best price, too, since you don’t need specialty ingredients.

6) Making Indian Butter Chicken Ahead of Time

I often prepare the marinade the night before. The next day, I just cook the sauce and add the chicken. It saves time and keeps the flavor strong.

If you plan to serve it later, make the sauce and keep it separate from the chicken. When reheating, simmer them together for about 10 minutes. This keeps the chicken from drying out.

This method works especially well when planning for a restaurant dinner experience at home. With the prep done, all that’s left is a simple finish before serving.

7) Storing Leftover Indian Butter Chicken

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They hold well for three days, and the flavor actually improves as it sits.

Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or cream. It helps the sauce return to its silky texture.

Butter chicken also freezes well. Place it in freezer-safe bags and thaw overnight in the fridge. It’s ready to enjoy again when paired with fresh rice or naan.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) Indian Butter Chicken