If you’re craving a dish that wraps you in warmth and richness with every bite, this Savory Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender chicken thighs bathed in a velvety, spiced tomato and cream sauce, where fragrant Indian spices play a perfect supporting role to the luscious texture. This recipe takes classic Indian butter chicken to new heights with a luscious creaminess balanced by just the right kick of heat, making it a comforting meal for weeknights or special dinners alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this indulgently tasty dish, the ingredient list is straightforward but full of essentials that bring fabulous depth to your plate. Each one is carefully chosen to bring out authentic flavor, creaminess, or richness that defines this dish.
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs: These tender and juicy pieces soak up the spices beautifully and stay moist through cooking.
- 1 cup plain yogurt: Acts as a tangy base for the marinade and helps tenderize the chicken.
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Adds a bright, zesty kick that balances the creaminess.
- 2 tsp ground cumin: Brings warm, earthy notes that are signature in many Indian dishes.
- 1-2 tsp cayenne pepper: Adjust this to your spice preference for a gentle heat or bold punch.
- 2 tsp garam masala: A fragrant spice blend that layers complexity into the sauce.
- 2 tsp ground coriander: Adds citrusy undertones and a hint of sweetness.
- Salt to taste: Enhances all the natural and spiced flavors.
- 2 tbsp butter: Essential for that signature rich, silky sauce base.
- 1 large onion, finely chopped: Sautéed to golden perfection, it forms a sweet, mellow backbone for the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses sharp, aromatic essence.
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced: Adds a fresh, spicy zing balancing the creaminess.
- 1 can (14oz) tomato puree: Provides a smooth, hearty tomato base that’s vital for richness and color.
- 2 cups heavy cream: The secret to delivering that luscious, silky mouthfeel.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Freshness and vibrant color finish every plate perfectly.
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice: The perfect fragrant and fluffy accompaniment to soak up every bit of sauce.
How to Make Savory Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Marinade
Start by stirring together plain yogurt, fresh lemon juice, cumin, cayenne pepper, garam masala, coriander, and salt in a large bowl. This simple but flavorful marinade is key to infusing the chicken with all those aromatic spices and tenderizing it beautifully. Don’t rush this step—the longer the chicken chills in the marinade, the more intensely flavored and juicy it becomes.
Step 2: Marinating the Chicken
Toss in the bite-sized chicken thighs, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour, though overnight marination brings out the fullest taste and tender texture. This step is where the magic truly begins, transforming your chicken into a sumptuous base for the sauce.
Step 3: Sautéing the Aromatics
Melt butter over medium heat in a large skillet, then add finely chopped onions. Cook until they turn golden and soft, releasing their natural sweetness that balances the spices. Next, throw in the minced garlic and fresh ginger, stirring them around just until fragrant. These ingredients create a deeply flavorful foundation for the sauce.
Step 4: Building the Sauce
Pour in the tomato puree, stirring it well with the onion, garlic, and ginger mixture. Then slowly add the heavy cream, letting the sauce come to a gentle simmer. This simmering process thickens the sauce and melds all those bold flavors, creating the unmistakable creamy texture that makes this recipe shine.
Step 5: Cooking the Chicken
While your sauce simmers, preheat a grill or stovetop pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken pieces until they develop a beautiful char and are nearly cooked through. This slight charring adds a smoky depth that contrasts deliciously with the creamy sauce.
Step 6: Combining Chicken with Sauce
Transfer the cooked chicken straight into the sauce, stirring well to coat every tender piece. Allow everything to simmer together for another 10 to 15 minutes so the flavors can harmonize perfectly. This slow simmer is crucial for marrying all the spices, cream, and chicken juices into one unforgettable dish.
Step 7: Final Touches
Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top for a burst of color and fresh herbal notes. This final brightness complements the richness beautifully and makes your dish look as tasty as it tastes.
How to Serve Savory Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro is ideal for brightening up this buttery, creamy dish. Some cooks love adding a drizzle of extra cream or a few toasted fenugreek leaves for an extra aromatic finish. These small touches elevate the presentation and bring out nuanced flavors.
Side Dishes
Serve your butter chicken alongside fluffy basmati rice, which soaks up every luscious drop of sauce. Alternatively, warm, soft naan bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy goodness. For a lighter contrast, a cooling cucumber raita or a crisp green salad pairs beautifully as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress guests by plating your chicken in individual bowls with a swirl of cream on top and fresh cilantro scattered artfully. Add a wedge of lemon on the side for those who adore an extra citrus kick. Or, try layering the butter chicken over a bed of saffron-infused rice for aromatic visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Savory Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to preserve that creamy texture and complex flavor. Leftovers actually taste better as the spices continue to meld overnight.
Freezing
This dish freezes exceptionally well. Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain the sauce’s luscious consistency and tender chicken texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. Adding a splash of cream or water can help loosen up the sauce if it thickens too much. This way, you experience nearly as fresh a taste as the original serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs are preferred for their tenderness and juiciness, chicken breasts will work too—just be careful not to overcook them since they can dry out easily.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The cayenne pepper allows you to control the heat level. Start with a small amount if you prefer mild flavors and adjust to suit your spice tolerance beautifully without overpowering the creamy sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free yogurt to keep the creaminess while making it friendly for lactose intolerance or vegan adaptations, though the flavor profile will subtly change.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For best results, marinate for at least one hour, but overnight marination is ideal to let all the delicious spices sink into the chicken for full flavor and tenderness.
What can I serve instead of basmati rice?
If you’re looking for alternatives, jasmine rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice work wonderfully as accompaniments that soak up the rich sauce and complement the spices.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of digging into a warm plate of this Savory Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe. It’s a dish designed to comfort, impress, and satisfy every craving for bold, silky, and deeply flavorful food. I encourage you to try making it at home—you’ll soon see why it’s a beloved favorite that feels like a celebration every time you serve it.
Print
Savory Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 1h 0m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 1h 30m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This Savory Creamy Indian Butter Chicken recipe features tender, marinated chicken thighs cooked to perfection and simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with traditional Indian spices. Perfectly balanced with a mild heat and aromatic flavors, this classic dish is served with basmati rice for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 – 2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- Salt, to taste
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 can (14oz/400g) tomato puree
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Serving
- 2 cups basmati rice, cooked, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, cayenne pepper, garam masala, coriander, and salt. Stir until fully combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for best flavor infusion.
- Sauté Onions: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and soft, which brings out their natural sweetness.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, enhancing the depth of the sauce.
- Add Tomato Puree: Pour the tomato puree into the skillet and mix thoroughly with the onions, garlic, and ginger to form the base of the sauce.
- Incorporate Cream: Slowly stir in the heavy cream, then allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5-10 minutes so it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
- Cook the Chicken: While the sauce simmers, preheat a grill or stovetop pan to medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken pieces until they are charred on the outside and mostly cooked through, developing a smoky flavor.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Transfer the grilled chicken into the creamy tomato sauce. Stir well to combine and simmer together for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the rich flavors completely.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the dish just before serving to add a fresh, vibrant note.
- Serve: Serve the butter chicken hot alongside cooked basmati rice, naan bread, or your preferred accompaniment for a fulfilling meal.
Notes
- For extra depth, marinate the chicken overnight whenever possible.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to preference.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier, more tender results.
- Grilling the chicken before adding it to the sauce adds a smoky char flavor that enhances the dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
