Easy Butter Chicken

This butter chicken recipe is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Tender chicken is marinated in yogurt and aromatic spices, which not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with a delicious, savory taste. For the best results, marinate the chicken overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop. The chicken is then cooked in a fragrant tomato-based cream sauce. Serve this classic Indian butter chicken with steamed basmati rice or garlic butter naan. This is an easy butter chicken that tastes like restaurant-style.

Why You Will Like This Recipe

Tender, Juicy Chicken – The yogurt and lemon marinade keep the chicken moist.

Rich, Creamy Sauce – Heavy cream blended with spiced tomato sauce creates a creamy sauce

Packed with Flavor –A mix of garam masala, cumin, paprika, and chili powder gives every bite a warm, comforting depth.

Butter Chicken Origin

Butter chicken originated in Delhi, India. It was created in the 1950s by chefs at the Moti Mahal restaurant. To prevent leftover tandoori chicken from drying out, they simmered it in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. Over time, it became a staple of Indian cuisine.

Ingredients

Chicken Marinade

• 2 lb chicken, cut into bite-size pieces
  • Protein
• 4 tbsp plain yogurt
  • Helps tenderize the chicken pieces and adds creaminess
• Juice of ½ lemon
  • Brightens the flavor of the sauce
• 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • Perfect aromatics for the sauce
• 1 tbsp garam masala
  • Classic spices used in butter chicken
• 1 tsp chili powder
  • Adds a nice kick
• 1 tsp turmeric
  • Adds earthiness to the sauce
• 1 tsp cumin’
  • Adds a deep and nutty flavor
• 1 tsp cinnamon
  • Adds sweetness and warmth
• 2 tsp salt
  • Flavor enhancement

Butter Chicken Sauce

• 3 tbsp butter
  • Base of the creamy sauce
• 1 tbsp oil
  • Helps cook the chicken
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • Adds depth to the sauce
• 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • Perfect aromatics for the sauce
• 1 can of tomato sauce
  • Adds tanginess
• 2 tsp chili powder
  • Adds a slight kick
• 2 tsp paprika
  • Adds smokiness
• 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Adds a deep and nutty flavor
• 1½ tsp garam masala
  • Classic spices used in butter chicken
• 1 tsp sugar
  • Balances acidity of the tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
  • Adds creaminess
• Salt, to taste

Click on the images for the direct link to the ingredients/tools I used:

Instructions

In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients and coat the chicken well. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (overnight is best).

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.

In the same pan, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add onions and cook until soft and translucent.

Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook until fragrant. Add chili powder, paprika, cumin, sugar, and garam masala. Mix well.

Pour in the tomato sauce and simmer for a few minutes. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and let it simmer until chicken cooks through and the sauce comes together.

Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream until smooth and creamy.

Add a slice of butter.

Optional: drizzle extra cream on top and swirl for that classic butter chicken look.

Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with rice or naan.

Easy Butter Chicken Cooking Tips

Marinate the chicken at least for a few hours or overnight for maximum flavor.

Do not overcook the chicken. Cook the chicken until slightly brown. It will finish cooking in the sauce.

Add the cream at the end.

Easy Butter Chicken Ingredient Substitution

Chicken breast –> Chicken thighs

Yogurt –> Sour Cream

Heavy Cream –> Coconut cream, half & half

Tomato sauce –> blended diced tomatoes

If you enjoyed this easy butter chicken recipe, you might also like my Korean soy-braised chicken recipe.

Korean Soy Braised Chicken