Butter Chicken Curry Indian

Butter chicken curry is the kind of recipe that makes a regular weeknight feel special. It is all about melt-in-your-mouth chicken swimming in a velvety tomato& butter sauce: richly spiced but gentle and always crowd pleasing. If you are craving restaurant-quality Indian comfort food at home look no further.

I remember serving this for a cozy dinner when my kids invited friends over and everyone went back for seconds. It is now our go-to when we want something indulgent yet homemade.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs: provide tender juicy results and stand up well to marinating
• Plain Greek yogurt: tenderizes the chicken and adds creaminess so choose whole milk versions
• Lemon juice: brightens flavors and balances the richness
• Ground cumin and coriander: create classic warmth and aromatic depth
• Garam masala: brings signature Indian complexity to the spice mix
• Turmeric: delivers golden color plus mild earthiness
• Chili powder: offers gentle heat and color: use good quality for flavor not just spice
• Salt: is essential to bring everything together
• Garlic and ginger: make the marinade and sauce sing with fresh pungency
• Unsalted butter: is key for richness: European style has extra flavor if available
• Vegetable oil: helps brown the chicken evenly and is neutral to let other flavors shine
• Onion: forms the base for the sauce so pick a fresh firm one
• Smoked paprika: deepens the sauce with a gentle smoky undertone
• Crushed tomatoes: bring sweetness and tangy depth: choose good quality for bright flavor
• Sugar: rounds out the acidity of the tomatoes without making things sweet
• Heavy cream: completes the signature silky sauce: fresh is best for luscious texture
• Cilantro: offers fresh color and herbal finish so use just-picked leaves for garnish

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

Combine bite-sized chicken pieces with yogurt lemon juice cumin coriander garam masala turmeric chili powder salt garlic and ginger in a large bowl. Mix until every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour or ideally overnight for deepest flavor and tenderness.

Brown the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces one at a time shaking off excess marinade. Sauté just until lightly browned and cooked through about five to seven minutes. Remove the chicken and reserve.

Build the Sauce Base

Using the same skillet add finely chopped onion. Sauté until it is soft and turning golden about five minutes. Add garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant for another minute.

Toast the Spices

Sprinkle in cumin coriander chili powder and smoked paprika. Stir constantly for thirty seconds so the spices release their flavors but do not burn.

Simmer the Tomato Sauce

Add crushed tomatoes sugar and salt to the skillet. Stir well and allow to simmer uncovered for ten minutes until the sauce is thick and richer in color. Keep stirring to prevent sticking.

Create the Creamy Finish

Reduce the heat to low. Pour in heavy cream and add more butter stirring carefully so the sauce turns silky smooth. Slide the cooked chicken and its juices back into the pan and simmer gently for eight to ten minutes until the chicken is tender and everything melds together.

Finishing Touches

Taste the sauce and adjust salt if needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top just before serving. Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or warm naan.

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My favorite part is always the sauce because of how it transforms with every spice and finishing splash of cream. My kids still compete for the last spoonful especially if we are serving extra naan to soak it all up.

How to Store Butter Chicken Curry

Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. Always let it cool fully before refrigerating to keep the texture smooth. Reheat gently on the stove adding a splash of milk or water if thickened.

Ingredient Swaps for Your Pantry

You can swap chicken thighs for breast meat if preferred but expect slightly less tenderness. Coconut milk replaces heavy cream for a dairy free twist with subtle sweetness. If you run out of smoked paprika use a touch of regular or even chipotle powder for smokiness.

Serving Suggestions to Make It a Meal

Serve over fluffy basmati or jasmine rice with plenty of warm naan for sopping up the sauce. Add a side of cucumber raita or a crisp green salad to keep things balanced and fresh.

Butter Chicken’s Cultural Journey

Butter chicken or murgh makhani originated in Delhi in the 1950s and quickly became a global icon of Indian cuisine. It is loved for its lush sauce and gentle spicing making it approachable for all ages and palates.

Seasonal Adaptations

Fresh tomatoes work especially well in summer for an even brighter sauce. Swap cilantro for fresh mint if you want a cool herbal finish. Add cubes of roasted sweet potato in autumn for more body and subtle sweetness.

Success Stories

Friends have raved about making this on their first try and how the sauce is better than restaurant versions. It is a staple in meal trains for families because it reheats perfectly and always impresses.

Easy Freezer Meal Conversion

Fully cool the cooked curry then portion into freezer safe containers. Label with date and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently so the sauce remains creamy.

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Enjoy making this butter chicken curry and bring authentic comfort to your dinner table. The extra sauce guarantees happy leftovers or a delicious next-day lunch.

Recipe FAQ

→ How long should chicken marinate?

Let chicken marinate at least one hour, but overnight in the refrigerator enhances flavor and tenderness.

→ Can cream be substituted in the sauce?

Yes, use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter texture and subtle flavor changes.

→ What pairs well as a side?

Basmati rice and warm naan are excellent choices, as they absorb the creamy, spiced sauce well.

→ How to increase smokiness in the dish?

Briefly grill or broil the marinated chicken before simmering in the sauce for extra smoky flavor.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

If all ingredients are certified gluten-free, the dish is suitable for gluten-free diets. Check spice and dairy labels.

→ What is the approximate cooking time?

Total preparation and cooking takes about 55 minutes, with most time spent simmering and marinating.