If you have ever craved a dish that combines warmth, bold flavors, and that irresistible creamy texture, then you’re in for a treat with this Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe. This beloved Indian classic takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a symphony of spices and luscious sauce that wraps each piece of tender chicken in pure comfort. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish delivers every time, bursting with vibrant colors and soul-satisfying richness that makes every bite unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe plays a significant role, from the spices that create its signature flavor to the creamy components that give it that luscious mouthfeel. These straightforward ingredients come together beautifully to form a dish that looks as stunning as it tastes.
- Chicken breast (500 g): Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and the perfect meat-to-sauce ratio.
- Greek yogurt (1 cup): Provides the tangy base for marinating, tenderizing the chicken deeply.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Adds brightness and helps balance the richness.
- Ground cumin (2 teaspoons): Offers an earthy warmth essential to Indian cuisine.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): Lends subtle sweetness and depth to the spice mix.
- Cayenne pepper (2 teaspoons): Brings a gentle heat for that perfect kick.
- Ground black pepper (2 teaspoons): Adds sharpness and complexity.
- Ground coriander (1 tablespoon): Introduces a citrusy undertone that brightens the dish.
- Ground turmeric (2 teaspoons): Gives the sauce its warm golden hue and mild earthiness.
- Garam masala (2 tablespoons): A fragrant blend of spices that defines this recipe’s signature flavor.
- Minced ginger (1 tablespoon): Provides fresh, zesty spice that complements garlic.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Essential for that rich creaminess and silky sauce texture.
- Minced garlic (1 clove): Adds pungent aroma and depth to the sauce.
- Jalapeño (1, finely chopped): Offers a mild spicy note and a touch of freshness.
- Heavy cream (2 cups): The hallmark of the richness that makes the sauce indulgent and velvety.
- Tomato puree (1/2 cup): Balances the cream with acidity and vibrant color.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing and bringing all the flavors together.
- Salt (to taste): Enhances all the varied spices and ingredients.
- Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish): Adds a fresh, bright contrast on top when serving.
- Cooked basmati rice (for serving): Perfect for soaking up all that luscious sauce.
How to Make Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing the Greek yogurt with lemon juice, ground cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, black pepper, coriander, turmeric, and half of the garam masala. This marinade is a flavor powerhouse, and letting the chicken sit in it for at least an hour allows those spices to deeply penetrate the meat, ensuring every bite bursts with layered complexity.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the marinated chicken. Browning the chicken pieces seals in the juices and builds a beautifully caramelized base that adds richness to the final dish. Cook until the pieces are nicely browned, about 8 to 10 minutes, then remove and set aside to keep the flavors intact.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, melt the butter and toss in the minced garlic and chopped jalapeño. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this point should have you excited already. Sauté until fragrant, around 1 to 2 minutes, which creates a flavorful foundation for the sauce to build on, marrying spicy and buttery notes effortlessly.
Step 4: Build the Spice Base
Add the remaining garam masala and minced ginger to the skillet, allowing them to toast gently for another minute. This short step intensifies the spices’ flavor, ensuring your sauce is rich and multi-dimensional without being overpowering.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Tomato Sauce
Pour in the tomato puree and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Bringing this mixture to a gentle simmer lets the tomato’s acidity balance the cream’s richness, resulting in that sought-after silky, luscious sauce that clings lovingly to each piece of chicken.
Step 6: Cook the Chicken in the Sauce
Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Turn the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through fully while the sauce thickens gorgeously. Finish by seasoning with salt to taste—adjust carefully to bring out all the intricate spice flavors without overpowering the cream.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
To finish your Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a vibrant, herbal lift. Serve hot alongside fluffy basmati rice to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce, creating a meal that’s both comforting and spectacular.
How to Serve Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is your best friend here, adding a splash of bright green and a fresh, slightly citrusy note that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. You can also add a few thinly sliced red chilies if you want an extra pop of color and heat.
Side Dishes
Basmati rice is a classic and perfectly neutral backdrop that allows the butter chicken’s flavors to shine. Naan bread is another fabulous side, perfect for scooping up the rich sauce. For something lighter, a cucumber raita or simple salad can refresh your palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve your Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe in individual small pans or ramekins with a drizzle of cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. Garnishing with toasted fenugreek leaves or a wedge of lemon adds a professional touch that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is often the case because it’s so tempting to make extra), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Consume within 3 days for the best taste and safety.
Freezing
Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, making sure to leave some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm on low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from separating. You can add a splash of water or cream if the sauce is too thick. Avoid microwaving at high power to maintain the sauce’s silky texture and keep the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can make the dish even juicier and more flavorful because of their higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The heat level can be adjusted easily by varying the amount of cayenne pepper and jalapeño. The recipe as written has a gentle kick that most palates will enjoy, but you can reduce or increase the spice to your preference.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and use a dairy-free yogurt for the marinade. This will give a different flavor profile but still maintain that rich, creamy texture.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinating for at least one hour is great, but marinating overnight in the refrigerator will deeply infuse the spices and tenderize the chicken even more.
What’s the best way to serve with rice?
Cook basmati rice with a pinch of salt and a few whole spices like cardamom or cloves for an aromatic complement that really elevates the dish. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way the spices, cream, and tomato come together in this Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe to create a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting. It’s one of those recipes that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring as a little self-care on a cozy night in. Trust me, once you make this, it will become a go-to favorite you’ll want to return to again and again.
Print
Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This Rich Creamy Indian Butter Chicken recipe features tender chicken breast marinated in a blend of Greek yogurt and aromatic spices, then cooked in a luscious tomato and cream sauce. Perfectly spiced and creamy, it offers an authentic Indian dining experience at home, best served with fluffy basmati rice.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 500 g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1 tablespoon garam masala (divided)
Sauce and Cooking
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup tomato puree
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Serving
- Cooked basmati rice, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, ground cumin, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, black pepper, coriander, turmeric, and 1 tablespoon of garam masala. Add the chicken pieces and mix well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in batches, cooking until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped jalapeño, sautéing until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Ginger and Spices: Stir in the remaining tablespoon of garam masala and minced ginger, cooking for an additional minute to release their aromas.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the tomato puree and heavy cream, stirring to combine into a smooth sauce. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly, approximately 15-20 minutes. Season with salt according to taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Garnish the rich butter chicken with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot alongside cooked basmati rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a milder version, reduce or omit the jalapeño and cayenne pepper.
- Marinating the chicken overnight helps deepen the flavor and tenderize the meat.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture if preferred.
- Adjust cream quantity for a thicker or lighter sauce to suit your taste.
- Serve with naan bread as an alternative to basmati rice for variety.
