This Creamy Butter Chicken combines tender marinated chicken with a rich tomato-cream sauce flavored with warm spices. It's an easy homemade version of the restaurant favorite that's perfect served over rice with warm naan.
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This easy dinner is one of those that seems like there is way more effort involved than there actually is. It's so simple, yet the end result is so flavorful your family will think you spent all day hovering over the stove. This Creamy Butter Chicken is one of those meals.
The chicken turns out tender, the sauce is rich and comforting, and the whole kitchen smells incredible while it cooks. It's the kind of meal that feels special enough for company but easy enough for a random Tuesday when takeout sounds tempting.
Serve it with rice, warm naan, and maybe a spoon for sneaking bites of sauce straight from the skillet.
Why This Creamy Butter Chicken Deserves A Repeat Spot
- A marinade that actually matters: Even a short butter chicken marinade adds flavor and keeps the chicken tender; overnight just makes it better.
- Warm, balanced spices: Garam masala and aromatics create depth without overwhelming the dish.
- Creamy, restaurant-style sauce: Butter and cream deliver that signature richness without a long simmer.
- Simple, approachable method: Straightforward steps make this an easy butter chicken recipe for home cooks.
- Comfort-food payoff: Served with rice and naan, this homemade butter chicken hits all the cozy notes.
What You'll Need & Why
Chicken & Marinade
- Chicken thighs: Stay juicy and tender while soaking up all the flavor from the marinade.
- Yogurt, garlic, ginger, and warm spices: Tenderize the chicken while building the classic butter chicken flavor.
Sauce
- Butter, onion, garlic, and ginger: Create the rich, savory foundation of the sauce.
- Whole tomatoes and chicken broth: Simmer into a smooth, flavorful sauce with just the right consistency.
- Garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, fenugreek, and kosher salt: The warm spice blend that gives butter chicken its signature flavor.
- Heavy cream: Creates the rich, velvety finish that makes this dish so comforting.
For Serving
- Basmati rice: Perfect for soaking up every bit of sauce.
- Naan: Warm, soft, and ideal for scooping.
- Fresh cilantro and Greek yogurt: Optional toppings that add freshness and balance.
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The Recipe Rundown
- Marinate the chicken: Toss the chicken with the yogurt, garlic, ginger, and spices, then let it marinate while the flavors develop.
- Sear until golden: Brown the chicken in a hot skillet to build flavor and create those delicious caramelized bits in the pan.
- Build the sauce: Cook the onion, garlic, and ginger, then add the tomatoes, broth, and spices and let everything simmer together.
- Blend until creamy: Stir in the cream and blend the sauce until smooth and velvety.
- Finish and serve: Return the chicken to the sauce and simmer until tender. Serve over basmati rice with warm naan and your favorite toppings.
Swaps & Variations
This Creamy Butter Chicken is easy to customize based on your preferences and pantry staples.
- Use chicken breasts: Chicken thighs are my favorite, but chicken breasts work well too. Just be careful not to overcook them.
- Adjust the heat: Add red pepper flakes or a fresh chili if you prefer a spicier butter chicken.
- Make it dairy-free: Substitute oil for the butter and full-fat coconut milk for the cream.
- No garam masala? Curry powder can work in a pinch, though the flavor will be a little different.
Tips For The Best Creamy Butter Chicken
A few simple tips will help your Creamy Butter Chicken turn out rich, flavorful, and restaurant-worthy.
- Sear the chicken well: Deep browning adds flavor and creates the foundation for a richer sauce.
- Don't skip the marinade: Even 30 minutes helps tenderize the chicken and build flavor.
- Blend the sauce until smooth: This creates the velvety texture butter chicken is known for.
- Keep the heat gentle after adding the cream: Low heat helps the sauce stay smooth and creamy.
- Taste before serving: A final seasoning check brings all the flavors together.
Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2½-3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
Sauce
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 28 oz can whole tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1½ teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon fenugreek
- 1 cup heavy cream
Serving
- cooked basmati rice
- warm naan
- fresh cilantro leaves, greek yogurt
Instructions
Marinade
- In a large bowl, mix all marinade ingredients together. Add the chicken and toss to coat.
- Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
Cook The Chicken
- Heat the butter and avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and sear on both sides until nicely browned. Let good color develop—this adds depth to the final dish.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. It will finish cooking in the sauce.
Make The Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion, garlic, and ginger to the same skillet. Cook until softened and fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes, chicken broth, and spices. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, scraping up any browned bits, until the sauce thickens and reduces.
- Stir in the cream, then blend the sauce until smooth using an immersion blender or a countertop blender.
Finish and Serve
- Return the chicken to the sauce and simmer until cooked through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add additional broth a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve over basmati rice with warm naan. Garnish with yogurt and fresh cilantro, if desired.
Notes
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How to Make Simple Basmati Rice (No Measuring Needed)
- Pour the rice into a pot.
- Rinse the rice with water, then drain. Repeat until the water runs clear (the first rinses will look milky—totally normal).
- Level the rinsed rice in the pot.
- Gently touch the top of the rice with your index finger and add fresh water until it reaches the first knuckle—about 1 inch above the rice.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes.
Do not lift the lid. No peeking. No touching. - Remove the lid and fluff with a fork.
Nutrition
Storage & Reheating
This creamy butter chicken stores beautifully and tastes just as good the next day.
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens.
- Freezing: Butter chicken freezes well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
You Asked, I Answered
What is garam masala?
Garam masala is a warm spice blend commonly used in Indian cooking. It's one of the key ingredients that gives butter chicken its signature flavor.
Is garam masala the same as curry powder?
No. While both are spice blends, they have different flavor profiles. Curry powder can work in a pinch, but garam masala provides the classic butter chicken flavor.
Can I make butter chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, making it a great make-ahead meal.
Other Super Flavorful Meals You'll Love
If you enjoy bold flavors, cozy sauces, and dinners that break up the usual weeknight routine, here are a few more favorites to try next.
- Thai Red Curry Salmon: Tender salmon simmered in a creamy coconut curry sauce with just the right balance of heat and richness.
- Creamy Coconut Curry Shrimp: A quick, flavor-packed dinner with juicy shrimp, warm spices, and a silky coconut curry sauce.
- Peanut Noodles: Savory, slightly sweet, and loaded with peanut flavor, these noodles come together fast and make a great lunch or easy dinner.
- Korean Beef Bowls: Sweet, savory ground beef served over rice with crisp vegetables for an easy weeknight meal.
- Ground Pork Stir Fry: A fast, veggie-packed dinner with bold flavors and minimal prep, perfect for busy nights.
- Egg Drop Soup: Silky, comforting, and ready in minutes, this takeout favorite is surprisingly easy to make at home.
Who’s Stirring the Pot?
Hi, I’m Ruth—recipe developer, comfort-food creator, and the voice behind Rufus For Real. I specialize in cozy, doable, flavor-packed meals for real-life kitchens, and I’m a firm believer that breakfast, dinner, and everything in between should be simple, satisfying, and impossible to mess up.
You’ll find me sharing even more comfort-food goodness, kitchen tips, and behind-the-scenes chaos over on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube (@rufusforreal everywhere).
If you love approachable recipes with a whole lot of personality, pull up a chair—there’s always room at this table.
Happy Cooking!
-Ruth aka Rufus
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