difficulty
Beginner
Servings
4 servings
Prep time
15 min
Cooking time
30 min
Calories
625 kcal
This Classic Butter Chicken is rich, creamy, and full of warm comforting flavors. Tender chicken is simmered in a smooth tomato butter sauce with garlic, spices, and cream until everything becomes deeply flavorful and velvety.
The sauce is slightly sweet, savory, and perfectly balanced with warm Indian spices. Combined with soft rice or warm naan bread, it creates a comforting dinner that feels cozy and satisfying.
It’s one of those classic dishes that tastes restaurant-quality while still being surprisingly easy to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Butter Chicken
This recipe is creamy, high in protein, and packed with rich flavor. The tender chicken and buttery tomato sauce make it incredibly comforting and satisfying.
It’s also perfect for meal prep because the flavors become even better the next day.
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken (cubed)
- 1 tbsp oil
- Salt & pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 250 ml tomato sauce
- 150 ml cream
- Rice or naan bread
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan and cook chicken until lightly golden.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- Melt butter in the same pan.
- Cook onion, garlic, and ginger until soft.
- Add spices and stir briefly.
- Pour in tomato sauce and simmer.
- Add cream and mix until smooth.
- Return chicken to the pan and simmer until tender.
- Serve with rice or naan and fresh cilantro.
Nutrition per serving
- Protein: ~40 g
- Fat: ~40 g
- Carbohydrates : ~20 g
- Fiber: ~4 g
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Make Ahead & Meal Prep
Butter chicken is perfect for making ahead because the flavors deepen over time. You can prepare the curry up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge in an airtight container.
Reheat gently on low heat and add a splash of cream or water if the sauce becomes too thick. It also freezes very well for easy future meals.
Tips
- Let the sauce simmer slowly for deeper flavor
- Use full-fat cream for the creamiest texture
- Don’t overcook the chicken
- Fresh cilantro adds freshness and balance
Variations
- Classic version: Traditional butter chicken
- Spicy version: Add chili flakes or chili powder
- Protein version: Use shrimp or paneer
- Veggie version: Add spinach or chickpeas
FAQ
It pairs perfectly with basmati rice, naan bread, garlic naan, or roasted vegetables. A little yogurt on the side also works really well.
Traditional butter chicken is usually mild and creamy rather than very spicy. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more chili or reducing the spices.
Yes, chicken breast works well, but chicken thighs stay juicier and tend to have more flavor after simmering in the sauce.
Use full-fat cream and simmer the sauce gently after adding it. Avoid boiling too hard, as this can affect the texture.
Many restaurant versions add a little sugar or honey to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and create a smoother flavor.
Yes, you can replace the cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free butter alternatives.
Stored properly in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Recipe by vino
The creamy tomato butter sauce with the tender chicken makes this dish incredibly comforting. The warm spices create rich flavor without being overpowering, which makes every bite feel balanced and satisfying.
I also love how cozy and versatile it is. It works perfectly for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even serving guests because it always feels like a special meal.
