If you’ve ever craved the rich, velvety flavors of your favorite Indian restaurant at home, this Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is here to make your cravings disappear. Imagine tender pieces of chicken soaked in a beautifully spiced yogurt marinade, simmered in a luscious tomato and cream sauce with just the right balance of warmth and a buttery finish. It’s comfort food elevated—an absolute crowd-pleaser that effortlessly combines bold spices with a creamy, dreamy texture that will truly make you feel like a kitchen superstar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients right is the foundation of any spectacular dish, and with this Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe, each one plays a starring role in bringing out those iconic, unforgettable flavors. From aromatic spices to fresh herbs, every element is essential to make that sauce sing and the chicken tender.
- Plain yogurt: Acts as the marinade base, tenderizing the chicken and adding subtle tanginess.
- Lemon juice: Adds a bright, fresh acidity that balances the richness of the dish.
- Garam masala: A warming blend of spices that define the classic aroma and taste.
- Ground turmeric: Gives the dish its beautiful golden color and a hint of earthiness.
- Ground cumin: Brings a smoky undertone that enhances the dish’s complexity.
- Chili powder: Adds a gentle kick of heat without overpowering the other flavors.
- Ground coriander: Offers a citrusy, slightly sweet note to round out the spice mix.
- Minced ginger and garlic: The dynamic duo that adds pungency and warmth.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Perfect for staying juicy and tender throughout cooking.
- Butter: The star ingredient that imparts creaminess and richness to the sauce.
- Onion: Slowly cooked to sweetness, forming the savory base of the sauce.
- Tomato puree: Provides a luscious, tangy body to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Creates that irresistibly silky finish that everyone loves.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance all the flavors.
- Fresh cilantro: A bright, herbaceous garnish that livens up every bite.
How to Make Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken to Tender Perfection
Start by combining plain yogurt, lemon juice, and the array of spices—garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, coriander—along with fresh minced ginger and garlic in a large bowl. Toss your chicken pieces into this fragrant mixture, making sure every bite is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to let those flavors infuse and the chicken tenderize—marinating is truly the secret behind that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Cook the Onions and Start Building the Sauce
Melt half the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and gently cook the finely chopped onions until they become soft and translucent. This slow cooking unlocks their natural sweetness and creates a savory base that perfectly complements the spices.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken and Blend the Flavors
Add the marinated chicken along with all that delicious marinade into the skillet. Cook until the chicken loses its pink color, about 5 to 7 minutes. This initial sear locks in juices and sets the flavor foundation before introducing the tomato puree, which you’ll stir in next. Let everything simmer gently for around 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to marry beautifully.
Step 4: Finish with Baking and Creamy Magic
Transfer the chicken mixture into an oven-safe dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes to make sure the chicken is tender and all the spices have deeply penetrated. Meanwhile, in the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to create an indulgently smooth and luxurious sauce. Season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance every note. Finally, mix this creamy sauce back into the baked chicken, stirring gently until every piece is enveloped in that rich coating.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve with Love
Before you dig in, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top. This vibrant touch cuts through the richness and adds a fresh, herbal burst that takes the dish to the next level.
How to Serve Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped cilantro is a must for this Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. You can also add a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of crushed fenugreek leaves to add a subtle, exotic aroma. A wedge of lemon on the side can brighten up each bite for those who love a zesty finish.
Side Dishes
Butter chicken pairs beautifully with fragrant basmati rice or soft, fluffy naan bread, perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce. For a colorful spread, serve alongside a crisp cucumber raita or a fresh salad to balance the warmth of the spices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the butter chicken in a rustic bowl with a swirl of cream on top and a sprinkle of vibrant pomegranate seeds for a pop of sweetness and color. Alternatively, stuff the chicken into warm naan to create decadent wraps that are perfect for casual meals or entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Your Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe will keep well for up to three days, and the flavors often deepen as they sit, making for an even tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Just cool the cooked butter chicken completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep delicious for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the butter chicken on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to reinvigorate that creamy sauce. You can add a splash of cream or water if it seems too thick, ensuring it stays luscious and saucy just like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs provide more juiciness and tenderness, chicken breast can be used for a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook the breast meat as it can dry out quicker.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The flavor profile will shift slightly but will still be rich and satisfying.
How spicy is this Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe?
The chili powder adds mild heat, but the spice level is quite balanced and should be agreeable for most palates. You can always adjust the amount of chili powder or add fresh green chilies if you prefer more punch.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Definitely! Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavors and makes the dish even more flavorful. Just be sure to keep it covered and refrigerated.
What’s the best way to serve butter chicken to impress guests?
Serve it with homemade naan or warm, fluffy rice, and garnish with fresh cilantro and maybe a sprinkle of toasted nuts or pomegranate seeds. Pair it with a light, citrusy side salad or raita to complement the rich, creamy sauce for a memorable meal.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is a triumph of flavor and comfort, designed to bring the joy of classic Indian cuisine right into your kitchen with ease. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s a dish that warms the soul and leaves everyone smiling. So go ahead, dive in, and let this buttery, beautifully spiced chicken become your new favorite go-to meal.
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Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 40m
- Total Time: 1h 0m
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This classic homemade Butter Chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs marinated in a blend of yogurt and aromatic spices, cooked in a rich tomato and cream sauce. Combining stovetop sautéing with oven baking, this dish delivers a flavorful and creamy experience perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Cooking
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken later.
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, combine plain yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, coriander, minced ginger, and minced garlic to create a flavorful marinade base.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat each piece. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Sauté Onions: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes, to build flavor for the sauce.
- Cook Chicken: Add the marinated chicken mixture, including marinade, to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes, partially cooking it before baking.
- Add Tomato Puree: Stir in the tomato puree with the chicken and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes to meld the flavors into a rich sauce.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the chicken and sauce mixture into an oven-safe dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to finish cooking the chicken and deepen the flavors.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: While chicken bakes, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine, creating a smooth creamy sauce base.
- Season Sauce: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning to your preference for a balanced flavor.
- Combine Sauce and Chicken: Remove the baked chicken from the oven and pour the creamy sauce over it. Stir gently to combine all elements thoroughly for a cohesive dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top. Serve the homemade butter chicken hot, pairing well with rice or naan bread.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight can enhance the flavor even more.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best texture and tenderness.
- The recipe can be adjusted to be spicier by increasing chili powder or adding fresh chilies.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a coconut milk alternative.
- Ensure the skillet used for sautéing is oven-safe if you choose to skip transferring to another dish.
