Name: Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; ½ cup full-fat Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 2 teaspoons minced ginger; 3 garlic cloves (minced); 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder; 1 teaspoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil; 1 medium yellow onion (diced); 2 teaspoons minced ginger; 3 garlic cloves (minced); 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder; 1 teaspoon garam masala; ½ teaspoon ground coriander; ½ teaspoon cumin; ¼ cup raw cashews; 1 tablespoon coconut sugar (or other sweetener); 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 cup water; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or ghee); ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream); Basmati rice; Freshly chopped cilantro

There’s something truly irresistible about a velvety, flavorful curry that just wraps you in comfort. This Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe brings together tender chicken thighs in a rich, luscious tomato-based sauce that’s both aromatic and satisfyingly smooth. Once you make it, you’ll see why it’s become a kitchen favorite in my home.

The image shows a white bowl filled with two main layers: a base of white long-grain rice on the right side and a layer of thick, smooth orange curry sauce with chunks of food on the left side. The curry is sprinkled with fresh green herbs on top. A silver spoon rests in the bowl partly touching the rice and curry. Nearby is a white small bowl with chopped green herbs and parts of another white bowl with the same dish are visible at the top right. The background is a white marbled surface with a white cloth partially visible at the bottom right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe is more than just dinner; it’s an experience that combines simple ingredients into something magical. I love how each step layers flavor while keeping things approachable, even for someone new to Indian cooking.

Richly flavored sauce: The buttery, creamy tomato gravy melts on your tongue and balances spice beautifully.
Tender marinated chicken: Yogurt and spices tenderize the chicken and infuse it with deep warmth.
Blend of spices: Kashmiri chili, garam masala, and turmeric add complexity without overwhelming heat.
Family-friendly: This recipe hits the perfect note for weeknight comfort or special dinners alike.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a part in crafting that signature creamy butter chicken flavor. I recommend using fresh spices and good-quality yogurt — it really makes a difference in the end result.

Flat lay of raw boneless skinless chicken thighs neatly arranged, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy full-fat Greek yogurt, a small white bowl holding bright fresh lemon slices and a few green lemon leaves, a white bowl with finely minced fresh ginger, a white bowl with peeled whole garlic cloves, a small white bowl containing vibrant Kashmiri red chili powder, a small white bowl of warm-colored garam masala powder, another white bowl with bright yellow ground turmeric, a small white bowl of coarse sea salt, a white bowl holding golden extra-virgin olive oil, a whole medium yellow onion, unpeeled with smooth skin, a small white bowl filled with raw whole cashews, a white bowl of light brown coconut sugar crystals, a white bowl with bright red crushed fresh tomatoes, a white bowl of clear water, two uncracked whole eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of pale unsalted butter chunks, a white bowl filled with thick pale heavy cream, a small mound of uncooked long grain basmati rice grains, and a few sprigs of freshly chopped bright green cilantro all carefully and symmetrically placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken thighs: Their higher fat content keeps the meat juicy and flavorful compared to chicken breast.
Full-fat Greek yogurt: Acts as a tenderizing marinade base and brings a subtle tang.
Lemon juice: Brightens the marinade and balances richness.
Fresh ginger & garlic: Provide that classic aromatic backbone you expect in butter chicken.
Kashmiri red chili powder: Offers a mild yet vibrant heat and a beautiful red hue.
Garam masala: A warm, fragrant spice mix that layers depth into the sauce.
Turmeric: Adds earthiness and that glowing golden color.
Yellow onion: Softens into sweetness, building the sauce’s foundation.
Cashews: When blended in, they give the sauce its creamy texture without heavy cream alone.
Coconut sugar: Balances acidity with a gentle touch of sweetness.
Crushed tomatoes: The base of the sauce, fresh and slightly tart.
Unsalted butter or ghee: Adds richness and authentic flavor.
Heavy cream or coconut cream: Creates that signature smooth, luscious finish.
Basmati rice: The perfect fluffy bed for this saucy delight.
Fresh cilantro: Adds bright, herbaceous notes at the end.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to keep the base recipe as is because it’s perfectly balanced, but I also enjoy tweaking it depending on the mood or dietary needs at hand. This way, it always feels just right.

Variation: For a dairy-free spin, swap heavy cream for coconut cream—it still gets delightfully creamy and keeps the flavors vibrant.
Spice level: Use less chili powder if you prefer mild, or add fresh green chilies for a sharper kick.
Protein: I’ve also tried this recipe with tofu or paneer cubes, and it works beautifully for a vegetarian option.
Seasonal twist: Throw in some fresh spinach or peas near the end for an extra pop of color and nutrients.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe

A clear glass bowl filled with many pieces of light pink raw chicken covered in a thick, orange-yellow creamy sauce mixed well, making the chicken look smooth and coated; a silver spoon rests inside the bowl, partially covered with the sauce; the bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start by dicing chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, minced ginger and garlic, Kashmiri chili powder, garam masala, turmeric, and salt. This marinade is your ticket to juicy, tender chicken with layers of flavor. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour, but overnight is even better if you have time. I've found this marinating step is what makes the biggest difference in tenderness and taste—don’t skip it!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Until Just Opaque

Heat up your oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes. You want the pieces to just turn opaque—not fully cooked through—because they’ll finish cooking in the sauce later. This keeps them juicy, so watch closely and don’t overcook here.

Step 3: Build Your Flavorful Sauce

In the same pan, add diced onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then stir in fresh ginger, garlic, Kashmiri chili powder, garam masala, coriander, and cumin. Let the spices bloom with the aromatics for about a minute—this is the heart of your sauce’s flavor. Next, add raw cashews, crushed tomatoes, sugar, and water. Simmer gently for 5 minutes so all those flavors mingle and soften.

Step 4: Blend for Creamy Perfection

Carefully transfer the sauce to a high-powered blender and blend until completely smooth. This is the secret to that velvety texture we’re after—no grainy bits here! If you want an extra smooth sauce, wipe out the pan now before returning the sauce to it.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Back in the pan, stir the butter and heavy cream into your blended sauce over low heat. Return the chicken to the pan and gently warm it through for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring to coat each piece in that luscious sauce. Be careful not to let the cream curdle — keep the heat low and stir often.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon your creamy butter chicken over steaming basmati rice and sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro. This step always feels like a little celebration in my kitchen—those bright green flecks on a rich sauce just make it sing.

Top Tip

I’ve learned that the secret to an incredible butter chicken lies in balancing richness with spice and acidity—plus trusting your blender to get that sauce silky smooth! Here are a few tips that really helped me master this recipe:

Marinate Longer: Even just one hour is good, but an overnight rest in the fridge makes the chicken incredibly tender and flavorful.
Don’t Rush the Sauce: Let the onions soften well and spices bloom in the hot oil to develop deep flavor — it’s worth those extra minutes.
Blend Thoroughly: A smooth sauce is key, so use a good blender and blend until no chunks remain for that signature creamy texture.
Gentle Heat for Cream: Stir in cream or coconut cream on low heat to avoid curdling and keep the sauce perfectly smooth.

How to Serve Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro. It adds a fresh, bright contrast that lifts the rich sauce beautifully. Sometimes I add a little dollop of *plain yogurt* on the side if I want a cool counterpoint too.

Side Dishes

Serving this butter chicken over fluffy basmati rice is my go-to, but garlic naan or whole wheat roti are incredible for soaking up every last bit of sauce. For a simple veggie side, sautéed greens or roasted cauliflower always balance the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special family dinners, I like to serve the chicken in small bowls with a side platter of various garnishes like chopped red onion, sliced green chilies, and wedges of lemon. It turns dinner into a fun, interactive experience everyone enjoys.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Butter chicken reheats beautifully. I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce actually thickens overnight, so you may want to add a splash of water or cream when reheating to loosen it up.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a few times with great results. Just cool completely, portion it out, and freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Warm the butter chicken slowly in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often. If it’s gotten a bit thick, stirring in a splash of water or cream helps restore that silky consistency. Avoid microwaving if you can—it can make the cream separate.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What can I substitute for Kashmiri red chili powder?

If you don’t have Kashmiri red chili powder, paprika is the best substitute—it provides color and mild heat without overpowering the dish. You can also mix a little cayenne with paprika for more heat, but add cautiously.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

While you can use chicken breasts, thighs stay juicier and more tender in this recipe. If breasts are your only option, marinate well and avoid overcooking to keep them from drying out.

Is this recipe dairy-free or can it be made vegan?

You can make this recipe dairy-free by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream and using ghee or a plant-based butter alternative. For a vegan version, tofu or veggies instead of chicken work well, just make sure to use plant-based yogurt for the marinade.

How spicy is this butter chicken recipe?

This recipe delivers a balanced warmth—not too fiery but with a gentle kick from the Kashmiri chili powder. It’s family-friendly, but you can always adjust spices up or down to suit your heat preference.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe has a special place in my heart (and on my dinner table). It's the comfort food that feels special and is surprisingly doable, even on a weekday. Once you master this recipe, it becomes your go-to for when you want something indulgent yet wholesome, familiar yet exciting. I truly hope it finds a home in your kitchen and your go-to meals!