Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe with Tomato and Spices

🔥 KITCHEN FINDS

3 Clever Kitchen Gadgets Worth Checking Out

These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.

This Kitchen Gadget Sprays AND Pours Oil

One bottle for spraying, pouring and keeping cooking oil close at hand.

Check It Out on Amazon →

This Weird Little Tool Slices Watermelon for You

Slice, cube and grab watermelon with one ridiculously simple little gadget.

Check It Out on Amazon →

Mix & Pour Pancake Batter Without the Mess

Mix the batter right in the bottle, then squeeze it straight onto the griddle.

Check It Out on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Creamy Butter Chicken is a delightful Indian-inspired dish that brings together tender chicken pieces and a rich, velvety sauce, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. The combination of spices, tomatoes, and cream creates an irresistible flavor profile that will have everyone coming back for seconds. This recipe is not only easy to follow, but it also turns your kitchen into a fragrant haven of comforting aromas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy butter chicken recipe is a fantastic choice for a variety of reasons:

• Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich and flavorful sauce that pairs beautifully with rice or naan.
• Customizable spice levels to suit your taste.
• Uses simple ingredients that you may already have on hand.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day!

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato puree
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

How to Make Creamy Butter Chicken

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.
4. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, tossing to coat them in the spice mixture. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Pour in the tomato puree and stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. After 15 minutes, remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened to your liking. Season with salt to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Tips for the Best Results

• For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for a few hours before cooking.
• Adjust the spice levels by adding more or less chili powder or incorporating fresh green chilies.
• Make sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer without the lid.

Easy Variations

• Substitute the chicken with paneer or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
• Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version and a hint of tropical flavor.

What to Serve With It

• Steamed basmati rice or jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Warm naan or roti for a delightful dipping experience.
• A fresh cucumber salad or raita for a refreshing contrast to the rich dish.
• Spicy pickles or chutneys to add an extra layer of flavor.

Storage and Reheating

📚 RECIPE LOVER FINDS

Love Trying New Recipes? Check These Out

Save your favorites, discover something different, or make meal planning a whole lot easier.

❤️ Love This Recipe? Save Your Favorites

Keep all those recipes you actually want to make again together in your own recipe book.

See It on Amazon →

🔥 Yep, Snoop Dogg Has a Cookbook

From Crook to Cook brings Snoop's spin to comfort food, classics and seriously fun recipes.

Check It Out on Amazon →

🥗 100+ Meals You Can Make Ahead

Simple make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals for making the week way easier.

See It on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

Recipe Card