Rich Butter Chicken

Featured in Comfort Food Favorites.

This version of butter chicken highlights marinated thighs soaked in a tomato-based creamy sauce filled with Indian spices. It’s incredibly tender and pairs perfectly with naan or white rice. The balance between the rich creaminess and the spice blend offers a flavor explosion that feels like it’s straight from a restaurant.
punchofyummy
Updated on Mon, 17 Mar 2025 18:04:40 GMT
A plate of tender chicken in a spiced creamy sauce with rice beside it, topped off with cilantro. Pin it
A plate of tender chicken in a spiced creamy sauce with rice beside it, topped off with cilantro. | pinchofyummy.com

I've perfected a homemade Butter Chicken that rivals any restaurant version. This beloved Indian classic features juicy chicken pieces swimming in a smooth, spiced tomato gravy. The recipe came from my grandma's kitchen, and I've fine-tuned it through countless family Sunday meals.

The Journey To My Special Version

I spent years trying to match that amazing butter chicken from my top local spot until I finally got it right. What made the difference? Letting the chicken sit in marinade all night and taking my time with the sauce until it's perfectly creamy. The smell that fills my house when I cook this is absolutely mouthwatering.

Your Shopping List

  • Chicken Thighs: Grab two pounds for the juiciest results.
  • Butter: You'll need three big tablespoons for that classic richness.
  • Aromatics: The combo of onion, garlic and ginger creates your flavor foundation.
  • Spice Blend: My special mixture features turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, coriander, cumin and one whole stick of cinnamon.
  • Tomatoes: Pour in fourteen ounces of crushed tomatoes for your sauce base.
  • Cream: One cup makes everything gloriously smooth.
  • Yogurt: A full cup in the marinade works wonders on the chicken texture.
  • Lemon Juice: Two tablespoons add that perfect zing.
  • Chicken Broth: This gets your sauce to just the right thickness.
  • Sugar: A small amount rounds out all the flavors.

The Cooking Journey

Prep Your Protein
Combine your chicken with yogurt, garam masala and lemon juice. For best flavor, let it sit overnight in the fridge.
First Steps
Brown your marinated chicken pieces until golden, then put them aside.
Layer The Flavors
Drop butter in the pan and cook the spices with onions, garlic and ginger until you can't resist the smell.
Make It Saucy
Add your tomatoes, broth and sugar. Return chicken to the pan and let everything bubble together for 10 minutes.
Finishing Touch
Pour cream in slowly while stirring and cook 5 minutes more. Don't forget to take out the cinnamon stick before you eat.

Time To Enjoy

Ladle this goodness over a pile of basmati rice or use warm naan to soak up every drop. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for color and flavor. This tastes even better the next day - just store it covered in your fridge and warm it gently with a splash of cream.

Helpful Tips

Don't skip the overnight marinade, it makes all the difference. Adjust the chili powder to match your heat preference. Want the true flavor? Try finding some kasuri methi at an Indian grocery store. Never rush this dish - the slow cooking really pays off.

Chef's Hidden Tricks

TV cooking shows taught me that using fresh tomatoes really lifts the flavor. Adding just a tiny bit of sugar works wonders with tomato tang. But honestly? The biggest trick is just waiting. Let those flavors mingle and develop naturally.

What Makes It So Good

The magic happens with that first mouthful - soft chicken wrapped in that amazing sauce. It looks impressive but comes together without much fuss. Everyone thinks I've been cooking all day when really I'm just letting the ingredients do their thing.

Mix It Up

Sometimes I swap in chicken breast for a lighter meal. Tossing in spinach or bell peppers adds more nutrition. My children like it mild, but my husband goes for extra heat. That's what's great about cooking at home - you can tweak it just how you want it.

A bowl of chicken thighs in a rich, spiced tomato sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro. Pin it
A bowl of chicken thighs in a rich, spiced tomato sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro. | pinchofyummy.com

Ideal Companions

Nothing beats this sauce soaked up by fluffy basmati rice. I always make more naan than needed because everyone wants extra. A cool cucumber raita brings nice balance to the meal. Want to make it fancy? Grab a bottle of chilled white wine.

Common Mistakes

Don't overcook your chicken or it'll get dry and tough. When you add the cream, go slow and keep stirring so everything stays smooth. Fresh spices make this dish shine - those old jars in your cabinet won't give the same punch.

Get Ahead

I often do all my prep work the night before. The chicken goes into its marinade, and I chop and measure everything else. This way when it's time to cook, everything flows smoothly from start to finish.

Soul Food

There's something about this dish that brings joy to the table. Maybe it's the warming spices or that velvety sauce, but watching people enjoy this food just makes me happy. It's what I cook when I want to show someone they matter.

Nutritious Indulgence

You'll get good protein from the chicken, calcium in the cream, plus all those spices come with their own health perks. The fresh herbs boost nutrition too. Sure, it's a bit rich, but some foods are just worth it.

Company Favorite

This is my go-to when friends visit. The rich colors, amazing smell and that first creamy bite always gets compliments. And while everyone thinks I've been slaving away, I know it's actually pretty simple to pull together.

A bowl of chicken thighs in a rich, spiced sauce garnished with fresh cilantro, accompanied by a dollop of yogurt. Pin it
A bowl of chicken thighs in a rich, spiced sauce garnished with fresh cilantro, accompanied by a dollop of yogurt. | pinchofyummy.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the best marination time?

You can marinate for at least 30 minutes, but letting it sit overnight gives the meat extra flavor and makes it super tender. The yogurt softens the chicken as the spices soak in.

→ Can chicken breasts replace thighs?

Yep, but thighs are juicier and stay tender. Breasts can work too, just keep an eye on cooking time so they don’t dry out.

→ Is there a cream substitute?

Coconut cream works as a non-dairy choice. The flavor shifts a little but still gives you that creamy texture you want.

→ Why is sugar added to the sauce?

Adding a touch of sugar balances out the tartness from the tomatoes. It doesn’t make it sweet, just rounds out the flavors.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Pop it in a sealed container in the fridge and use within 3 days. The flavors get even better the next day. Reheat gently so the sauce stays smooth.

Conclusion

This butter chicken uses yogurt-marinated thighs with a rich blend of Indian spices and a creamy tomato sauce. The final dish rivals your favorite restaurant and makes for a perfect cozy meal.

Butter Chicken

Tender chicken thighs cooked in a creamy tomato and spice-packed sauce. Match it with rice for a cozy, flavorful meal.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes
By: Amelia


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Indian

Yield: 6 Servings (6 portions)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 2 pounds of boneless chicken thighs.
02 3 tablespoons of butter (unsalted).
03 1 finely chopped yellow onion.
04 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger.
05 5 minced garlic cloves.
06 2 tablespoons of ground cumin (split up).
07 3 teaspoons of garam masala (used in parts).
08 1 teaspoon of ground coriander.
09 1/2 teaspoon chili powder.
10 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder.
11 1 cinnamon stick.
12 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt.
13 1/4 cup chicken stock.
14 14 ounces canned crushed tomatoes.
15 1 teaspoon sugar.
16 1 cup heavy cream.
17 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed).
18 1 cup plain yogurt.

Instructions

Step 01

In a bowl, blend yogurt, lemon juice, and 2 teaspoons of garam masala. Toss chicken to coat evenly and let it sit for 30 minutes or even overnight.

Step 02

Heat oil in a big pan. Remove chicken from the yogurt mixture, then cook both sides until golden, about 6 minutes total. Set aside once done.

Step 03

Using the same pan, melt butter, then sauté chopped onions until soft. Stir in garlic, ginger, and spices (hold back the extra garam masala). Let it cook for a minute till the aroma rises.

Step 04

Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, and chicken broth to the pan. Return the cooked chicken to the mix, then simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly.

Step 05

Mix in heavy cream and let it cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. Take out the cinnamon stick right before plating.

Step 06

Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and pair with warm steamed rice while it’s still hot.

Notes

  1. For the most tender texture, marinate overnight.
  2. The sauce gets thicker as it cools.
  3. Reheats nicely if made ahead of time.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big frying pan or skillet.
  • A large bowl for mixing.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 400
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 10 g
  • Protein: 30 g