Best Butter Chicken Recipe – Easy & Authentic Creamy Curry

by | May 7, 2026 | 0 comments

4.5 (28 reviews)
Rich and creamy Indian butter chicken simmering in a cast iron skillet
Prep time : 30 minutes
Cooking Time : 40 minutes
Total Time : 70 minutes
Nutrition : 540 Calories
Difficulty : Medium
Cuisine :

India

Category : Dinner

Ingredients :

  • 800g chicken thighs, bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
  • 50g unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (Kasuri Methi)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Salt to taste

Method :

1. Combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and spices in a large bowl.
2. Toss chicken in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a large pan and sear chicken until browned; remove and set aside.
4. Melt half the butter in the same pan, then add tomato puree and sugar.
5. Simmer sauce for 15 minutes until thickened and oil starts to separate.
6. Return chicken to the pan and cook through for approximately 10 minutes.
7. Stir in remaining butter, heavy cream, and crushed fenugreek leaves.
8. Season with salt and simmer for 2 minutes before serving.

Recipe Notes :

For a restaurant-quality smooth sauce, strain the tomato puree through a fine-mesh sieve before cooking. Use Kashmiri chili powder to achieve the signature vibrant red color without excessive heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cut of chicken is best for Butter Chicken?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are highly recommended as they stay juicy and tender during the simmering process compared to chicken breast.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with vegan butter or oil, and replace the heavy cream and yogurt with full-fat coconut milk for a similar creamy texture.

How do I get that classic bright red color without it being too spicy?

The secret is using Kashmiri red chili powder, which provides a vibrant red hue and mild flavor without the intense heat of standard chili powders.

Why We Love This Recipe ?

A rich, velvety tomato-based curry finished with cold butter and heavy cream.
Marinated in yogurt and aromatic spices for maximum tenderness and flavor.

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Sauces | Lunch

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