Butter Chicken

If you are looking for a delicious dish that can also help with your weekly meal prep, then you've come to the right place. Today we will be talking all things butter chicken. With tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce, it’s better than takeout.

This classic Indian butter chicken is a comfort food favorite for many. It's easy to make and so tasty that it's likely to become one of your favorites, too.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This butter chicken recipe works beautifully for several reasons. It's an excellent make-ahead meal, allowing flavors to develop and deepen over time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.

As a one-pot recipe, it simplifies cooking and cleanup, making it convenient without compromising on taste. Just add rice and enjoy a complete meal 🙂

Furthermore, the recipe is highly customizable. You can adjust the spice level to suit your palate, swap yogurt for coconut milk to make it dairy-free, or even use different proteins like tofu or shrimp.

Ingredients

Chicken:

In this butter chicken recipe, boneless chicken breasts or thighs are the best cuts to use. The boneless chicken cooks quickly and evenly, and it's easy to cut into bite-sized pieces for consistent texture and flavor absorption. Bone-in chicken can also be used if desired.

Bone-in pieces may require longer cooking times to ensure the meat is fully cooked through and tender. If you're looking to use other proteins in this recipe, shrimp or lamb can be substituted or you can consider paneer for a vegetarian option. Tofu is another great alternative for those looking to avoid animal-based products altogether.

Marinade:

For a traditional butter chicken marinade, the key ingredients typically include plain yogurt, which acts as a tenderizer and flavor carrier, mixed with a blend of spices, such as garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and sometimes a bit of lemon juice or vinegar for acidity. If you need a substitution for yogurt, coconut milk, soy yogurt, and almond yogurt are all good dairy-free options.

Seasonings:

The butter chicken sauce typically includes garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and fenugreek leaves, creating a rich, aromatic flavor. Additional seasonings like cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, cloves, bay leaves, black pepper, and smoked paprika can enhance the depth and complexity of the sauce.

Tomato Sauce:

Tomato sauce provides a tangy base, rich color, and depth of flavor for the butter chicken sauce. As an alternative, you can use tomato puree or crushed tomatoes, which offer similar benefits and can be adjusted for consistency and taste.

Evaporated Milk:

Evaporated milk adds creaminess and a rich texture to the butter chicken sauce. You can substitute it with heavy cream or coconut milk for a similar creamy consistency and flavor.

How to Make Butter Chicken

Step One: 

Mix the chicken with yogurt, a sprinkle of red chili flakes, a tablespoon each of garlic and ginger, turmeric, coriander, and curry powder. Cover it and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight if you're planning ahead.

Step Two: 

Get your saucepan heated up over medium-high heat and drizzle in some olive oil.

Step Three: 

Toss in the chicken and saute until it's cooked through. Once it's done, scoop it out and set it to the side for later.

Step Four:

Now, melt some butter in that same saucepan and throw in another tablespoon of garlic, another tablespoon of ginger, some onion flakes, chili powder, coriander, cumin, and more curry powder. Let those fragrant flavors dance around in the pan for a bit until the aroma fills your kitchen.

Step Five: 

Pour in the tomato sauce and let it bubble up gently.

Step Six: 

Turn the heat down to medium and stir in some evaporated milk and a sprinkle of sugar.

Step Seven: 

Once everything's reaching a simmer, pop that chicken back in.

Step Eight: 

Cover the saucepan and let everything simmer together for about 5-10 minutes.

Step Nine: 

Sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top, serve with your favorite side dish, and enjoy!

Tips

• Adjust the amount of chili powder and red chili flakes to suit your taste preferences. If you like it hot, add more; if you prefer it milder, go easy on the spice.
• Be mindful not to overcook the chicken during the initial sautéing step. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough, so aim for just cooked through. You'll have another chance to simmer it in the sauce later on.
• Keep an eye on the sauce's consistency as it simmers. If it starts to thicken too much, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out to your desired consistency.
• Taste the sauce before adding the chicken back in, and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors.

What to Serve With Butter Chicken

Butter chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that complement its rich, creamy flavors. Traditional accompaniments include steamed jasmine rice, which helps soak up the savory sauce, and warm naan bread, perfect for scooping and dipping.

For a balanced meal, consider adding a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad to provide a refreshing contrast. Raita, a cooling yogurt-based condiment, can also help mellow the dish's spices.

FAQs

Can I make homemade butter chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can make homemade butter chicken ahead of time by preparing the sauce in advance and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce on the stove, add cooked chicken, and simmer until heated through. This make-ahead method allows for easy meal prep and ensures a delicious, flavorful dish with minimal effort when it's time to enjoy.

Is it possible to make butter chicken in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make butter chicken in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. For a slow cooker, combine all ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

For Instant Pot,  check out this Instant Pot butter chicken recipe for step-by-step instructions and video guide.

For how long can leftover butter chicken be kept fresh?

Leftover butter chicken can be kept fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.

More Chicken Recipes

Whether you are craving a comfort food classic like this traditional butter chicken or a chicken dish that is new and exciting, we've got you covered. Check out this curated collection of some of our favorite chicken recipes when you need some dinner-time inspiration.

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken Curry

Tuscan Chicken

Instant Pot Chicken Marsala