There's something incredibly comforting about the rich, smooth flavors in this Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe. It’s a dish that wraps you in warmth with every bite, balancing spices and creaminess perfectly—making it well worth the effort to prepare at home.

A white bowl holds a dish with two main layers: on one side, fluffy white rice with long grains, and on the other side, a thick, creamy orange sauce covering chunks of tender meat or vegetables. Small, fresh green parsley leaves are scattered over the sauce and rice for garnish. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, partially under the sauce, with its handle pointing outwards. In the background, there is another white bowl with the same dish, and a small white bowl with more parsley. The surface under the bowls is a white marbled texture, and there is a white cloth nearby. 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 isn’t just dinner—it’s a little celebration in your kitchen. I’m always excited when I make it because the combination of marinated chicken and velvety sauce hits every note of cozy and indulgent. Plus, it’s easier to nail than it looks!

Rich, Creamy Sauce: The sauce is perfectly smooth and delicately spiced without overwhelming heat, creating a comforting flavor balance.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these spices and pantry staples on hand.
Marinate for Flavor: The yogurt-based marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with bright, tangy notes.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether you want to spoon it over basmati rice or enjoy it with naan, it’s a crowd-pleaser any way you serve it.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe plays a crucial role. From the spices that deliver warm complexity to the creamy elements that bring everything together smoothly, these flavors meld perfectly. Here’s a little insight into why I love each one and some tips while shopping.

Flat lay of diced raw boneless skinless chicken thighs in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl of thick full-fat Greek yogurt, a small white bowl with fresh lemon wedges, a small white bowl of finely minced fresh ginger, a small white bowl of minced garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with vibrant deep red Kashmiri chili powder, a small white bowl of ground garam masala, a small white bowl of bright yellow ground turmeric, a small white bowl of coarse sea salt, a small white bowl of golden extra-virgin olive oil, a medium peeled and diced yellow onion on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of ground coriander powder, a small white bowl of ground cumin, raw whole cashew nuts neatly arranged on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of coconut sugar crystals, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with crushed fresh tomatoes, a small white bowl of clear water, two pats of unsalted butter on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl holding heavy cream, a neat mound of uncooked basmati rice grains on a white ceramic plate, a small bunch of freshly chopped green cilantro leaves on a white ceramic plate, all perfectly balanced 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

Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicier and more forgiving than breasts, they stay tender after cooking and soak up the marinade beautifully.
Full-fat Greek yogurt: Acidic and creamy, it tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tang in the marinade.
Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the marinade with essential acidity that balances richness.
Ginger and garlic: These aromatics create a fresh, zesty base—don’t skip the fresh versions if you can help it.
Kashmiri red chili powder: Adds color and gentle heat; milder than traditional chili powders but full of flavor.
Garam masala: This classic spice blend brings warm, complex aromatic notes essential to authentic butter chicken.
Ground turmeric: For earthiness and that beautiful golden color.
Salt: Enhances all those beautiful flavors.
Extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil: A neutral oil for cooking that helps develop the sauce without overpowering flavors.
Yellow onion: Sweetness and texture after softening create the perfect curry base.
Ground coriander and cumin: Complement the garam masala with subtle citrus and nutty tones.
Raw cashews: When blended in, they give that silky, creamy finish without needing heavy dairy.
Coconut sugar (or sweetener): Balances acidity and spice with a hint of sweetness.
Crushed tomatoes: The tangy backbone of the sauce adds depth and richness.
Water: Helps loosen the sauce to the perfect consistency for blending.
Unsalted butter (or ghee): Essential for that luscious, buttery finish.
Heavy cream (or coconut cream): Adds the signature creamy texture and helps mellow the spices.
Basmati rice: Fragrant and fluffy, ideal for soaking up all that sauce.
Freshly chopped cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness as a garnish.

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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

One of the best things about this Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe is how flexible it is. I often tinker with it depending on what’s in season or my mood—so don’t hesitate to personalize it to your taste.

Variation: I’ve made this with coconut cream in place of heavy cream for a dairy-free version and still loved the depth of flavor and silky texture it delivers.
Spice level: Want it milder? Reduce the chili powder, or if you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne or fresh green chili.
Protein swaps: I sometimes try chicken breasts instead of thighs when I want something leaner, but remember to adjust cooking time so it doesn’t dry out.

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

A clear glass bowl filled with pieces of raw chicken coated in a thick, creamy orange-yellow sauce, with visible texture from spices mixed into the sauce. The chicken pieces are unevenly shaped, some showing a pale pink color under the coating. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, partially submerged in the marinated chicken. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Dice and Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken into about 1-inch pieces—bite-sized is best for soaking up flavor and cooking evenly. Toss these pieces in a bowl with Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, minced ginger and garlic, Kashmiri red chili powder, garam masala, turmeric, and salt. Give it a good stir so everything’s nicely coated. Then pop it in the fridge for at least an hour or preferably overnight to let those flavors sink in deep.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat your oil over medium-high heat in a roomy sauté pan. Add the marinated chicken pieces—no crowding—to ensure they brown nicely. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until they turn opaque but not fully cooked through; remember they'll finish cooking in the sauce. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce

In the same pan, toss in diced onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, add more ginger, garlic, Kashmiri chili, garam masala, coriander, and cumin. Stir constantly for roughly a minute so the spices bloom without burning. Next, stir in the cashews, crushed tomatoes, coconut sugar, and water. Lower the heat and simmer this fragrant mix for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Blend It Up for Creaminess

Carefully transfer that sauce into a blender and pulse until you get a smooth, creamy texture—this is the secret to that luxurious mouthfeel. It’s worth it! If you want an ultra-smooth sauce, wipe the pan clean, then pour this creamy blend back in for the next step.

Step 5: Stir in Butter, Cream & Chicken

Warm the sauce over medium heat, stirring in the butter and heavy cream until melted and combined. Then, add the chicken back in and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring gently so every piece is coated and heated through thoroughly. Don’t rush this step—you want the chicken tender and the sauce rich and velvety.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve this creamy butter chicken straight up or ladled generously over fluffy basmati rice. I love sprinkling fresh cilantro on top for a burst of color and brightness that lifts the whole dish. Grab some naan and you’re all set for a meal that feels like a special treat.

Top Tip

I’ve cooked butter chicken countless times, and I’ve learned that the little things make all the difference. From marinating for at least an hour to blending the sauce smoothly, these small steps guarantee you won’t miss out on that rich flavor and perfect texture.

Marination Time Matters: The longer you can marinate (even overnight), the more tender and flavorful your chicken becomes.
Use Fresh Aromatics: Fresh ginger and garlic add a punch that powdered can't match, really elevating the dish.
Blend the Sauce Thoroughly: It creates a beautiful, velvety smoothness that’s key to great butter chicken.
Don’t Rush the Finish: Stirring in butter and cream off-heat then gently warming preserves that wonderful richness without splitting the sauce.

How to Serve Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe

creamy butter chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of freshly chopped cilantro—it adds an herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I toss in a squeeze of lemon juice or sprinkle a pinch of paprika for a subtle pop of color and zing. A few thinly sliced green chilies on top work well if you like a little heat.

Side Dishes

For sides, basmati rice is my go-to for soaking up every bit of that creamy sauce. Naan bread or garlic roti are perfect for dipping if you want a hands-on experience. A simple cucumber raita or fresh salad on the side helps balance the richness and keeps things refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

When I want to impress—maybe for a dinner party—I serve in individual bowls over turmeric-infused rice with a garnish of edible flowers and a drizzle of extra cream. Layering with roasted vegetables like cauliflower or peas on the side not only adds color but also textural contrast that guests always appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually keeps well for about 3 to 4 days. I find that the flavors even deepen after a day, making it just as delicious or sometimes better the next day.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I let it cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers. When thawed, the sauce retains its creaminess nicely, although I recommend adding a splash of cream or butter when reheating to refresh that silky texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent the sauce from separating. If it's thickened too much, a little water or cream stirred in brings it back to that perfect silky consistency. Microwave works in a pinch, but stovetop is my preferred method.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can. Chicken breasts will work but tend to dry out quicker than thighs, so watch your cooking time closely. Marinating helps keep them moist, but consider slicing breasts slightly thicker to avoid overcooking.

How spicy is this Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe?

This recipe is mild to medium spicy due to the Kashmiri red chili powder, which adds warmth and color without intense heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing or adding more chili powder or including fresh chilies if you like it hotter.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Swap the yogurt and heavy cream for coconut yogurt and coconut cream, respectively, and use ghee or a plant-based butter alternative. The cashews blend into the sauce and help maintain that luscious texture.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without losing creaminess?

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring to keep the sauce smooth. Add a little cream, butter, or water if the sauce thickens or starts to separate during reheating. Avoid high heat or microwaving straight from frozen to maintain texture.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe is a true kitchen joy—it’s a dish I reach for when I want something that feels luxurious but still homey and approachable. The creamy sauce, tender marinated chicken, and fragrant spices come together in a way that makes every meal feel like a day to savor. You really can’t go wrong giving this recipe a try; just follow my tips and enjoy the process as much as the result.