You know, Indian Butter Chicken is one of those dishes that feels comforting every single time you make it, because it has that creamy and slightly spicy flavor that just works so well.
It is basically tender chicken cooked in a smooth tomato and cashew gravy with butter and cream, and the whole thing comes together without too much effort. The steps are simple enough, and once you get started, you realize it doesn’t take very long, so it is easy to fit into a busy day.
It is best enjoyed as a proper lunch or dinner meal, especially when you want something filling yet special. And honestly, serving it warm with a sprinkle of cream makes it feel a little extra cozy.
What is Indian Butter Chicken?
Indian Butter Chicken is basically a popular North Indian dish where tender chicken pieces are cooked in a smooth, buttery tomato-based gravy. The sauce is rich because it has butter, cream, and cashews, which makes it taste slightly sweet and mildly spiced at the same time.
It is usually served with naan, roti, or even rice, so it works well as a complete meal. You’ll often find it in restaurants as one of the most ordered dishes, but it is also simple enough to make at home when you want something special.
It’s the kind of recipe that feels familiar and comforting, and it’s perfect for sharing at lunch or dinner with family or friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Easy steps to follow: The process of making Indian Butter Chicken is broken down into simple steps, so even if you are not very experienced in cooking, you can still manage it without feeling stressed.
Quick enough for busy days: The recipe does not take too long, and once you get the chicken marinated and the gravy simmering, most of the work is already done, which makes it practical for lunch or dinner on a regular day.
Ingredients are not complicated: Most of the items used here are basic things like chicken, tomatoes, onions, and spices, so you don’t have to go searching for anything unusual.
Tastes rich and comforting: The butter and cream make the gravy smooth and slightly sweet, which gives the dish a cozy flavor that feels satisfying when you eat it.
Works well for family meals: Since it serves 4–5 people, it is a good option when you want to cook something that everyone at the table can enjoy together.
Ingredients Needed:
When you look at Indian Butter Chicken, the ingredients are actually quite simple, and each one has a clear role in making the dish taste the way it should.
- Chicken – gives the dish its main protein and makes it filling.
- Tomatoes – form the base of the gravy and add a tangy flavor.
- Onions – help build the depth of taste in the sauce.
- Cashews – make the gravy smooth and creamy.
- Butter – adds richness and that classic buttery taste.
- Cream – balances the spices and makes the sauce soft and mild.
- Spices – bring in the warmth and flavor that make the dish stand out.
💡 Note: For the full ingredient list with exact amounts and measurements, please check the recipe card below.
Step-By-Step Instructions to Make Indian Butter Chicken:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
So first, you need to take the chicken and mix it with ginger garlic paste, red chili powder, and a little salt. The idea here is to let the flavors soak into the chicken so that when you cook it later, it already has a nice taste inside. It doesn’t need anything complicated, just a short rest so the spices can cling to the meat.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Next, heat some oil in a pan and place the marinated chicken pieces in. You want to cook them until they turn golden on the outside and feel firm. The smell will be strong and spicy, and that’s when you know they are ready to be taken out and kept aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Base Gravy
In the same pan, add onions with a little butter and let them soften until they look slightly golden. Then add tomatoes and cashews, and let everything cook together. The mixture should look thick and glossy as it simmers, and this is what will give the gravy its smooth texture later.
Step 4: Add Flavors and Simmer
Now, add garlic paste, salt, vinegar, sugar, garam masala, and chili powder. Stir everything well so the spices mix evenly. The sauce should start smelling rich and slightly sweet, and you’ll notice the color turning deeper red as it cooks slowly.
Step 5: Blend into a Smooth Puree
Once the mixture feels soft and cooked, blend it into a smooth puree. This step is important because it makes the gravy creamy without lumps. When you strain it back into the pan, you’ll see a silky sauce that looks glossy and smooth.
Step 6: Finish with Butter, Cream, and Chicken
Add butter, cream, and the cooked chicken pieces back into the pan. Stir gently so the chicken gets coated with the sauce. Sprinkle kasoori methi, and let it simmer until the gravy looks rich and slightly thick. The smell will be buttery and warm, and the sauce should cling nicely to the chicken.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, add a little cream and kasoori methi on top for garnish. The dish should look creamy with a light swirl of cream and a sprinkle of herbs. Serve it hot with naan or rice, and it will feel cozy and satisfying.
💡 Note: These steps are just an overview. For detailed quantities, measurements, and exact timings to make this recipe, please check the recipe card below.
Helpful Tips For The Best Results:
Control the heat: Keep the flame on medium when cooking the gravy, because too much heat can make the sauce stick or taste bitter.
Blend for smooth texture: Always blend the tomato and cashew mixture until it looks silky, since this step makes the gravy creamy without lumps.
Butter and cream balance: Add butter and cream slowly, because adding too much at once can make the sauce heavy instead of smooth.
Swap cashews if needed: If you don’t have cashews, you can use almonds, but make sure they are soaked so the texture stays soft.
Taste as you go: Keep checking the flavor while simmering, since a little extra salt or sugar can easily adjust the balance.
Tasty Variations to Try:
- Spicy version: Add extra chili powder or fresh green chilies if you like more heat in the gravy.
- Healthier option: Use less butter and replace cream with yogurt to make it lighter but still creamy.
- Nut-free version: Skip cashews and use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar smooth texture.
- Seasonal twist: Add roasted bell peppers or carrots to the gravy for a slightly sweet and fresh flavor.
- Vegetarian swap: Replace chicken with paneer cubes or even boiled potatoes, which soak up the sauce nicely.
- Low-sugar option: Reduce the sugar and balance the taste with a little more kasoori methi for flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
1. Serve with naan or Indian flatbread (roti):
Indian Butter Chicken tastes best when you scoop up the creamy gravy with soft naan or roti, because the bread soaks up the sauce nicely and makes every bite filling.
2. Pairs well with rice:
You can also serve it with plain basmati rice or even jeera rice, since the grains balance the rich flavors and make the meal feel complete.
3. Perfect for family dinners:
This dish works really well when you want to cook something special for family or friends, because it serves enough people and feels like a proper main course.
4. Add a simple side:
A fresh salad or some pickled onions on the side can help cut through the richness, so the meal feels lighter and balanced.
5. Best time to enjoy:
Indian Butter Chicken is usually served for lunch or dinner, and it is not really a breakfast or snack dish, since the gravy is heavy and filling.
Storage & Reheating Tips:
- How long it keeps: Indian Butter Chicken stays good in the fridge for about two to three days, and the flavor usually gets even better as the sauce sits.
- Best storage method: Keep it in an airtight container so the gravy does not dry out or pick up other smells from the fridge.
- Simple reheating advice: Warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk if the sauce feels too thick, so it comes back to a smooth texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
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Can I substitute cashews?
Yes, if you don’t have cashews, you can use almonds, but make sure they are soaked so the gravy still turns out smooth.
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Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prepare the gravy a day earlier and keep it in the fridge, then just add the chicken and finish with butter and cream when you are ready to serve.
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Why does my sauce feel too thick?
Sometimes the gravy thickens as it cools, so just add a little water or milk while reheating to bring it back to a creamy texture.
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Is there a lighter version?
You can reduce the butter and replace cream with yogurt if you want a healthier option without losing too much flavor.
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Can it be made vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the chicken with paneer or even boiled potatoes, and the sauce will still taste rich and comforting.
Indian Butter Chicken
Description
Indian Butter Chicken is a creamy and mildly spiced chicken dish cooked in a tomato, cashew, butter, and cream-based gravy. It is one of the most loved North Indian recipes, perfect for lunch or dinner, and pairs beautifully with naan, roti, or rice. The dish is rich, comforting, and simple enough to prepare at home without needing complicated ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
For the Gravy:
Instructions
- Marinate 300 g boneless chicken breast with 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste, 1 tbsp red chili powder, and salt to taste. Rest for about 15-20 minutes so the flavors soak in.
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan and fry the marinated chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add 100 g onions with 1 tbsp butter and cook until soft and lightly golden.
- Add 500 g tomatoes and 50 g cashews, cook until softened, then add 1 tbsp garlic paste, salt to taste, 2 tbsp malt vinegar (or 1.5 tbsp white vinegar), 4 tbsp sugar, ½ tsp garam masala, and 2 tbsp Kashmiri chili powder. Mix well and simmer for 15-20 minutes until thick and glossy.
- Blend the mixture into a smooth puree and strain back into the pan for a silky texture.
- Add 5 tbsp butter, 3 tbsp cream, and the cooked chicken. Sprinkle 1 tsp kasoori methi and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the gravy is rich and creamy.
- Garnish with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of kasoori methi before serving hot with naan or rice.
Notes
- You can replace cashews with almonds if needed, but soak them first for smooth blending.
- Adjust sugar and chili powder to balance sweetness and spice according to taste.
- For a lighter version, replace cream with yogurt and reduce butter slightly.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 5
Serving Size 1 cup
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 420kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 28g44%
- Sodium 780mg33%
- Total Carbohydrate 18g6%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 24g48%
- Vitamin A 950 IU
- Vitamin C 9 mg
- Calcium 85 mg
- Iron 2.5 mg
- Vitamin D 12 IU
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000‑calorie diet, and your daily needs may be higher or lower depending on your lifestyle. Nutrition information is shared only as a general estimate and may not always be fully accurate. If you follow a special diet or have specific health concerns, it’s best to check with a registered dietitian for personalized guidance.
