Name: INDIAN BUTTER CHICKEN
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons peanut oil divided; 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1” chunks; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; ½ medium white onion diced; 3 cloves garlic minced; 1 tablespoon minced ginger; 2 teaspoons garam masala; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 bay leaf; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 cup crushed tomatoes; ¼ cup heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk plain yogurt; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; Kosher salt as needed

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Remember that first bite of creamy, spiced heaven that made you close your eyes and sigh? That’s Indian Butter Chicken the dish beloved by everyone from busy moms to college students. Though it might seem like a complicated restaurant dish, it’s actually a 30-minute weeknight hero that tastes like you’ve been simmering it low and slow for hours.

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Imagine tender chicken nestled in a velvety, golden tomato-cream sauce with just the right kick of spice. We’re using pantry staples canned tomatoes, heavy cream, classic Indian spices to bring this magic to your table. Think of it as if chicken tikka masala and your go-to comfort stew joined forces to become your favorite meal. Details and step-by-step instructions ahead!

I’ve fine-tuned this butter chicken recipe ever since a neighbor shared her grandmother’s handwritten version with me at a neighborhood potluck. After years of Sunday suppers and midweek dinner crises, I unlocked a trick that makes it foolproof. Your family’s going to ask for this one again and again.

Why You’ll Fall Head-Over-Heels for This Indian Butter Chicken

This Indian Butter Chicken recipe is kitchen magic it fills your house with the aroma of your favorite Indian restaurant and delivers on flavor without fuss. What makes it amazing? It’s flexible and forgiving. Sauce got too thick? A splash of milk will fix it. Want extra heat? Just bump the chili powder up a notch.

This Murgh Makhani might sound fancy, but it leans on pantry staples and approachable prep. No specialty stores needed, and no tricky techniques. Just bold, cozy flavor you can build in a single skillet.

Ready in 30 minutes: Ideal for busy weeknights
Kid-approved: Creamy, cozy, and mild enough for little tastebuds
Freezer-friendly: Make a double batch future you will thank you
Restaurant flavor, no takeout: Skip the delivery fees and make it better at home

What Makes This Recipe Special

After years of testing, here’s the trick: yogurt whisked with cornstarch. It creates a rich, smooth sauce that won’t break or curdle just that velvety goodness every time. My grandmother Julia always said the best recipes are the ones that never let you down, and this one delivers.

Ingredients for Indian Butter Chicken laid out on a white table, including chicken, yogurt, spices, tomatoes, and cream

What You Get	Why It Works
Tender, juicy chicken	Quick sear locks in moisture
Silky, rich sauce	Cornstarch prevents yogurt from curdling
Balanced spices	Blooming the spice blend unlocks deep flavor
Restaurant-quality taste	Tomato paste adds body and richness

Key Ingredients That Make the Magic Happen

Every component in this Butter Chicken Indian recipe plays a vital role. Start with your proteinchicken cut into chunksand layer in aromatics, warm spices, and a luxurious tomato-cream base to tie it all together.

Don’t stress about cutting the chicken perfectly a little variation adds texture. The spices? That’s where the personality comes ingaram masala, cumin, coriander, and chili powder blend to create comforting heat without overwhelming heat.

Garam masala: The fragrant core of flavor check your local spice aisle
Tomato paste: A sweet, umami-rich depth that lifts the whole dish
Plain yogurt + cornstarch: Key to a luscious sauce without breaking
Bay leaf: Adds a subtle background note (remove before serving!)

Ingredient	Easy Swaps	Notes
Chicken breasts	Chicken thighs, cut in chunks	Thighs yield juicier, more flavorful bites
Heavy cream	Half-and-half or coconut cream	Coconut cream adds a hint of sweetness and is dairy-free
Peanut oil	Vegetable oil or ghee	Ghee adds rich, buttery depth
Garam masala	Curry powder (use moderately)	Flavor will differ slightly but still tasty

How This Beautiful Dish Comes Together

Cook this like a rhythm: sear, sauté, simmer, and serve. Start by browning the chicken briefly you’re not cooking it all the way through, just building flavor. Then come the aromatics: onion, garlic, ginger sautéed in butter until soft and fragrant.

Next, bloom the spices for about 30 seconds to release their oils and amplify flavor. Add tomatoes, the yogurt-cornstarch mix, and finally cream. Let it all simmer together until thick, creamy, and irresistible with chicken that’s fully cooked and tender.

Step	Time	What to Look For
Sear chicken	4-5 minutes	Golden edges, easy to lift from pan
Cook aromatics	3-4 minutes	Onions translucent, garlic fragrant
Bloom spices	30 seconds	Spices become deeply fragrant
Simmer sauce	8-10 minutes	Chicken cooked through, sauce thickened

The Secret to Perfect Sauce Consistency

You want the sauce to coat the back of your spoon but not clump. If it thickens too much, loosen it with a bit of milk or water. If it’s too thin, continue simmering uncovered until it naturally thickens. Trust what you see and taste and adjust as you go.

Troubleshooting Your Indian Butter Chicken Adventures

Mistakes happen, even with beloved recipes. Here’s how to troubleshoot common issues and how to prevent them in the future based on hard-earned kitchen wisdom.

If your sauce curdles or looks grainy, lower the heat and gently whisk in a spoonful of cold cream to re-emulsify it. Always combine yogurt with cornstarch and temper it before adding to the hot pan to prevent splitting.

Sauce too spicy: Add dairy yogurt or cream to mellow it out
Chicken feels dry: Don’t overcook; a quick sear is enough at the start
Sauce too thin: Simmer uncovered, or mix 1 tsp cornstarch with milk and stir in
Too mild or bland: Add another pinch of garam masala and salt near the end

Making It Your Own

This Indian Butter Chicken Recipe is the perfect canvas for customization. Some days, I toss in a handful of frozen peas at the end for a burst of color and sweetness. Other times, I stir in a few cups of fresh baby spinach it wilts perfectly into the creamy sauce.

Love it spicy? Add a chopped green chili or jalapeño along with the garlic and ginger. And don’t forget garnishes! Chopped cilantro or toasted cashews on top take things to the next level.

Expert Insight: The Art of Indian Butter Chicken

Indian butter chicken masterfully harmonizes creamy textures with bold spices, creating a dish that’s cozy yet exciting. Slow simmering builds depth, while real butter adds silkiness without masking the spices. It’s not just comfort food it’s soul food with layers.

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The Journey to My Perfect Indian Butter Chicken

It wasn’t always easy I’ve scorched pans, underseasoned batches, and learned the hard way that rushing never helps. But with time, I found balance: spices that build warmth, not heat; creaminess that comforts. This dish is the result of that journey a faithful classic I feel proud to serve whenever it’s needed most.

FAQs ( Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) )

Finished Indian Butter Chicken served in a white bowl with garnish, perfect for sharing

Your New Go-To Indian Butter Chicken is Ready

This Indian Butter Chicken recipe is ready to wow in just 30 minutes, you’re serving tender chicken bathed in a creamy, spice-rich sauce with just the right balance. With the yogurt-cornstarch tip and blooming those spices, you’ll get results that taste like they came from your favorite restaurant.

Make it your own I love swapping in paneer for a vegetarian twist or stirring in soaked cashews for extra creaminess. This Butter Chicken Indian style dish will last up to 4 days in the fridge (storage tip: store in tightly sealed containers), and the flavors only get better by day two.

Try it over fluffy basmati rice, cauliflower rice for a lighter option, or scoop it up with homemade naan. However you serve it, it’s bound to be a hit. Just remember to remove the bay leaf before serving!

I’d love to hear how this Indian Butter Chicken Recipe turns out for you! Whether you added something new or found it reminded you of your favorite restaurant version snap a photo and share. It’s always a joy seeing how a cozy recipe can show up in so many different kitchens with the same heartwarming results.