Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe
Tender chicken in a rich, aromatic tomato-butter sauce — better than takeout
By Sarah Mitchell • June 14, 2026
Butter chicken (murgh makhani) is the world's most beloved Indian dish for good reason — tender marinated chicken in a velvety sauce of tomatoes, butter, cream, and warming spices.
Marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes. The yogurt tenderizes while the spices penetrate.
The sauce is a symphony of ginger, garlic, garam masala, and kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves).
About This Recipe
"Creamy Butter Chicken" is a Dinner recipe that brings boneless chicken thighs, cubed, plain yogurt, garam masala, turmeric and crushed tomatoes together into a flavorful, well-balanced dish. Rated Medium and ready in about 50 minutes, this recipe fits easily into a busy schedule. It serves 6 and works equally well for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. The Indian inspiration behind this dish balances classic techniques with clean, vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cubed
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek)
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- 1
Marinate chicken in yogurt, 1 tsp garam masala, turmeric, and salt for at least 30 minutes.
- 2
Sear marinated chicken in butter until golden. Remove and set aside.
- 3
In the same pan, cook onion, garlic, and ginger until soft. Add remaining garam masala.
- 4
Add crushed tomatoes. Simmer 15 minutes, then blend until smooth.
- 5
Return chicken to sauce. Stir in cream and kasuri methi. Simmer 10 minutes.
- 6
Serve over basmati rice or with warm naan bread.
Expert Tips
For the best result, use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients you can find. Boneless chicken thighs, cubed is the heart of this dish, so choose it with care. Read the recipe through before you start and prep all ingredients in advance (mise en place) so the cooking process is smooth. Blender work especially well for this preparation. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and acid at the end to make the flavors pop.
What To Serve With This
"Creamy Butter Chicken" is a versatile Dinner dish that pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, crusty bread or dinner rolls and classic Indian sides. Choose at least one fresh and one hearty side to create a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Creamy Butter Chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating to preserve texture. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the dish thickens in the fridge. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make Creamy Butter Chicken?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, for a total of roughly 50 minutes. It serves 6 and is rated Medium.
How do I store leftover Creamy Butter Chicken?
Store leftover Creamy Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop for best results.
Can I make Creamy Butter Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Creamy Butter Chicken in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving to preserve the best texture and flavor.
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