There’s something so comforting about a rich, velvety curry that just melts in your mouth. This Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe hits all those notes perfectly – with tender marinated chicken swimming in a luscious, buttery sauce that you’ll want to savor spoonful by spoonful. It’s absolutely worth the little extra effort!

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 recipe has become a favorite of mine because it’s reliable, indulgent, and packed with flavor without being intimidating. It’s the kind of dish that makes any day feel special — and I’m excited to share exactly how to nail it every single time.

Perfectly Marinated Chicken: The yogurt-based marinade tenderizes the chicken wonderfully while infusing it with layers of spices.
Rich and Creamy Sauce: Blending cashews and tomatoes creates that silky smooth sauce that clings beautifully to each bite.
Balanced Heat and Flavor: Using Kashmiri chili powder and garam masala gives just the right warmth and aromatic depth without overpowering.
Simple to Make at Home: Despite its “restaurant-quality” feel, this recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients and clear steps anyone can follow.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this creamy butter chicken recipe plays a key role. Together, they build layers of flavor and texture – plus I’ve got some handy tips so you can shop with confidence and know what really makes this recipe sing.

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

Chicken thighs: I prefer thighs for their juiciness and richer flavor, but you can swap in breast if you want leaner meat.
Greek yogurt: This tangy yogurt not only tenderizes chicken but also adds creaminess to the marinade.
Fresh lemon juice: Just a splash brightens all the spices and balances richness perfectly.
Ginger and garlic: Fresh is best here—they bring that warm, aromatic kick essential for butter chicken.
Kashmiri red chili powder: It offers vibrant color and gentle heat, not burning but warming.
Garam masala: The soul of this dish—the complex spice blend gives it that signature Indian flavor.
Ground turmeric: Adds earthy depth and that lovely golden hue.
Salt: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
Olive or avocado oil: For sautéing — I lean towards avocado oil for its neutral taste and heat stability.
Yellow onion: Slowly softens into sweetness, anchoring the sauce.
Ground coriander and cumin: They layer in earthiness and warmth to round out the spice profile.
Raw cashews: When blended, these nuts give the sauce that ultra-smooth, creamy texture.
Coconut sugar: Just a touch of sweetness balances the acidity of tomatoes.
Crushed tomatoes: The rich tomato base brightens and thickens the sauce.
Water: Adjusts sauce consistency while blending the flavors.
Unsalted butter (or ghee): Adds decadent richness and that unmistakable buttery finish.
Heavy cream (or coconut cream): The final creamy touch that makes the sauce irresistibly smooth.
Basmati rice: Traditional and fragrant — the perfect plate partner for soaking up all that sauce.
Fresh cilantro: Adds a fresh, bright counterpoint at the end.

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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

I love how versatile the creamy butter chicken recipe is—you can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Personally, I’ve tried it with coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free spin, and it turned out just as dreamy.

Variation: Adding a handful of spinach or kale towards the end is a sneaky way to sneak in some greens without changing the beloved flavor profile.
Spice level: Adjust the chili powder to your heat preference; I find Kashmiri chili powder gentle but if you want more kick, add a pinch of cayenne.
Protein swap: This sauce works beautifully with paneer or tofu if you want a vegetarian option.
Make it lighter: Subbing heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk cuts calories while keeping creaminess.

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: Prep and Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces—about 1 inch works perfectly for even cooking and saucy bites. Toss the chicken in a bowl with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced ginger, garlic, Kashmiri chili powder, garam masala, turmeric, and salt. Stir it all well so every piece is coated. Then pop it into the fridge to marinate for at least an hour. I usually let mine go overnight when I have time; it makes the chicken even more tender and flavorful.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat your oil over medium-high in a large sauté pan and add the marinated chicken. Cook it for 5-6 minutes until it turns opaque but don’t overcook right now because it’ll finish cooking in the sauce. Then, transfer the chicken to a separate bowl to rest.

Step 3: Build Your Sauce

In the same pan, add diced onions and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and translucent. Stir in the ginger, garlic, chili powder, garam masala, coriander, and cumin — let the spices toast for about a minute until fragrant, which really ups the flavor game.

Step 4: Add Cashews and Tomatoes

Throw in the raw cashews, crushed tomatoes, coconut sugar, and water. Mix everything together, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This softens the cashews and lets the flavors meld into a rich sauce.

Step 5: Blend for Creaminess

Carefully transfer this mixture to your blender and puree until you get a luscious, creamy texture. If you want the sauce extra smooth, don’t rush the blending—I find that a full minute really does the trick. Then, wipe out the pan to get rid of any bits that might make the sauce lumpy.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce and Combine

Pour the blended sauce back into the pan and stir in your butter and heavy cream. Now add the chicken pieces back and gently toss everything together over medium heat for 3-5 minutes to warm the chicken through and marry all the flavors.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned little tricks that make this creamy butter chicken recipe really shine. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and get the best results every time.

Marinate Long Enough: Giving the chicken at least an hour or overnight in the yogurt marinade softens it beautifully and infuses flavor deeply.
Don’t Overcook Chicken Initially: Remember, the chicken will finish cooking in the sauce so just cook until opaque in the pan to keep it juicy.
Toast Your Spices: Briefly cooking the ground spices in oil with onions unlocks their full aromatic power—don’t skip this step.
Blend with Care: Puree the sauce thoroughly for that signature creamy texture—use a high-speed blender for best results.

How to Serve Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe

Creamy Butter Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top mine with freshly chopped cilantro – it adds a burst of herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra garam masala or a drizzle of cream just before serving for visual appeal and extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

Basmati rice is my go-to side—it soaks up all that buttery sauce like a dream. Naan bread is also fantastic if you want to scoop every last bit. For veggies, simple roasted cauliflower or steamed greens balance the richness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I've served this butter chicken in cute mini cast-iron skillets with a side of saffron rice and a sprinkle of toasted cashews on top. Adding pomegranate seeds gives a surprising pop of color and sweetness that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days. The flavors even deepen after resting, so it’s a perfect next-day meal too!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this butter chicken successfully by portioning it into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The sauce holds up wonderfully—just give it a good stir when warmed.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce feels too thick. This helps restore its creamy, smooth texture without drying out the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! Chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness, but if you prefer leaner meat, chicken breasts will work. Just be careful not to overcook them, as breast meat can dry out faster. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is there a dairy-free version of this creamy butter chicken recipe?

Absolutely. You can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and ghee or vegan butter instead of unsalted butter. Also, replace Greek yogurt with a coconut yogurt alternative for marinating. The dish will maintain its creaminess and flavor.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe has a gentle warmth thanks to Kashmiri red chili powder, which is mild. If you prefer it spicier, you can add cayenne pepper or more chili powder to taste. Conversely, reduce the chili for a milder dish.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is great for make-ahead. The flavors develop the longer it sits, so preparing it a day in advance and reheating before serving is ideal. It freezes well too if you want to store it longer.

Final Thoughts

This creamy butter chicken recipe is one of those dishes I know will always hit the spot—a cozy dinner that feels indulgent yet made from wholesome ingredients. It’s a recipe I turn to when I want to impress friends or just treat myself. Give it a go and I’m confident it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine!