Imagine walking into a room filled with the intoxicating aroma of spices dancing in the air, your taste buds tingling with excitement. The moment you take a bite of this Irresistible Homemade Butter Chicken, you’ll find yourself transported to culinary heaven, where creamy tomato sauce and tender chicken unite in a flavorful embrace.
This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience that warms your heart and soul, perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing friends at gatherings. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to be an unforgettable adventure that will leave everyone craving seconds. For more inspiration, check out this tasty dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This irresistible homemade butter chicken is simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The rich and creamy sauce is bursting with flavor that will have everyone asking for more
- Visually stunning with vibrant colors, it’s sure to impress guests at any dinner party
- Versatile enough to serve with rice, naan, or veggies, this dish fits any occasion
Sharing this dish at my last family gathering brought out gasps of delight followed by hugs from my aunt who claims she makes the best butter chicken—sorry Auntie!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: For more inspiration, check out this delicious lunch ideas recipe.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust based on your crowd size.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for robust flavor; fresh garlic truly elevates the dish.
- Ginger: A knob of fresh ginger adds warmth and spice; don’t skip it!
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over seasoning; it enriches the sauce beautifully.
- Canned Tomatoes: Opt for whole tomatoes; they break down perfectly when cooked.
- Cream: Heavy cream creates that luxurious texture we all dream about in butter chicken.
- Spices (Cumin, Coriander, Garam Masala): These are essential for authentic flavor; don’t skimp on them!
- Sugar: A pinch helps balance the acidity of tomatoes; trust me on this one.
- Salt & Pepper: Season to taste; they enhance every ingredient’s natural flavors.
- Cilantro (for garnish): Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and brightness; it’s the final touch!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients and chopping the garlic and ginger finely. This step ensures you have everything ready to go when cooking begins.
Cook Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt some butter until bubbly. Add the chicken pieces and sauté until golden brown on all sides. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Add Aromatics: Toss in the garlic and ginger once the chicken is done cooking. Sauté them until fragrant—about 1 minute—and watch as your kitchen transforms into a spice paradise.
Create the Sauce: Pour in canned tomatoes along with cumin, coriander, garam masala, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened.
Add Cream: Lower the heat and slowly stir in heavy cream until fully incorporated. The sauce should look creamy and inviting; simmer for 5 more minutes while stirring occasionally.
Finish & Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving hot over rice or alongside warm naan bread. Enjoy every delicious bite like it’s a warm hug from your grandma.
Now you’ve made an Irresistible Homemade Butter Chicken that will have everyone raving about your culinary skills! Enjoy!
You Must Know
- This irresistible homemade butter chicken recipe for everyone is a delightful blend of spices and creamy texture
- The warmth and aroma will fill your kitchen, making it feel like a cozy hug on a plate
- Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a comforting dinner at home
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to create a beautiful crust, then simmer it in the sauce for ultimate tenderness and flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for paneer or veggies for a vegetarian twist. Add extra spices based on your palate preferences.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use bone-in chicken for richer flavor; marinate overnight if time allows
- Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro as a final touch to brighten the dish
- Adjust spice levels to suit your taste; add more or less chili powder as desired
Sometimes I think back to that one dinner party where everyone went silent after their first bite of butter chicken—it was magical!

FAQ
What can I serve with butter chicken?
Serve this irresistible homemade butter chicken recipe for everyone with rice or naan to soak up the sauce.
Can I make butter chicken in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day ahead, allowing flavors to meld even more deliciously.
How do I fix runny butter chicken sauce?
If your sauce is too runny, simmer it longer or add cornstarch mixed with water for thickness.
Irresistible Homemade Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of Irresistible Homemade Butter Chicken, a creamy, aromatic dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into an unforgettable culinary experience. This recipe combines tender chicken with a luscious tomato-based sauce, spiced to perfection. Ideal for family dinners or special gatherings, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Easy to prepare and versatile, serve it over rice or with warm naan for a delightful meal that feels like a hug on a plate.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 can (28 oz) whole tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by mincing garlic and ginger.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Sauté chicken pieces until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and ginger; sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Pour in canned tomatoes and add cumin, coriander, garam masala, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened.
- Lower the heat and slowly stir in heavy cream. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over rice or with naan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg