Why Make This Recipe
Homemade Butter Chicken is a delicious and creamy dish that brings the flavors of India right to your kitchen. It is perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing friends. Making it at home gives you complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to create a dish tailored to your taste. This recipe is straightforward and uses simple ingredients, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
How to Make Homemade Butter Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Directions:
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions, garlic, and ginger; sauté until onions are translucent.
- Add diced chicken and cook until no longer pink.
- Stir in garam masala, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in tomato puree and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream, cooking until heated through.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
How to Serve Homemade Butter Chicken
Serve Butter Chicken hot, paired with steamed basmati rice or naan bread. You can also add a side of salad or cooked vegetables for a complete meal. This dish is perfect for sharing and will surely be a hit at the dinner table.
How to Store Homemade Butter Chicken
You can store any leftover Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Homemade Butter Chicken
- Make sure to not overcook the chicken; it should be tender and juicy.
- Adjust the spices to your preference. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder.
- For a richer flavor, let the dish sit for a while before serving to let the spices meld together.
Variation
You can try adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the dish for added nutrients and flavors. Alternatively, you can swap chicken for paneer or tofu for a vegetarian version.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure it is fully thawed and cooked through before adding it to the dish.
2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
3. How spicy is this Butter Chicken?
The spice level can be adjusted by modifying the amount of chili powder. Start with less if you prefer a milder dish.

Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions, garlic, and ginger; sauté until onions are translucent.
- Add diced chicken and cook until no longer pink.
- Stir in garam masala, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in tomato puree and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream, cooking until heated through.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.