There's something incredibly comforting about a rich, velvety dish that just melts in your mouth—and that's exactly what makes this Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe a standout. The blend of spices with the smooth, buttery sauce creates a flavor you won't easily forget.

The image shows a white bowl filled with two main layers: a base of white long-grain rice on the right side and a layer of thick, smooth orange curry sauce with chunks of food on the left side. The curry is sprinkled with fresh green herbs on top. A silver spoon rests in the bowl partly touching the rice and curry. Nearby is a white small bowl with chopped green herbs and parts of another white bowl with the same dish are visible at the top right. The background is a white marbled surface with a white cloth partially visible at the bottom right corner. 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

Honestly, I could talk about this creamy butter chicken all day—its flavors, the ease of making it, and how it always turns out perfectly tender. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is totally doable on a weeknight.

Comfort in Every Bite: The luscious, creamy sauce wraps tender chicken in layers of cozy spice and warmth.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these in your pantry already—it’s a great way to impress without hunting down rare spices.
Versatility: Love it as is or customize for your taste; it handles tweaks beautifully.
Made Ahead Friendly: This recipe keeps well, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner a breeze.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe lies in the way its ingredients play off each other. The creamy elements balance the spices, while the cashews add an unexpected richness. Here’s what makes each key player tick and a few tips on choosing them.

Flat lay of raw boneless skinless chicken thighs neatly arranged, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy full-fat Greek yogurt, a small white bowl holding bright fresh lemon slices and a few green lemon leaves, a white bowl with finely minced fresh ginger, a white bowl with peeled whole garlic cloves, a small white bowl containing vibrant Kashmiri red chili powder, a small white bowl of warm-colored garam masala powder, another white bowl with bright yellow ground turmeric, a small white bowl of coarse sea salt, a white bowl holding golden extra-virgin olive oil, a whole medium yellow onion, unpeeled with smooth skin, a small white bowl filled with raw whole cashews, a white bowl of light brown coconut sugar crystals, a white bowl with bright red crushed fresh tomatoes, a white bowl of clear water, two uncracked whole eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of pale unsalted butter chunks, a white bowl filled with thick pale heavy cream, a small mound of uncooked long grain basmati rice grains, and a few sprigs of freshly chopped bright green cilantro all carefully 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 boneless skinless thighs for tenderness and flavor—they stay juicy even after simmering.
Greek Yogurt: Creates a tangy marinade that helps tenderize the chicken without overpowering the spices.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Just a splash brightens the whole dish—don’t skip it!
Ginger & Garlic: Fresh is best here. They’re the aromatic foundation of the curry’s warmth.
Kashmiri Red Chili Powder: This lends vibrant color and mild heat—substitute with paprika if needed.
Garam Masala: The signature Indian spice blend that layers fragrant complexity.
Ground Turmeric: Gives that golden hue and subtle earthiness.
Yellow Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed until translucent.
Cashews: Blended into the sauce, they provide creaminess without dairy overload.
Coconut Sugar: Balances the acidity and heat with gentle sweetness.
Crushed Tomatoes: Anchor the sauce with richness and a touch of acidity.
Unsalted Butter or Ghee: For a buttery richness that’s key to the final sauce texture.
Heavy Cream or Coconut Cream: Makes the sauce irresistibly silky and rich.
Basmati Rice: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Fresh Cilantro: Brightens the dish when sprinkled on just before serving.

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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

What I love about this Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I’ve played around with spices, cream alternatives, and heat levels to make it just right for my family, and you can too.

Variation: Once, I swapped heavy cream for coconut cream to make it dairy-free—it was just as creamy and had a subtle tropical touch that surprised everyone in a good way.
Extra Heat: If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne alongside the Kashmiri chili powder while cooking the sauce.
Protein Swap: Feel free to use chicken breast, but be careful not to overcook; thighs are more forgiving.
Veggie Boost: Toss in some spinach or peas at the end for freshness and color.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe

A clear glass bowl filled with many pieces of light pink raw chicken covered in a thick, orange-yellow creamy sauce mixed well, making the chicken look smooth and coated; a silver spoon rests inside the bowl, partially covered with the sauce; the bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

First up, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Mix it with yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, and all the spices—this marinade is where the magic begins. I usually let it chill for at least an hour to soak up those flavors. If you have more time, overnight is even better.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Lock in Juices

Heat oil in a pan until it’s shimmering but not smoking. Add the marinated chicken and cook over medium-high heat just until it’s opaque—about 5 to 6 minutes. The goal here is not to cook it fully but to give it a nice sear before making the sauce. Transfer chicken to a bowl and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce Base

In the same pan, toss in diced onion and cook until soft and translucent. Then add fresh ginger, garlic, and spices. Let them toast for a minute, releasing those beautiful aromas. Next, stir in cashews, crushed tomatoes, coconut sugar, and water. Lower the heat and let everything simmer for about five minutes to marry the flavors.

Step 4: Blend Until Silky Smooth

Carefully pour the sauce into a high-powered blender and pulse until creamy and smooth without any lumps. This step is key to achieving that signature silky texture that defines butter chicken. You can wipe out the pan now to give your sauce a clean home for the final cook.

Step 5: Finish with Butter, Cream, and Chicken

Return the smooth sauce to the pan, stir in butter and heavy cream, and gently warm it through. Then add the partially cooked chicken pieces back in. Let everything mingle over medium heat for a few minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce hugs each piece beautifully.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve this luscious butter chicken steaming hot over fluffy basmati rice, finished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro. I promise, you’ll find yourself licking the plate!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that turn this Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe from good to unforgettable. These tips saved me chops and guaranteed perfect results every time I make it for friends or family.

Marinate Longer: I always let the chicken marinate overnight when I can—this boosts flavor and tenderizes perfectly.
Don’t Skip Blending: Although it takes a bit more effort, blending the sauce gives the texture that elevates this dish from ordinary to restaurant-quality.
Watch the Heat: Use medium to medium-high heat when cooking chicken to avoid drying out the meat.
Add Fresh Cilantro Last: I add the cilantro right before serving to keep its fresh flavor vibrant and prevent it from wilting.

How to Serve Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe

Creamy Butter Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

My go-to garnish is freshly chopped cilantro—it adds that burst of color and brightness. Sometimes, I throw on a little drizzle of extra cream or a squeeze of lemon juice for an added zing right at the end.

Side Dishes

I like serving this creamy butter chicken with fluffy basmati rice—perfect for soaking up the sauce. Naan bread is also great on the side if you want something to scoop up every delicious bite. A simple cucumber raita adds a cooling contrast that balances the spices beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I sometimes serve this butter chicken in small ramekins topped with a sprig of cilantro and a toasted cashew. It’s fun, elegant, and the individual portions mean everyone gets their perfect serving size.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and they keep wonderfully for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so sometimes, I actually prefer it the next day!

Freezing

I freeze portions in meal-sized containers, making sure to cool the dish completely first. It freezes well and thaws quickly in the fridge, making it a lifesaver for busy days.

Reheating

When reheating, I warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a splash of water or cream if it seems too thick. This keeps the sauce creamy and the chicken tender.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You can absolutely use chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them as they dry out faster than thighs. Cutting the breasts into uniform pieces and marinating well helps keep them tender. Lower the heat slightly while cooking for best results.

What can I substitute if I don't have Kashmiri chili powder?

A good substitute is smoked paprika or regular paprika, which will keep the color vibrant without adding too much heat. If you want a bit more spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper alongside.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for ghee or coconut oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The cashews help keep the sauce creamy, so you won't miss the dairy at all.

How long can I store leftover butter chicken?

Leftover butter chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portions for up to 2 months. Always reheat gently to keep the sauce smooth.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. There’s something about the rich sauce combined with tender, spiced chicken that makes it feel like a warm hug on a plate. I really hope you give it a try—it’s one of those dishes that brings people together, and I think you’ll love it just as much as I do.