Name: Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; ½ cup full-fat Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 2 teaspoons minced ginger; 3 garlic cloves (minced); 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder; 1 teaspoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil; 1 medium yellow onion (diced); 2 teaspoons minced ginger; 3 garlic cloves (minced); 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder; 1 teaspoon garam masala; ½ teaspoon ground coriander; ½ teaspoon cumin; ¼ cup raw cashews; 1 tablespoon coconut sugar (or other sweetener); 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 cup water; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or ghee); ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream); Basmati rice; Freshly chopped cilantro

Nothing beats the rich, comforting hug of a Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe simmering on your stove. It’s that perfect balance of spice and silkiness that draws you back to the table again and again—a real kitchen classic worth savoring.

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

I have to admit, this creamy butter chicken stole my heart the first time I made it. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but is super approachable, giving you that lush, restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

Deeply Flavored: The marinade infuses the chicken with spices and yogurt, making every bite tender and flavorful.
Silky Sauce: Blending cashews into the tomato base creates this ultra-creamy texture you won’t believe came from a homemade sauce.
Customizable Spice Level: Kashmiri red chili powder adds warmth without overwhelming heat—perfect for tweaking to your taste.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it's a weekday dinner or weekend gathering, this dish consistently impresses without feeling intimidating.

Ingredients & Why They Work

What I love about this Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe is how the ingredients harmonize to bring that signature rich and tangy flavor. Each element plays a role—from the yogurt that tenderizes the chicken, to the cashews that give the sauce that unforgettable creaminess.

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

Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and forgiving to cook, thighs stay tender and absorb the marinade beautifully.
Full-fat Greek yogurt: Adds tang and helps tenderize while creating a luscious marinade base.
Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the marinade, balancing the creamy richness.
Ginger & garlic: The aromatics that build depth and signature warmth in the dish.
Kashmiri red chili powder: Offers color and gentle heat, avoid substituting with hotter powders to maintain balance.
Garam masala: The classic spice blend that pulls everything together with warmth and complexity.
Ground turmeric: Adds earthiness and that iconic golden hue.
Yellow onion: Softened to sweetness that rounds out the sauce.
Ground coriander & cumin: Enhance the curry’s earthiness and complement the garam masala.
Raw cashews: Blended into the sauce create a smooth, creamy texture without dairy alone.
Coconut sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance acidity and spices.
Crushed tomatoes: Provide a fresh, slightly tangy base for the sauce.
Water: Used to adjust sauce consistency so it’s just right.
Unsalted butter (or ghee): Adds richness and a silky finish.
Heavy cream (or coconut cream): Final touch for that indulgent creaminess.
Basmati rice: Classic pairing to soak up the luscious sauce.
Fresh cilantro: Bright herbal garnish that pops against the creamy sauce.

📝

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 often play around with the spice levels here, depending on who I’m cooking for. You can easily turn this into a milder dish for little ones or kick it up if you love a bit of fire. And swapping cream for coconut cream works perfectly for a dairy-free version.

Variation: I sometimes add a touch of smoky paprika or chipotle powder to give it a subtle smoky finish—it’s a little twist that’s become a weekend favorite.
Dietary: Switching out heavy cream with canned full-fat coconut milk gives it an equally indulgent texture for those avoiding dairy.
Heat Level: Using milder paprika instead of Kashmiri chili powder keeps the dish gentle but still beautifully colored.

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

I start by cutting my chicken thighs into nice, even 1-inch pieces—you want them consistent so they cook evenly. Then I mix in the yogurt, lemon juice, minced ginger and garlic, chili powder, garam masala, turmeric, and salt. Letting it chill for at least an hour (overnight if I have time) really lets those spices sink right into the meat. One time I was short on time, and even just 30 minutes made a noticeable difference!

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken Until Perfectly Opaque

Heating up olive oil over medium-high, I cook the chicken pieces until they’re no longer pink—about 5 to 6 minutes. You want that initial sear for flavor, but be sure not to overcook since they’ll finish cooking in the sauce. Removing the chicken to a bowl keeps things tidy as you build the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base with Spices and Aromatics

Sauté diced onions until softened and translucent—this takes about 3 to 4 minutes, and you’ll want to stir occasionally so they don’t brown. Then stir in ginger, garlic, chili powder, garam masala, coriander, and cumin, letting the spices bloom for a minute until fragrant. It’s that aromatic moment that sets this dish apart.

Step 4: Add Cashews, Tomatoes, and Simmer Away

I add raw cashews next—this is my secret to that super creamy sauce without just dumping cream in early. Then in go the crushed tomatoes, coconut sugar, and water. Lower the heat and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes so everything melds perfectly. The kitchen always smells incredible at this step!

Step 5: Blend the Sauce to Silky Perfection

Once the sauce has simmered, I transfer it to my high-powered blender and blend until completely smooth and creamy. This step is key for that velvety texture that makes this recipe so unforgettable. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can pulse less or skip blending, but I promise it’s worth it.

Step 6: Bring It All Together with Butter, Cream, and Chicken

I wipe the pan clean so no burnt bits interfere with the silky sauce, then pour the blended sauce back in. Stir in butter and heavy cream for richness, then add the chicken back and warm everything together for 3 to 5 minutes. This finishing touch lets the flavors marry beautifully and the chicken absorbs some of the sauce.

Step 7: Serve Over Fluffy Basmati and Garnish

I love serving this over fragrant basmati rice and sprinkling fresh chopped cilantro on top—it cuts through the richness and adds that fresh burst. Sometimes, I’ll squeeze a little extra lemon over the top for brightness just before serving.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned these quick tricks that make my creamy butter chicken truly shine and help avoid common issues.

Marination Matters: Don’t rush the marination—longer is better. Even overnight in the fridge helps tenderize the chicken and deepen flavor.
Don’t Overcook Chicken: Cooking chicken thighs until just opaque ensures they remain juicy once combined with the sauce.
Blend for Creaminess: Blending the sauce with cashews is the secret behind the luxe, silky feel that separates this recipe from others.
Fresh Garnish Boost: Always finish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon to brighten and balance the richness.

How to Serve Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe

Creamy Butter Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m all about freshly chopped cilantro here—it adds a peppery freshness that cuts through the creamy sauce wonderfully. Sometimes, I toss on a few thinly sliced green chilies if we want a little heat, or a drizzle of extra butter for that indulgent wow factor.

Side Dishes

Basmati rice is my go-to because its fluffy, fragrant grains soak up the sauce so beautifully. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll serve it alongside garlic naan or even some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Simple cucumber raita also balances the spices perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this butter chicken in small, individual cast-iron skillets or pretty bowls topped with a swirl of cream and a sprig of cilantro. Pair it with mango chutney on the side and some toasted naan to make it feel extra festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so heating leftovers always tastes even better. Just make sure to cool it before refrigerating so you keep the sauce fresh.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and store it for up to 2 months. When it’s time to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove to keep the cream from breaking.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the butter chicken over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or cream if it seems too thick. This keeps the sauce smooth and keeps the chicken juicy, avoiding any drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful due to their fat content—so they’re my preferred choice for this recipe.

What’s the best way to adjust the spice level?

To tone down the heat, reduce or omit the Kashmiri red chili powder; for more kick, add a pinch of cayenne or fresh chopped chilies. Balancing spices with the creamy sauce helps keep flavors harmonious.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap out heavy cream for coconut cream and butter for coconut oil or ghee made from plant-based sources. The cashews help keep the sauce creamy even without dairy.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinating for at least 1 hour is essential, but overnight is best for maximum tenderization and flavor penetration. Even 30 minutes helps, but longer is better.

Final Thoughts

This creamy butter chicken holds a special place in my kitchen—not only is it a comfort food winner, but it’s also a recipe that welcomes endless personalization. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and savor every creamy, spiced bite with the people you love most.