There’s nothing quite like the rich, comforting flavors of a Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe to warm you up and satisfy those midweek meal needs. This dish has that perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and tender chicken that just keeps you coming back for more.

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

I’ve made quite a few versions of butter chicken over the years, but this Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe really stands out because of its rich texture and robust flavor. It’s like getting restaurant quality right in your own kitchen, without all the fuss.

Flavor-packed marinade: The yogurt and spices tenderize the chicken while infusing it with layers of taste.
Smooth, velvety sauce: Blending the sauce with cashews and tomatoes creates that luxurious, creamy texture you want.
Simple to make: With straightforward steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll have dinner ready in no time.
Customizable warmth: Adjust the heat level by tweaking the chili powder to your liking without losing the classic flavor profile.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe is carefully chosen to create that perfect blend of spice and creaminess. Here’s why they work so well together and some shopping pointers I always keep in mind.

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

Boneless skinless chicken thighs: These stay juicy and tender, perfect for soaking up all the sauce flavors.
Full-fat Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and helps tenderize the chicken during marination.
Lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the butter and cream.
Fresh ginger and garlic: Essential aromatics that bring warmth and depth.
Kashmiri red chili powder: Gives vibrant color and mild spicy heat; swap for regular chili powder if you like it hotter.
Garam masala: A blend of spices that adds complexity and authentic Indian flavor.
Ground turmeric: Adds earthiness and that iconic golden hue.
Extra-virgin olive or avocado oil: Use oils with mild flavor to let spices shine.
Yellow onion: Sweetens and builds the curry base.
Ground coriander and cumin: Warm, nutty spices that round out the flavor profile.
Raw cashews: When blended, they make the sauce luxuriously creamy without needing flour or cornstarch.
Coconut sugar or sweetener: Balances acidity and adds subtle sweetness.
Crushed tomatoes: Provide natural tang and body to the sauce.
Unsalted butter or ghee: Classic richness you can’t skip.
Heavy cream or coconut cream: For that signature creamy finish.
Basmati rice: The perfect fragrant base for serving.
Fresh cilantro: Adds brightness and a fresh herbal note 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

What I love most about this Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it for your own tastes. Whether you want to dial up the heat, skip the dairy, or make it a quick weeknight dinner, there’s room to play.

Variation: I often swap out heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk to make it dairy-free while keeping that velvety texture—works beautifully!
Spice level: Increase or decrease the chili powder depending on how much heat you like; I keep it mild for family dinners but love it spicy when hosting friends.
Protein swap: Chicken breasts can work, but thighs stay juicier and more forgiving if you overcook slightly.
Extra veggies: Feel free to add some spinach or peas at the end for a colorful boost.

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: Chop and Marinate the Chicken

Start by dicing the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces—bite-sized is best for even cooking and sauce coverage. Toss them in a bowl with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced ginger and garlic, Kashmiri chili powder, garam masala, turmeric, and salt. Stir everything until the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour; I sometimes leave it overnight if I’m prepping ahead, which really lets the flavors sink in deeply.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Until Opaque

Heat your oil over medium-high heat in a large sauté pan. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken pieces are no longer pink inside. Don’t worry if they aren’t fully cooked—that’ll continue when simmered in the sauce. Once done, transfer the chicken to a separate bowl so you can focus on the sauce next.

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce

In that same pan, toss in the diced onions and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent. Then add fresh ginger, garlic, chili powder, garam masala, coriander, and cumin; stir constantly for about a minute to toast those spices and unlock their fragrance. Next, stir in raw cashews, crushed tomatoes, coconut sugar, and water. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and let it cook for five minutes to meld all the flavors together.

Step 4: Blend to Creamy Perfection

Once your sauce has simmered, transfer it carefully to a high-powered blender. Blend it for about a minute until it’s completely smooth and creamy—this step is what turns the sauce luscious and velvety. If you don’t have a blender, you can use an immersion blender right in the pan.

Step 5: Combine Sauce, Butter, and Cream

Wipe out the pan with a paper towel if you want an ultra-smooth sauce free of any chunks. Return the blended sauce to the pan and stir in unsalted butter and heavy cream over medium heat. The sauce should be warm and almost silky, ready for the chicken.

Step 6: Final Touch - Heat the Chicken Through

Add the cooked chicken pieces back to the pan, stirring gently to coat them in that dreamy sauce. Warm everything together for about 3 to 5 minutes, just until the chicken is hot all the way through. Be careful not to boil the sauce here, or the cream might break.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your butter chicken over a bed of fluffy basmati rice, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro, and enjoy that first spoonful of creamy, spiced goodness. It’s genuinely a dinner that makes you feel cozy and a little special all at once.

Top Tip

From my experience with this Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe, a few little tricks really elevate the final dish and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Don’t skip marination: Letting the chicken hang out in yogurt and spices tenderizes and flavors the meat deeply—that’s the secret to juicy bites.
Use raw cashews: They blend into a creamy sauce without overpowering flavor, and honestly, make it taste way richer than just cream alone.
Blend the sauce: Smoothness is key for authentic butter chicken texture; it makes a huge difference in mouthfeel and presentation.
Gently heat the cream: Adding cream on medium heat keeps it from curdling and helps maintain that luscious consistency you’re aiming for.

How to Serve Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe

Creamy Butter Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top my butter chicken with a generous handful of freshly chopped cilantro because it adds a refreshing herbal brightness that cuts through the richness perfectly. Sometimes, I add a little swirl of cream on top for that extra visual indulgence.

Side Dishes

My go-to side is fragrant basmati rice, plain or lightly cooked with a bay leaf or cardamom pods for some extra aroma. Occasionally, I’ll serve it alongside garlic naan or steamed green beans for some crunch and color on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving the creamy butter chicken in a rustic cast iron skillet right at the table, garnished with toasted cashews and ribbons of fresh mint. It adds both a festive touch and invites everyone to dig in family-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavor actually deepens after a day, making it perfect for lunch the next day — just give it a gentle reheat on the stove with a splash of water if the sauce thickened too much.

Freezing

Butter chicken freezes well too. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and it keeps up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or cream if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid microwaving at high power to keep the texture smooth and prevent curdling.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more forgiving when cooked in the sauce. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them to avoid dryness.

How spicy is this Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe?

This recipe uses Kashmiri red chili powder, which provides beautiful color and mild heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or swapping it for cayenne if you prefer a spicier dish.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cream, and replace butter with ghee or a mild oil. The cashews help keep the sauce creamy even without dairy.

Is it necessary to blend the sauce?

While blending the sauce gives butter chicken its signature silky texture, you can skip this step if you prefer a chunkier sauce. Using a food processor or immersion blender works best for a smooth finish.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a personal hug on a plate. I love how you can count on it to impress guests or simply make a busy weeknight feel special with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try it, butter chicken becomes a staple you’ll happily turn to again and again.