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Creamy Butter Chicken Curry
This butter chicken curry delivers restaurant-quality flavors right in your kitchen. Rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced, this dish combines tender chicken with aromatic spices and velvety tomato cream sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it costs approximately $12-15 to make and serves four people generously.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 45 minutes with simple ingredients you likely have at home
- Creamy, mild flavor that appeals to both kids and adults without overwhelming heat
- Packed with protein and warming spices that support digestion and immunity
Why This Butter Chicken Curry Recipe Works
This recipe balances rich flavors without complexity. The combination of butter and cream creates silky texture, while garam masala and cumin add warmth without excessive heat.
Using chicken thighs instead of breasts ensures juicy, tender meat that won’t dry out during cooking. The tomato puree base provides natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this butter chicken variation requires minimal prep time while delivering maximum flavor impact.
What You’ll Need for Perfect Butter Chicken Curry
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (Approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless chicken thighs | 1 lb | Main protein, stays tender and juicy |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tbsp | Creates rich base and authentic flavor |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | Provides creamy texture and balances spices |
| Tomato puree | 1 cup | Forms sauce base with natural sweetness |
| Fresh ginger | 1 tbsp minced | Adds warmth and digestive benefits |
| Fresh garlic | 1 tbsp minced | Essential aromatic foundation |
| Garam masala | 2 tsp | Key spice blend for authentic taste |
| Ground cumin | 1 tsp | Earthy depth and digestive properties |
| Ground turmeric | 1 tsp | Color and anti-inflammatory benefits |
| Fresh cilantro | For garnish | Fresh finish and vibrant color |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large skillet or pan | Even cooking and sauce development |
| Sharp knife | Precise ingredient preparation |
| Cutting board | Safe food preparation surface |
| Wooden spoon | Gentle stirring without scratching |
How to Make Creamy Butter Chicken Curry
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Prep | Gather all ingredients and finely chop onions, mincing the ginger and garlic |
| 2. Cook Chicken | Melt 2 tbsp butter in large skillet over medium heat. Cook seasoned chicken thighs until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side |
| 3. Sauté Base | Remove chicken. Add remaining butter and minced onions to same pan; sauté until translucent |
| 4. Build Sauce | Mix in garlic and ginger, then pour in tomato puree. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened |
| 5. Add Spices | Stir in garam masala, cumin, and turmeric; cook until fragrant |
| 6. Combine | Return chicken to pan, pour in heavy cream, and mix gently. Simmer 10 minutes to meld flavors |
| 7. Serve | Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro alongside rice or naan |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature cream to prevent curdling when adding to hot sauce
- Don’t skip browning the chicken – it adds essential depth of flavor to the curry
- Taste and adjust spices gradually, as different brands vary in intensity
Serving and Storage Tips for Butter Chicken Curry
Serving Tips
Serve this butter chicken curry over steamed basmati rice or with warm naan bread. The rice absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully, while naan provides perfect texture contrast.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of plain yogurt for cooling effect. This pairs wonderfully with other comfort food dishes for family gatherings.
Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding splash of cream if needed to restore consistency.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Butter Chicken Curry
Don’t use high heat when cooking the sauce base. This can cause the cream to curdle and create unpleasant texture.
Avoid overcooking the chicken during initial browning. You’ll finish cooking it in the sauce, so focus on developing color rather than full doneness.
Never add cold cream directly to hot sauce. Let it come to room temperature first, or temper it with small amount of hot sauce before incorporating.
You Must Know
- Fresh ginger and garlic make significant difference compared to powdered versions
- Chicken thighs remain more tender than breasts in this creamy sauce preparation
- Quality garam masala is crucial – consider making your own for best results
Suggestions for Butter Chicken Curry
Transform leftovers into fusion pasta dishes by tossing with cooked noodles and extra cream.
Try this slow cooker adaptation for hands-off cooking on busy days.
Experiment with vegetables like bell peppers or peas for added nutrition and color. Add them during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
For lighter version, substitute half the cream with Greek yogurt, stirring it in off the heat to prevent separation.
FAQs:
Yes, it tastes even better the next day. Store covered in refrigerator and reheat gently with extra cream if needed.
Use coconut milk, half-and-half, or Greek yogurt mixed with milk. Each creates slightly different but delicious results.
It’s very mild with warming spices rather than heat. Perfect for those who prefer gentle, family-friendly flavors.
Yes, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat slowly, stirring in fresh cream.
Basmati rice works perfectly, but jasmine or long-grain white rice are excellent alternatives for absorbing the creamy sauce.
Conclusion
This creamy butter chicken curry brings restaurant flavors home with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques. Rich, comforting, and perfectly spiced, it’s ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.
The combination of tender chicken, aromatic spices, and velvety sauce creates satisfying meal that pleases everyone. With proper storage, you’ll enjoy delicious leftovers for days.
Master this recipe, and you’ll have go-to dish that impresses every time while providing wholesome, flavorful nutrition for your loved ones.
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📖 Recipe Card
Butter Chicken Curry
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A rich and creamy Indian butter chicken curry with tender chicken thighs in a flavorful tomato-based sauce, perfect for serving with rice or naan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp minced fresh garlic
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prep: Gather all ingredients and finely chop onions, mincing the ginger and garlic
- Cook Chicken: Melt 2 tbsp butter in large skillet over medium heat. Cook seasoned chicken thighs until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side
- Sauté Base: Remove chicken. Add remaining butter and minced onions to same pan; sauté until translucent
- Build Sauce: Mix in garlic and ginger, then pour in tomato puree. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened
- Add Spices: Stir in garam masala, cumin, and turmeric; cook until fragrant
- Combine: Return chicken to pan, pour in heavy cream, and mix gently. Simmer 10 minutes to meld flavors
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro alongside rice or naan
Notes
- Use room temperature cream to prevent curdling when adding to hot sauce
- Don’t skip browning the chicken – it adds essential depth of flavor to the curry
- Taste and adjust spices gradually, as different brands vary in intensity
- Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485 calories
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: butter chicken curry, Indian curry, chicken recipe, creamy curry, homemade butter chicken, easy curry recipe
