Creamy Homestyle Butter Chicken: 1 Amazing Dish

Name: Creamy Homestyle Butter Chicken: 1 Amazing Dish
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon sweet paprika; ½ teaspoon curry powder; 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 tablespoons butter, divided; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce or purée; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1 teaspoon garam masala; ½ teaspoon curry powder; 2 cups heavy cream; Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)

by Fatima Garcia

•

30 de July de 2025

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Creamy Homestyle Butter Chicken has a way of making even the busiest weeknights feel special. I remember the first time I tried making it at home; the kitchen filled with the most incredible aroma of spices, garlic, and simmering tomatoes, and I knew I was onto something amazing. This creamy butter chicken recipe is a game-changer, transforming simple ingredients into a dish that rivals your favorite restaurant. It’s truly the best butter chicken at home I’ve ever made, rich and comforting with every bite. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Homestyle Butter Chicken

You’ll find yourself making this recipe again and again! Here’s why:

Incredible Flavor: It delivers that rich, authentic taste you crave, perfectly balanced and deeply satisfying.
Quick Prep: With minimal chopping and quick marination, you can have dinner on the table fast.
Family-Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser, mild enough for everyone to enjoy, making dinner time a breeze.
Budget-Friendly: You don’t need fancy ingredients; this is an easy creamy butter chicken that uses pantry staples.
Restaurant Quality: Impress yourself and your family with a restaurant-style dish made right in your own kitchen.
Versatile: Enjoy it as a simple homestyle butter chicken or build upon it with your favorite spices.
Comfort Food: This dish is pure comfort, with tender chicken and a luxurious, creamy sauce.

Ingredients for Creamy Homestyle Butter Chicken

Making this authentic butter chicken recipe at home is surprisingly simple, and the ingredients come together to create an unforgettable homemade butter chicken sauce. You’ll need:

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs – cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
1 teaspoon salt – to start seasoning the chicken.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – adds a base layer of flavor.
1 teaspoon sweet paprika – for a mild warmth and color.
½ teaspoon curry powder – a classic spice blend that’s key to Indian butter chicken.
1 tablespoon Greek yogurt – this helps tenderize the chicken and adds a slight tang.
3 tablespoons vegetable oil – for searing the chicken.
3 tablespoons butter, divided – essential for that rich, creamy sauce.
6 garlic cloves, minced – the more garlic, the better!
1 medium onion, finely diced – about 1 cup, to build the sauce base.
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce or purée – the heart of our sauce.
1 teaspoon sugar – balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) – for seasoning the sauce.
½ teaspoon black pepper – for a little kick.
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) – if you like it spicy creamy butter chicken.
1 teaspoon garam masala – adds warmth and complexity in the final stage.
½ teaspoon curry powder – another touch for depth.
2 cups heavy cream – this is what makes it butter chicken with cream and so luscious.
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional) – for a fresh, vibrant garnish.

How to Make Creamy Homestyle Butter Chicken

This simple homestyle butter chicken recipe is a joy to prepare, filling your kitchen with incredible aromas as it comes together. Follow these steps for a truly delicious meal.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, ½ teaspoon curry powder, and 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt. Stir everything until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes at room temperature, or up to overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the marinated chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the chicken for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until beautifully browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside, leaving any delicious browned bits in the pan – that’s flavor!
Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once it’s melted and shimmering, add the minced garlic and finely diced onion. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 5 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.
Step 4: Pour in the tomato sauce, followed by 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir well to combine everything, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Let this mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat each piece in the tomato mixture. Now, slowly pour in the 2 cups of heavy cream while stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir in the 1 teaspoon garam masala, another ½ teaspoon curry powder, and the ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper if you’re aiming for a spicy creamy butter chicken.
Step 6: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the sauce. Let it melt in, stirring gently until fully incorporated. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed – perhaps a pinch more salt or a dash more garam masala. Let the simple homestyle butter chicken simmer on low heat for another 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 7: Turn off the heat and let the dish rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken perfectly. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro before serving this authentic butter chicken recipe hot with rice or naan.

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Homestyle Butter Chicken

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that make this simple homestyle butter chicken recipe truly shine. Follow these for restaurant-quality results every time:

Marinate for Flavor: Don’t skip the marination step! The Greek yogurt and spices tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor, which is crucial for the best butter chicken at home.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the chicken in batches. This ensures each piece gets a nice brown crust, adding depth to the overall flavor profile of your creamy butter chicken recipe.
Low and Slow Cream: Add the heavy cream at the end and simmer gently. Boiling the cream can cause it to curdle, so low heat is key for that luscious texture.
Balance is Key: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. A little extra salt, a pinch of sugar, or a dash of garam masala can make all the difference in your homemade butter chicken sauce.

What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Homestyle Butter Chicken?

The secret to why is butter chicken so creamy lies in the combination of tender, marinated chicken and the rich, velvety sauce made with heavy cream and butter. Using chicken thighs also ensures moisture, contributing to that perfect texture everyone loves.

Can I make Creamy Homestyle Butter Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. You can also prepare the sauce base (steps 3 & 4) a day ahead. Combine everything and finish cooking when ready to serve for a quick meal.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Homestyle Butter Chicken?

Avoid overcooking the chicken – it should be tender, not tough. Also, be careful not to boil the sauce after adding cream, as it can curdle. Lastly, don’t rush the searing process; browning the chicken adds significant flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Homestyle Butter Chicken

This restaurant style butter chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a truly authentic experience, I love serving it with fluffy basmati rice, which soaks up that glorious sauce perfectly. Another fantastic option is warm naan bread, ideal for scooping up every last drop of the rich, creamy butter chicken sauce. If you’re looking for a complete Indian butter chicken recipe experience, consider adding a simple side of cucumber raita or a fresh green salad to complement the richness.

Nutrition Facts for Creamy Homestyle Butter Chicken

Per serving (this recipe makes 4 servings):

Calories: Approx. 500-600 kcal
Fat: N/A
Saturated Fat: N/A
Protein: N/A
Carbohydrates: N/A
Fiber: N/A
Sugar: N/A
Sodium: N/A

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your creamy butter chicken recipe.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Homestyle Butter Chicken

Properly storing and reheating this restaurant style butter chicken ensures you can enjoy its delicious flavor for days to come. Once cooked, let the creamy homestyle butter chicken cool slightly at room temperature for about an hour. Then, transfer it into airtight containers. For refrigeration, it will keep well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, freeze portions of your homemade butter chicken sauce for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave it in short bursts until heated through. Be patient, and avoid high heat to maintain that perfect creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Homestyle Butter Chicken

Is this butter chicken recipe for beginners?

Absolutely! This simple homestyle butter chicken recipe is designed with beginners in mind. The steps are clear, and the ingredients are readily available, making it a fantastic starting point for anyone wanting to try authentic butter chicken at home. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create this restaurant-style dish.

Can I make the sauce for this creamy butter chicken recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely prepare the tomato-based sauce base (steps 3 and 4 in the instructions) a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce, cook the chicken, and combine everything as per the recipe. This makes assembling your restaurant style butter chicken even quicker!

What makes this homestyle butter chicken so creamy?

The creaminess comes from a few key elements in this easy creamy butter chicken. We use heavy cream for that rich, luxurious texture, and the Greek yogurt not only tenderizes the chicken but also adds a subtle tang and contributes to the overall smoothness of the homemade butter chicken sauce.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this Indian butter chicken recipe?

You can, but I highly recommend chicken thighs for the best results with this creamy butter chicken recipe. Thighs are naturally more forgiving and stay moist and tender, which is crucial for achieving that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this dish so beloved. Chicken breast can dry out more easily.

Variations of Creamy Homestyle Butter Chicken You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered this simple homestyle butter chicken, don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are a few delicious ways to switch things up:

Spicy Creamy Butter Chicken: For those who love a kick, increase the cayenne pepper to 1 teaspoon or add a finely chopped jalapeño to the onion and garlic sauté. You can also add a pinch of red chili flakes for an extra layer of heat in your spicy creamy butter chicken.
Mild Homestyle Butter Chicken: If you prefer a milder flavor, simply omit the cayenne pepper altogether. This will result in a beautifully balanced, creamy butter chicken recipe that’s perfect for the whole family, offering a gentle warmth without any spice.
Vegetarian Butter Chicken: Swap the chicken for paneer (Indian cheese) or firm tofu. Add them in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, after the cream has been incorporated, to prevent them from breaking down.
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: Combine all ingredients (except heavy cream and final butter) in your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in the heavy cream and butter during the last 30 minutes on high heat.

About the Author

Fatima Garcia