Name: Mouthwatering Butter Chicken in a Creamy Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces); 2 tbsp ghee or butter (coconut oil for dairy-free); 1 medium onion (diced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated); 1 cup tomato puree (canned crushed tomatoes or fresh blended); 1/2 cup heavy cream (coconut milk for dairy-free/lighter option); 1 tbsp garam masala; 1 tsp turmeric; 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste); 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

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Introduction

Want to master Mouthwatering Butter Chicken in a Creamy Sauce in under 30 minutes? Imagine tender chicken swimming in a silky, spiced sauce that’s so delicious you’ll lick the plate clean. This recipe is your ticket to a homemade Indian feast that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re a busy parent or just craving comfort food, this dish delivers big taste without the fuss. Let’s dive into why this butter chicken stands out and how you can whip it up tonight!

What’s Special About This Recipe

This Mouthwatering Butter Chicken in a Creamy Sauce isn’t just another curry—it’s a game-changer. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Quick Preparation: Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for weeknights when time is tight.

Versatility: Serve it with rice, naan, or even pasta for a fun twist.
Crowd-Pleaser: Its mild, creamy flavor wins over kids and adults alike.

Health Benefits and Nutrition

Beyond its irresistible taste, this recipe offers some surprising health perks:

Protein Powerhouse: Chicken provides lean protein to keep you full and support muscle health.
Antioxidant Boost: Spices like turmeric and garam masala are packed with anti-inflammatory goodness.
Healthy Fats: Ghee or butter adds richness while delivering energy-boosting fats.

Vitamin-Rich Tomatoes: The sauce’s tomato base brings vitamin C and lycopene for heart health.

Compared to takeout, this homemade version lets you control the ingredients, cutting down on excess oil and sodium. It’s comfort food you can feel good about!

Basic Ingredients

Let’s break down what you need for this Mouthwatering Butter Chicken in a Creamy Sauce. Each ingredient plays a starring role:

Chicken (1 lb, boneless thighs or breasts): Thighs stay juicy, while breasts keep it lean. Sub with tofu for a vegan twist.
Ghee or Butter (2 tbsp): Adds that signature rich, nutty flavor. Use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Onion (1 medium, diced): Builds a sweet, savory base. Shallots work too!

Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings bold aroma. Swap with garlic powder in a pinch.
Ginger (1 tbsp, grated): Adds zing and warmth. Ground ginger (1 tsp) is a quick substitute.
Tomato Puree (1 cup): Creates the creamy, tangy sauce. Canned crushed tomatoes or fresh blended tomatoes are great alternatives.

Heavy Cream (½ cup): Makes it silky smooth. Try coconut milk for a lighter, vegan version.
Garam Masala (1 tbsp): The spice blend that ties it all together. Mix cumin, coriander, and cinnamon if you’re out.
Turmeric (1 tsp): Gives a golden hue and earthy flavor. Skip it if you don’t have it, but it’s worth grabbing!

Chili Powder (½ tsp): Adds a gentle kick. Adjust to taste or use paprika for less heat.
Salt (1 tsp): Enhances every flavor. Adjust to your liking.

These simple ingredients transform into something magical when combined. Stock up and let’s get cooking!

Needed Tools and Equipment

To make this Mouthwatering Butter Chicken in a Creamy Sauce, you’ll need a few kitchen essentials. Here’s the lineup:

Large Skillet: A wide base cooks the chicken evenly and simmers the sauce perfectly. Non-stick makes cleanup a breeze. buy now
Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring spices and sauce without scratching your pan. buy now

Sharp Knife: Slices chicken and chops onions like a pro—safety and speed in one! Buy now
Cutting Board: Keeps your counters clean and prep organized. buy now
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures your spices and cream are spot-on for balanced flavor. buy now

Immersion Blender (Optional): Blends the sauce silky-smooth right in the pan—no mess, no fuss. buy now

Don’t waste your time searching! Click the links below to get the perfect tools that will enhance your kitchen experience. By using my affiliate links, you’ll enjoy exclusive discounts and quality guarantees. Why wait? Make every cooking step easier with the tools you need now!

Investing in these basics means tastier results and less stress. Trust me, a good skillet can turn you into a butter chicken wizard!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to cook your Mouthwatering Butter Chicken in a Creamy Sauce? Follow these simple steps:

Prep the Chicken: Cut 1 lb of chicken into bite-sized pieces. Pat dry with a paper towel for a nice sear.
- Pro Tip: Dry chicken browns better—no soggy bites here!

Heat the Pan: Melt 2 tbsp ghee or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Watch it shimmer, not smoke.
- Pro Tip: Low and slow keeps the butter from burning.
Cook the Aromatics: Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft. Toss in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pro Tip: Stir constantly to avoid bitter garlic.
Spice It Up: Sprinkle in 1 tbsp garam masala, 1 tsp turmeric, ½ tsp chili powder, and 1 tsp salt. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
- Pro Tip: Toasting boosts flavor—don’t skip this!

Sear the Chicken: Add chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden on all sides.
- Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed.
Add the Sauce Base: Pour in 1 cup tomato puree. Stir well, scraping up those tasty brown bits from the pan. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Pro Tip: Let it thicken slightly for a richer sauce.
Make It Creamy: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream. Simmer for 5 more minutes until the sauce is velvety and the chicken is cooked through.
- Pro Tip: Taste and adjust salt or spice now.

Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro if you like, and get ready to dig in!

These steps are foolproof and fast—perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week.

Assembly and Serving

Your Mouthwatering Butter Chicken in a Creamy Sauce is ready—now let’s make it shine:

Plate It Up: Spoon the chicken and sauce over fluffy basmati rice or alongside warm naan bread. The sauce soaks in beautifully!
Garnish Game: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or a drizzle of extra cream for a fancy touch.
Creative Twist: Serve in a shallow bowl with a side of cucumber slices for a cool contrast.

For a stunning presentation, swirl the sauce on the plate first, then nestle the chicken on top. Your guests will think you’re a chef!

Storage/Prep-Ahead Tips

How to Store?

Keep your butter chicken fresh with these tips:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better!

Freezing: Pour into a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll last 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce.

How to Prepare?

Save time with these prep-ahead tricks:

Marinate Early: Toss the chicken with spices and yogurt the night before. Store in the fridge for max flavor.
Chop Ahead: Dice onions and mince garlic in advance. Keep them in sealed containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Sauce Shortcut: Make the tomato-spice base a day ahead. Reheat and add chicken when ready to cook.

These hacks make weeknight dinners a breeze!

Recipe Variations

Switch up your Mouthwatering Butter Chicken in a Creamy Sauce with these fun twists:

Spicy Kick: Add 1 chopped green chili or extra chili powder for heat lovers.

Low-Carb Swap: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to keep it light.
Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach or bell peppers for color and nutrition.

Each variation keeps the creamy magic while adding your personal flair!

Recipe History/Cultural Background

Butter chicken, or Murgh Makhani, hails from Delhi, India, born in the 1950s at the Moti Mahal restaurant. Legend says chef Kundan Lal Gujral created it to repurpose leftover tandoori chicken, simmering it in a creamy tomato sauce with butter and spices. It was a hit—mild yet flavorful, it bridged Indian traditions with global tastes.

Today, it’s a worldwide favorite, loved for its comforting richness. From Indian street stalls to American kitchens, this dish proves food can connect cultures. Making it at home keeps that legacy alive!

FAQ

Here are answers to common questions about Mouthwatering Butter Chicken in a Creamy Sauce:

Can I make it dairy-free? Yes! Swap butter for coconut oil and cream for coconut milk. It’s still creamy and delicious.
Is it spicy? Not really—it’s mild. Add more chili powder if you want a kick.
What’s the best side dish? Basmati rice or naan are classics, but try garlic flatbread for a twist.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Absolutely! Breasts work great, just don’t overcook them.
How do I avoid curdling the cream? Add it off the heat or at a low simmer to keep it smooth.
Can I freeze it? Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently!

What if I don’t have garam masala? Mix cumin, coriander, and a pinch of cinnamon—it’s close enough!

Got more questions? Drop them in the comments!

If You Like These Recipes

Loved this Mouthwatering Butter Chicken in a Creamy Sauce? Try these next:

Easy Chicken Curry – Another quick Indian delight.
Coconut Shrimp Curry – Creamy and tropical.
Chicken Tikka Masala – A spicier cousin.

Try this recipe tonight! Share your results in the comments or tag us on Pinterest—we can’t wait to see your creamy masterpiece!