There’s something irresistibly comforting about a rich, velvety curry that melts in your mouth. This Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe is exactly that—a luscious, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. You’re in for a real treat that’s surprisingly approachable for any home cook!

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’ve made many butter chicken recipes over the years, but this one truly stands out. It’s all about layering flavors and ending up with that perfect creamy sauce that clings to tender chicken pieces—guaranteed to make your dinner table a little happier.

Richly flavored: The marinade and spice mix make the chicken burst with deep, aromatic flavor.
Ultra creamy sauce: Blending cashews into the sauce gives it a luxurious silky texture you’ll crave again and again.
Easy to customize: Whether you want it milder or with a little extra heat, you can tailor it to your taste easily.
Great for leftovers: This recipe reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a key role in building the bold, creamy profile of this dish. Choosing fresh spices and good-quality yogurt really elevates the final flavor, so I always recommend bringing your best to the table.

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

Chicken thighs: They stay juicy and tender while absorbing those beautiful spices.
Full-fat Greek yogurt: Acts as the perfect tangy base for marinating the chicken, softening it and adding depth.
Lemon juice: Brightens the marinade and balances all the richness.
Fresh ginger & garlic: Essential aromatics that pack a punch and add warmth.
Kashmiri red chili powder: Gives vibrant color and mild heat—less burn, more flavor.
Garam masala, turmeric, coriander, cumin: Classic Indian spices harmonizing perfectly in the sauce.
Onion: Softens into a natural sweetness that enhances the curry base.
Cashews: Blended smooth, they add creaminess without overpowering the spice.
Coconut sugar: A subtle sweetness that rounds off acidity and heat beautifully.
Crushed tomatoes: Provide a bright fruity base that keeps the sauce balanced.
Butter and heavy cream: The heart of the creamy sauce, giving it richness and velvety texture.
Basmati rice: The perfect fragrant bed to soak up all that saucy goodness.
Fresh cilantro: Adds a fresh herbaceous lift 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

One of the best parts about this Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often tweak the spice levels or try coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free twist—feel free to experiment and find your favorite version.

Heat it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or a fresh green chili if you like your curry spicy. I love the little kick it gives without losing creaminess.
Dairy-free option: Use coconut yogurt and coconut cream to make this vegan-friendly. I’ve tried it and the sauce still turns out wonderfully creamy.
Extra veggies: Toss in some peas or spinach at the end to sneak in some greens.
Different proteins: This sauce works beautifully with paneer or tofu too for a vegetarian version.

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 with Love

Start by cutting your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, then toss them in a bowl with full-fat Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced ginger and garlic, Kashmiri chili powder, garam masala, turmeric, and salt. Give everything a good stir and cover it up to marinate for at least an hour. Trust me, this step is where the magic begins—the chicken soaks up all those spices beautifully, making it juicy and packed with flavor. I sometimes marinate overnight for even deeper taste when I have the time.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Until Just Right

Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink but not overdone. You want that tender juiciness intact. Then transfer it to a bowl and set aside while you whip up the sauce.

Step 3: Build Your Flavorful Sauce

Sauté diced onions in the same pan until they turn soft and translucent—this foundational step creates natural sweetness that balances the spices. Next, add fresh minced ginger and garlic, more Kashmiri chili, garam masala, coriander, and cumin. Stir for a minute until fragrant, then toss in raw cashews, crushed tomatoes, coconut sugar, and water. Let everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes so all those flavors mingle.

Step 4: Blend for Ultimate Creaminess

This is my favorite trick. Pour the sauce into a blender and pulse it until completely smooth and luxuriously creamy. It’s that cashew blend that elevates this sauce from good to absolutely crave-worthy. If you want an ultra-smooth finish, wipe your pan clean and pour the creamy sauce back in.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Stir in the butter and heavy cream to your sauce in the pan, then add the cooked chicken back in. Let everything heat through on medium for 3 to 5 minutes while you gently stir. At this stage, the chicken soaks up all those luscious flavors and that silky sauce clings to every bite.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your creamy butter chicken over fragrant basmati rice and sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro. Every forkful is pure delight—creamy, mildly spiced, and just the right amount of decadence.

Top Tip

I’ve found that marinating the chicken at least an hour ahead really transforms this dish, so don’t skip it! Also, blending the sauce is a game changer—you get a silky consistency that’s hard to achieve by hand. These little extras make your homemade butter chicken feel restaurant-level.

Quality Yogurt Matters: Using full-fat Greek yogurt keeps the marinade creamy and helps tenderize the chicken without breaking down the meat.
Don’t Overcook Chicken: Cook chicken just until opaque before removing it; it will finish cooking in the sauce and stay juicy.
Blending the Sauce: Pureeing the sauce with cashews creates that rich, velvety texture that defines this recipe.
Adjust Spice Carefully: Start with Kashmiri chili powder for mild heat and add more if desired after tasting—you can always crank it up later!

How to Serve Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe

Creamy Butter Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top mine with freshly chopped cilantro because it adds a fresh herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. Occasionally, I’ll add a drizzle of cream or a squeeze of lemon on top for extra zing.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice to soak up every drop of sauce. I also love serving it alongside warm naan bread or lightly sautéed greens for some texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like serving butter chicken in small individual bowls with a side of vibrant cucumber raita and colorful pickled onions. It makes the meal feel festive and looks gorgeous on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep it fresh.

Freezing

This butter chicken freezes well, which is a lifesaver on busy weeks. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and it keeps for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid high heat, which can dry out the chicken and cause the sauce to split. A little patience keeps it creamy and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What makes this a creamy butter chicken recipe?

The creaminess comes from blending cashews with the tomato sauce and finishing with butter and heavy cream, creating a smooth, velvety texture that defines this recipe.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast, but thighs are preferred because they stay juicier and more tender during cooking. If you use breast, be careful not to overcook so it doesn’t dry out.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinating for at least one hour helps infuse the flavors into the chicken, but if you have more time, marinating overnight will soften the chicken and deepen the flavor even more.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the yogurt with plant-based yogurt and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream. The cashews already provide richness, so the dairy-free version is just as creamy and delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to make and share. It strikes that perfect balance between rich and comforting without being intimidating to cook. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing guests, or just treating yourself to a delicious dinner, this recipe will not disappoint. Give it a shot—you might just find your new go-to curry!