Spicy Butter Chicken is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and full of bold, warm spices. This homemade version starts with tender chicken marinated in yogurt, lemon juice, and a flavorful blend of Indian spices, then simmered in a buttery tomato-based curry sauce and finished with a splash of cream. It’s surprisingly simple to make and tastes even better than takeout. Serve it with fluffy rice and warm naan for a cozy, satisfying meal everyone will love.
Oh curry, where have you been all my life? The combination of cream, spices and chicken makes my mouth so happy. I was first introduced to this delicious dish by my husband while we were dating, let's just say it was love at first bite. I have since had my fair share of curry in places all over the world. Seattle, New York City, London, you name it! It never seems to get old! Also, here's a little secret for you. If you ever pass by a hole in a wall restaurant tucked away in an alley, get curry there! Trust me, you won't regret it! The hole in a wall restaurants always seem to make the BEST curry.
I'm guilty to say that this is my second time posting a curry recipe, but I am not sorry because this recipe is so good! Seriously though, if you haven't tried Indian curry, you need to make this. For dinner. Tonight. Or tomorrow night...
If you've made my Tikka Masala Curry recipe, you may be wondering what the difference is between that and butter chicken (at least I wondered!). Butter chicken is rich, creamy and buttery and can be made as mild or spicy as you prefer, the dish originates from India and Pakistan. Tikka masala on the other hand uses more spices and less butter and was created in the UK.
The cream, butter and yogurt meld so well with the spices in this curry. It is so good! Also, naan bread is the perfect companion to this dish, so keep an eye out for my recipe!
FAQs
It's best to marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor. However, if you're short on time, marinating for at least 1 hour will still work.
Yes, you can adjust the chili powder to your preference. For less heat, use less chili powder, or omit it entirely. You can also add more sugar if you prefer a milder curry.
Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. They may take a little longer to cook, but they will add more flavor and moisture.
If the curry is too runny, you can add a couple of teaspoons of cornstarch or let it simmer for longer to reduce the sauce.
More Chicken Recipes
📋 Recipe
Spicy Butter Chicken
Ingredients
- Marinade
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon tumeric powder
- 2 teaspoon garam masala see notes
- ½ teaspoon pure chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger or ¼ teaspoon powdered ginger
- 2 garlic cloves crushed
- 3 chicken breasts cut into small pieces
- Curry
- 3 tablespoon butter
- 8 oz can of tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whipping cream
Instructions
- Add the marinade ingredients to a bowl. Mix in the chicken, cut into small pieces, until the chicken is completely covered. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- In a large frying pan, heat the butter over high heat until melted. Add in the marinated chicken and cook until the chicken is cooked through (the chicken will no longer be pink.
- Add the tomato sauce, sugar and salt. Turn the heat down low and simmer the curry for 20 minutes. Add more salt as needed. Stir in the cream and remove from heat (if the curry gets to runny, add a couple of teaspoons of corn starch).
- Serve with rice and naan bread.
Alyssa says
If you are ever in Salt Lake, most of the stores carry Garam Masala. You can get it at Smiths, however I prefer to go to the Indian Market called Shop N Go because you can get quite a bit of it for much cheaper. Usually 3 dollars for around 2 cups of Garam Masala. Looking forward to trying your recipe!
Ashley says
Thanks for the tip Alyssa, that is great to know! I hope you enjoy the recipe!