Name: Creamy Butter Chicken with Rich Spices and Tomato Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 lbs. chicken thighs, trimmed of visible fat, cut into 1 1/4-inch pieces; 1/2 cup whole plain yogurt; 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice; 2 Tbsp garam masala, divided; 4 tsp fenugreek leaves, slightly crushed after measuring, divided; 1 tsp turmeric; 2 tsp smoked paprika, divided; 2 Tbsp minced garlic, divided; 2 Tbsp peeled and minced ginger, divided; Salt, to taste (about 1 tsp recommended); 4 Tbsp butter, cut into pieces; 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion; Cayenne pepper, to taste; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced fire roasted tomatoes; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth (or a little more to thin if needed); 3 Tbsp cilantro (chopped or whole leaves)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 29 reviews

If you have a craving for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, creamy, and deeply comforting, you are going to love this Creamy Butter Chicken with Rich Spices and Tomato Sauce Recipe. It’s one of those timeless classics where tender chicken thighs soak up layers of fragrant spices, tangy tomato sauce, and luscious cream, making every bite a rich celebration of taste. This recipe brings together easy-to-find ingredients and simple techniques to create an indulgent, restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a rich orange curry with smooth creamy texture fills a black pan, speckled with black pepper and fresh bright green cilantro leaves scattered on top. Large chunks of meat are partially covered by the thick sauce, which has a glossy sheen reflecting light. A wooden spoon is partially dipped into the curry on the left side, with the sauce clinging to it while the pan rim is visible on the right. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Creamy Butter Chicken with Rich Spices and Tomato Sauce Recipe plays a vital role in creating the dish’s signature balance of creaminess, spice, and vibrant color. Each one is thoughtfully chosen to elevate the taste and texture, ensuring a wonderfully satisfying dinner.

2 lbs. chicken thighs: Choose skinless, trimmed pieces cut into 1 1/4-inch chunks for juiciness and tenderness.
1/2 cup whole plain yogurt: Acts as the base for the marinade, tenderizing the chicken while adding slight tang.
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice: Adds a bright acidity that wakes up the flavors in the marinade.
2 Tbsp garam masala: The heart of the spice blend, split for marinade and sauce for a layered depth.
4 tsp fenugreek leaves: Slightly crushed for that nutty, maple-like aroma that’s essential here.
1 tsp turmeric: Gives the dish its characteristic golden hue and subtle earthiness.
2 tsp smoked paprika: Provides a smoky warmth, divided between marinade and sauce to balance heat.
2 Tbsp minced garlic: Part goes into the marinade and part into the sauce for savory intensity.
2 Tbsp peeled and minced ginger: Same as garlic, splits between marinade and sauce for zingy freshness.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, enhancing all the natural flavors.
4 Tbsp butter: Added for richness and silky mouthfeel in the sauce.
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion: Slowly sautéed to sweeten the sauce base beautifully.
Cayenne pepper: Added cautiously to bring just the right amount of heat.
1 (14.5 oz) can diced fire roasted tomatoes: For a smoky, bright tomato foundation that simmers into a velvety sauce.
3/4 cup heavy cream: The secret ingredient that turns the sauce incredibly creamy and luscious.
1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth: Used to thin the sauce a touch and add savory depth.
3 Tbsp cilantro: Fresh, chopped or whole leaves, for a burst of herbaceous freshness at the end.

How to Make Creamy Butter Chicken with Rich Spices and Tomato Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

This first step is where the magic begins. Mix the chicken thighs with yogurt, lemon juice, half the garam masala, fenugreek leaves, turmeric, half the smoked paprika, half the garlic, half the ginger, and salt. This marinade not only tenderizes the meat but infuses it with bold flavors. Let it rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours or even up to 24 hours if you can. This patience truly rewards the final dish with juicy, flavorful chicken.

Step 2: Broil the Chicken

Once marinated, spread the chicken evenly on a greased baking sheet. Broil it just a few inches from the heat source on high, allowing the chicken to cook through while developing those beautifully browned edges. This broiling step gives the chicken a lovely caramelized texture that adds a smoky note without needing a grill.

Step 3: Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Ginger

While the chicken broils, melt butter in a skillet and gently sauté yellow onions until they turn golden and fragrant. Then add the remaining garlic and ginger. This process builds a rich, aromatic base for the sauce, layering in sweetness and depth.

Step 4: Spice Up the Sauce

Next, sprinkle in the rest of the garam masala, smoked paprika, and fenugreek leaves. Just a quick sauté releases the spices’ perfumes, making the sauce intensely flavorful before adding any liquids.

Step 5: Simmer with Fire Roasted Tomatoes

Add the canned fire roasted tomatoes, cover, and let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This step softens the tomatoes and marries all the flavors together. Blending the sauce afterward ensures a smooth, velvety finish that clings perfectly to the chicken.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce and Combine

Return the blended sauce to the pan over medium-low heat, then stir in heavy cream and chicken broth. This is where the dish earns its signature creamy texture, balanced with savory broth. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of cayenne pepper for heat. Finally, fold in the broiled chicken pieces, letting everything warm through so the flavors meld beautifully.

How to Serve Creamy Butter Chicken with Rich Spices and Tomato Sauce Recipe

The image shows four photos in a grid. The top left photo has a clear glass bowl holding raw, pink chicken pieces with colorful piles of spices on top, including white, green, brown, orange, red, and yellow colors, along with a white creamy sauce. The top right photo shows the same clear bowl with the chicken now mixed in a smooth orange-colored marinade, held with a wooden spoon. The bottom left photo has a silver tray filled with the marinated chicken spread evenly in a flat layer, light orange in color. The bottom right photo shows the same silver tray inside an oven, but the chicken pieces are now cooked, with a browned and slightly charred surface, showing golden and dark shades. The background surface is white marble in all images. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finish your dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves, adding a burst of color and fresh herbal notes that contrast beautifully against the rich sauce. For extra flair, a drizzle of cream or a squeeze of lemon can brighten up each serving.

Side Dishes

Butter chicken pairs wonderfully with fluffy basmati rice, which absorbs every ounce of the luscious sauce. Alternatively, warm naan bread is fantastic for scooping and savoring those rich, spicy bites. For a lighter touch, a crisp cucumber salad or raita brings coolness to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve the butter chicken in a decorative bowl with garnishes artfully arranged on top. Layering slices of butter chicken over rice in individual ramekins or using vibrant edible flowers can elevate the presentation. Sharing this dish family-style with plenty of sides creates a warm, communal vibe that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Butter Chicken with Rich Spices and Tomato Sauce Recipe tastes fantastic the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to deepen even further.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover butter chicken by placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or broth will help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving on high heat to prevent curdling of the cream.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

While chicken breasts can be used, thighs remain the best choice for this recipe due to their higher fat content, which helps keep the chicken tender and flavorful throughout cooking.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?

Marinating for at least 2 hours is important to tenderize and infuse the chicken with spice, but if you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will improve the flavor compared to no marination.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter option, full-fat coconut milk is a good substitute that still brings creaminess and adds a subtle tropical note, complementing the spices well.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All ingredients used in this Creamy Butter Chicken with Rich Spices and Tomato Sauce Recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check spice blends and canned tomatoes for any additives.

How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat level?

The recipe has a gentle warmth from spices and cayenne pepper, but you can easily adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the cayenne according to your preference.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Creamy Butter Chicken with Rich Spices and Tomato Sauce Recipe, it might just become your go-to comfort meal. The blend of spices, creamy tomato sauce, and tender chicken is so wonderfully satisfying, perfect for gathering friends or treating yourself on a cozy night. Don’t hesitate to dive in and enjoy the delicious warmth this incredible dish brings to your table!