If there’s one dish that can single-handedly convert someone into a lifelong fan of Indian cuisine, it’s Butter Chicken Curry. Creamy, mildly spiced, gently sweet, and luxuriously rich, this iconic dish has earned its place on menus around the world—and for good reason. The best part? You don’t need a tandoor, hours of marination, or hard-to-find spices to make it at home.
This Easy Butter Chicken Curry recipe is designed for home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimum fuss. Using simple ingredients like boneless chicken breast, tomatoes, butter, cashews, and cream, this recipe delivers that signature velvety gravy and tender chicken you expect from a great butter chicken—without intimidation.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just craving comforting food after a long day, this recipe is approachable, forgiving, and deeply satisfying.
Why This Butter Chicken Recipe Works
This recipe is perfect for:
- Beginners who want to try Indian cooking without stress
- Busy home cooks looking for a reliable crowd-pleaser
- Anyone who loves creamy, mildly spiced curries
- Meal preppers who want a dish that tastes even better the next day
Unlike traditional versions that require overnight marination and charcoal smoking, this method streamlines the process while keeping the flavors balanced. The cashews add body to the sauce, the butter and cream provide richness, and Kashmiri chili powder gives vibrant color without overwhelming heat.
Ingredients for Easy Butter Chicken Curry
For the Chicken
- 300 gms chicken breast, boneless
- 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
- 1 tbsp red chilli powder
- Salt to taste
- Oil, for pan frying
For the Gravy
- 500 gms tomatoes, roughly sliced
- 100 gms onions, roughly cut
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 50 gms cashews
- ½ tsp garam masala
- 4 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp Kashmiri chilli powder
- 5 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp cream
- 2 tbsp malt vinegar or 1½ tbsp white vinegar
- Salt to taste
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- Heavy-bottomed pan or skillet
- Saucepan
- Blender or immersion blender
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
Having a good blender is especially helpful here—it’s what gives butter chicken its famously smooth, restaurant-style texture.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Cut the boneless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the chicken with ginger garlic paste, red chilli powder, and salt. Toss well to coat evenly.
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Pan-fry the chicken pieces until lightly browned and just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside. Don’t overcook—the chicken will finish cooking later in the gravy.
Tip: Browning adds flavor, so avoid overcrowding the pan.
Step 2: Build the Gravy Base
In a saucepan, add the tomatoes, onions, garlic paste, and cashews. Add enough water to just cover the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until everything is soft and cooked down.
Let the mixture cool slightly, then blend into a smooth paste. The cashews will thicken the sauce naturally, so no extra creaminess tricks needed.
Step 3: Finish the Butter Chicken Curry
Return the blended gravy to a pan over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt into the sauce. Stir in Kashmiri chilli powder, sugar, garam masala, vinegar, and salt.
Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until the gravy thickens and the butter starts to separate slightly on top—this is where the magic happens.
Add the cooked chicken pieces and let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
Finish with cream, stir gently, and turn off the heat.
Pro Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken
- Use Kashmiri chilli powder for color, not heat. If unavailable, use mild paprika with a pinch of cayenne.
- Don’t skip the sugar. It balances acidity from tomatoes and vinegar.
- Blend thoroughly. A silky gravy is the hallmark of great butter chicken.
- Adjust consistency with warm water or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
Recipe Variations and Swaps
- Chicken thighs instead of breast: Juicier and more forgiving
- Dairy-free version: Replace butter with oil and cream with coconut cream
- Vegan butter “chicken”: Use roasted cauliflower or tofu instead of chicken
- Lower sugar option: Reduce sugar to 2 tbsp and add a splash more cream
This recipe is flexible—once you master the base, you can tweak it to suit your taste.
What to Serve with Butter Chicken
Butter chicken pairs beautifully with:
- Naan or garlic naan
- Steamed basmati rice or jeera rice
- Onion salad with lemon
- Cooling cucumber raita
For drinks, try:
- Mango lassi
- Masala chai
- Light lager or wheat beer
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Refrigerator:
Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Freeze without cream for up to 2 months. Add fresh cream after reheating.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
Butter chicken often tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is butter chicken very spicy?
No. This recipe is mild and creamy. You can increase heat by adding more red chilli powder if desired.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. It’s a great make-ahead dish and perfect for entertaining.
Why add vinegar?
Vinegar adds a subtle tang that balances the richness of butter and cream, mimicking the flavor profile of restaurant butter chicken.
Can I skip cashews?
Cashews are key for thickness and creaminess. If allergic, substitute soaked almonds or sunflower seeds.
Is this an authentic recipe?
This is a home-style, simplified version inspired by classic butter chicken flavors—approachable, practical, and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Butter Chicken Curry proves that you don’t need complicated steps or specialty equipment to recreate a beloved restaurant classic at home. It’s rich without being heavy, flavorful without being overwhelming, and comforting in the best possible way.
Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a seasoned curry lover, this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation.
If you loved this recipe, share it with friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more easy, flavorful, and reliable recipes you’ll want to cook again and again.
Easy Butter Chicken Curry
