Easy Creamy Butter Chicken for Cozy Weeknights
If you’re craving a comforting, flavor-packed dinner, this Creamy Butter Chicken is the answer. Made with tender chicken simmered in a velvety tomato-cream sauce and gently spiced for family-friendly warmth, this dish delivers restaurant-style flavor with surprisingly simple steps. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy evenings, or whenever you need an easy dinner idea that feels special.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Butter Chicken
- Rich and comforting: The creamy sauce is smooth, mildly sweet, and full of warming spices.
- Easy to make at home: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable.
- Family-friendly: Bold flavor without overwhelming heat.
- Great for leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Versatile serving options: Delicious with rice, naan, or even cauliflower rice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what brings this creamy butter chicken together:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken (thighs or breasts)
- ½ cup plain full-fat yogurt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- Salt, to taste
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Butter (for richness and flavor)
- Tomato base (crushed tomatoes or tomato puree)
- Garlic and ginger (fresh or paste)
- Mild Indian-inspired spices (such as garam masala or similar)
Tip: Keep spices mild for kids and add extra warmth later if desired.
How to Make Creamy Butter Chicken (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix yogurt, cinnamon, salt, and a small pinch of sugar. Coat the chicken evenly and let it rest while you prepare the sauce. This step helps tenderize the meat and build flavor.
Step 2: Start the Sauce
In a large skillet or pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the tomato base and let it simmer gently until thickened and smooth.
Step 3: Simmer the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken to the sauce. Stir well so each piece is coated, then cover and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently until silky and rich. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from heat and serve warm with basmati rice or naan for the ultimate comfort meal.
Easy Creamy Butter Chicken for Cozy Weeknights
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Dive into this rich and flavorful Creamy Butter Chicken — the perfect easy dinner that brings restaurant-style Indian cuisine to your table. Simmered in a velvety tomato-cream sauce and infused with aromatic spices, this recipe is ideal for cozy weeknights or when you’re craving bold comfort food. Serve with naan or basmati rice for a complete, satisfying meal that also makes fantastic leftovers.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken (thighs or breasts), cut into bite-size pieces
1/2 cup plain full-fat yogurt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp sugar
Salt, to taste
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tbsp garlic paste)
1 tbsp ginger, minced (or 1 tbsp ginger paste)
1 cup tomato puree (or crushed tomatoes)
1 1/2 tsp garam masala (or mild curry spice blend)
1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add chicken and coat well. Let rest 10–15 minutes.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger; cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in tomato puree and garam masala. Simmer 5–7 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.
4. Add the chicken (and any yogurt marinade) to the sauce. Cover and simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and simmer 2–3 minutes until silky.
6. Taste and adjust salt. Serve hot with basmati rice or naan.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use dairy-free yogurt.
Keep it mild for kids; add extra spice at the end for adults if you want.
Leftovers store well for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently and add a splash of cream if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Tips & Variations
- Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free yogurt.
- Extra protein: Add chickpeas for a hearty twist.
- Spice control: Keep it mild or add warmth with paprika or chili powder at the end.
- Make ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day.
- Slow cooker option: Simmer the sauce first, then cook on low until tender.
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve creamy butter chicken with:
- Fluffy basmati rice
- Warm naan or flatbread
- Steamed vegetables for balance
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | ~480mg |
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Butter Chicken is everything you want in a cozy dinner — rich, comforting, and easy enough for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for family or prepping meals ahead, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.