Butter Chicken Curry
Creamy tomato-based chicken curry with warm spices.
About This Recipe
Tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, buttery tomato and cream sauce spiced with garam masala. This butter chicken curry is shaped by India's spice trade and the careful tempering (tarka) that unlocks aromatic compounds. Served at the table it fills the room — steam rising, deep savory notes, the kind of plate people lean over. Home cooks return to it because the technique is forgiving once the order of operations clicks: build aromatics first, season in layers, and let time do the heavy lifting. The result lands somewhere between everyday and special — humble enough for a weeknight, generous enough for company.
Ingredients
Serves 4
- 600 gchicken thigh, cubed
- 400 gcanned crushed tomatoes
- 100 mlheavy cream
- 2 tbspbutter and garam masala mix
Instructions
- 1
Sear chicken
Sear chicken in butter until golden.
- 2
Make sauce
Add tomatoes, garam masala, simmer 20 min.
- 3
Finish
Stir in cream, simmer 5 min. Serve with naan or rice.
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Pro Tips
- →
Marinate chicken in yogurt for extra tenderness.
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Taste and adjust salt at the very end — flavors concentrate as liquids reduce, and a final pinch of flaky salt sharpens the whole dish.
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Mise en place pays for itself: chop, measure and pre-mix everything before the heat goes on, especially for any step that moves fast.
- →
Read the recipe through once before starting — knowing what's coming prevents the small timing mistakes that compound into bigger ones.
Variations
- •
Use paneer instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.
- •
Vegetarian: swap the protein for roasted king oyster mushrooms, smoked tofu or cooked chickpeas — adjust seasoning slightly upward to compensate.
- •
Spicier: add a finely chopped fresh chile or a teaspoon of crushed Aleppo/Urfa pepper to the aromatics for warm, layered heat instead of a single sharp hit.
- •
Lighter: reduce the fat by a third and finish with a squeeze of citrus or a splash of vinegar to keep brightness without losing body.
Storage
Store in fridge up to 3 days.
History & Origin
Butter Chicken Curry is shaped by India's spice trade and the careful tempering (tarka) that unlocks aromatic compounds. Regional variations are the rule rather than the exception — neighboring villages, families and even individual cooks adapt the dish to what's in the pantry and what's in season, which is why no two versions taste exactly alike and why the recipe has stayed alive for so long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — most of the components can be prepared up to a day in advance and refrigerated separately. Reheat gently and assemble just before serving so textures stay distinct.
What can I substitute if I don't have all the ingredients?
Stay close to the role each ingredient plays: swap aromatics for similar ones (shallot for onion, lime for lemon), and keep the fat-acid-salt balance intact. Spice blends can usually be approximated with what's in the cupboard.
How do I know it's authentic?
Authenticity sits on a spectrum — what matters more is honoring the technique and balance of flavors. If the dish tastes harmonious and respects how cooks in its home region would build it, you're on solid ground.
Why didn't mine turn out as expected?
The two most common issues are under-seasoning and rushing the heat. Taste as you go, season in layers, and give aromatics and proteins the time they need to develop color and depth before moving on.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (350g / 12.3 oz) · 4 servings total
Time Summary
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