Butter chicken – the dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people around the world. This rich, creamy, and utterly delicious Indian-inspired recipe is a staple in many cuisines. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a party with friends, or just want to impress your loved ones, butter chicken is always a winner. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through 20 mouth-watering butter chicken recipes that will satisfy any craving.
From classic dishes like Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice and Spicy Butter Chicken with Naan Bread, to innovative twists like Butter Chicken Pizza with Mozzarella and Butter Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa, these recipes are sure to tantalize your taste buds. So, let’s dive into the world of creamy butter chicken and get cooking!
Classic Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice
Experience the rich flavors of India with this beloved dish, where tender chicken is smothered in a creamy tomato sauce and served over fluffy basmati rice.
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
– Salt, to taste
For the sauce:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon cumin powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
For the basmati rice:
– 1 cup uncooked basmati rice
– 2 cups water
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook basmati rice according to package instructions.
2. Marinate chicken in garam masala, salt, and yogurt (if using).
3. Grill or cook chicken until done, then set aside.
4. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook until golden.
5. Add garlic, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute.
6. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
7. Add cooked chicken to the sauce and stir to coat.
8. Serve over basmati rice.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Spicy Butter Chicken with Naan Bread
Experience the bold flavors of Indian cuisine with this simple and aromatic recipe that combines tender chicken, spicy butter sauce, and crispy naan bread.
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 tbsp ghee or vegetable oil
– 1 tsp cumin powder
– 1 tsp coriander powder
– 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
– Salt, to taste
For the spicy butter sauce:
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 tbsp tomato puree
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp garam masala powder
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
For the naan bread:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup lukewarm water
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Marinate the chicken in yogurt mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Grill or bake the chicken until cooked through.
4. Make the spicy butter sauce by melting butter and whisking with remaining ingredients.
5. Assemble naan bread dough and let it rest for 1 hour.
6. Bake naan bread for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Serve the chicken with warm naan bread and a dollop of spicy butter sauce.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Creamy Coconut Butter Chicken
Savor the rich flavors of coconut and butter in this indulgent chicken dish. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup creamy coconut butter
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh lime wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add coconut butter and stir until melted.
6. Pour in coconut milk and stir to combine with coconut butter.
7. Return chicken to skillet and spoon creamy sauce over top.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until sauce is bubbly and chicken is cooked through.
9. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Butter Chicken Pizza with Mozzarella
A twist on classic chicken pizza, this Butter Chicken Pizza combines the creamy richness of butter chicken sauce with the melted goodness of mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 pre-baked pizza crust
– 1 cup cooked chicken breast (marinated in butter chicken sauce)
– 1/2 cup butter chicken sauce
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread the butter chicken sauce evenly over the pizza crust.
3. Arrange the cooked chicken breast on top of the sauce.
4. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the chicken.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Experience the rich flavors of Indian cuisine with this easy-to-make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken recipe. Tender chicken, creamy tomato sauce, and aromatic spices come together to create a deliciously comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine chopped onion, minced garlic, butter, cumin, coriander, and garam masala.
2. Add the chicken breast or thighs and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Butter Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa
Elevate your taco game with this unique fusion of Indian and Mexican flavors. Creamy butter chicken meets crispy tacos, all wrapped up with a sweet and tangy mango salsa.
Ingredients:
For the Butter Chicken:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp garam masala
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mango Salsa:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook chicken with butter, onion, garlic, garam masala, and cumin until cooked through.
3. Add heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Warm tacos shells according to package instructions.
5. Assemble tacos by spooning the butter chicken mixture onto a shell, followed by mango salsa.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the flavors meld together.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Grilled Butter Chicken Skewers
Elevate your outdoor dining experience with these flavorful and tender grilled butter chicken skewers, perfect for a summer gathering or quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10 wooden skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, garlic, lemon juice, and garam masala. Add chicken cubes and toss until coated.
3. Thread 4-5 pieces of marinated chicken onto each skewer.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as naan bread or roasted vegetables.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Butter Chicken Pasta Bake
Elevate your pasta game with this rich and flavorful Butter Chicken Pasta Bake. This comforting dish combines the warmth of Indian spices with the comfort of a creamy pasta bake.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli work well)
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp ground coriander
– 1/2 tsp garam masala
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions; set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook chicken, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, and garam masala until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese. Bring to a simmer.
5. Combine cooked pasta with the chicken mixture; season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Butter Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Transform the classic flavors of Butter Chicken into a vibrant and nutritious stuffed pepper dish. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked Butter Chicken sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large skillet, sauté chicken, onion, and garlic until cooked through.
4. Add Butter Chicken sauce and stir to combine.
5. Stuff each pepper with the chicken mixture and top with mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Butter Chicken Meatballs in Gravy
Elevate your game day snacks with this rich and flavorful recipe, combining the comfort of meatballs with the bold flavors of butter chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon coriander
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup butter
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream
– Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs and bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
4. While the meatballs are baking, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
5. Remove the meatballs from the oven and add them to the gravy. Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the meatballs are fully coated.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Butter Chicken Biryani with Cashews
Experience the perfect blend of Indian flavors in this aromatic biryani recipe, infused with the richness of butter chicken and crunch of cashews. This dish is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their cooking game!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup basmati rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 tbsp butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp cumin powder
– 1 tsp coriander powder
– 1/2 tsp garam masala
– 1/4 cup cashews, toasted and chopped
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the basmati rice according to package instructions.
2. Marinate the chicken in a mixture of butter, garlic, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt.
3. Grill or cook the marinated chicken until cooked through.
4. In a large pot, layer half of the cooked rice, followed by the cooked chicken, toasted cashews, and remaining rice.
5. Cover and simmer over low heat for 10-12 minutes or until the flavors meld together.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Butter Chicken Quesadillas with Cilantro
Elevate your quesadilla game with the rich flavors of butter chicken, perfect for a unique dinner or snack.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup butter chicken sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Slice the chicken into thin strips and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the butter chicken sauce and stir to warm through.
4. Place a tortilla in the skillet, then sprinkle with shredded cheese, cooked chicken, and chopped cilantro.
5. Fold the tortilla in half and cook for 2-3 minutes or until crispy and melted.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the other side is also crispy.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Butter Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry
Savor the rich flavors of India-inspired butter chicken filling wrapped in a flaky puff pastry crust.
Ingredients:
For the filling:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp garam masala
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the puff pastry:
– 1 package (1 sheet) frozen puff pastry, thawed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook chicken in butter until browned; set aside.
3. In a separate pan, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add diced tomatoes, heavy cream, garam masala, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Stir cooked chicken into the tomato mixture.
5. Roll out puff pastry to fit a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place filling in the center, leaving a 1-inch border around.
6. Fold pastry over the filling, pressing edges to seal. Cut a few slits on top for steam to escape.
7. Brush with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with 1 tsp water) and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Butter Chicken Salad with Yogurt Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the creamy richness of butter chicken with the tanginess of yogurt, perfect for a light and satisfying meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
– 1 cup mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup cucumber, sliced
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tsp garam masala powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup plain yogurt
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, garam masala powder, salt, and pepper. Add cooked chicken and toss to coat.
3. Pour yogurt dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Butter Chicken Sliders with Brioche Buns
These bite-sized sliders bring together the rich flavors of India and the comfort of a classic burger. Soft brioche buns are filled with tender butter chicken, crispy onions, and creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tbsp tomato sauce
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 brioche buns
– Crispy onions (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together chicken, butter, garlic, cumin, paprika, and salt.
3. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, toast the brioche buns on the grill or in a toaster.
5. Assemble the sliders by placing the grilled chicken onto the buns, followed by crispy onions and drizzling with yogurt-tomato sauce.
6. Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Butter Chicken Lasagna with Spinach
This recipe combines the flavors of India with the comfort of lasagna, featuring tender chicken cooked in a rich butter chicken sauce, layered with spinach and gooey mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients:
– 8-10 lasagna noodles
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon garam masala
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
– 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, cook chicken in butter until browned. Add onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, garam masala, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
4. In a separate pan, wilt spinach with a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Assemble lasagna by spreading half the chicken sauce in the bottom of a baking dish, followed by noodles, then spinach, mozzarella cheese, and repeat the layers. Top with remaining chicken sauce.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Butter Chicken Flatbread with Red Onions
A flavorful twist on traditional flatbreads, this recipe combines the richness of butter chicken sauce with the sweetness of caramelized red onions. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a unique appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 package flatbread
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup butter chicken sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with cumin.
3. Brush one side of the flatbread with the butter mixture.
4. Place the flatbread on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes or until crispy.
5. Meanwhile, caramelize the red onion by cooking in a pan with a pinch of salt over low heat for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Spread butter chicken sauce evenly on top of the baked flatbread.
7. Top with caramelized red onions and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: approximately 20-25 minutes
Butter Chicken Soup with Cream
Butter Chicken Soup with Cream Recipe
Summary: A creamy and flavorful soup that combines the richness of butter chicken sauce with the comfort of a warm and cozy broth.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Add diced tomatoes and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let soup cook for 15-20 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Note: You can also serve this soup over cooked rice or noodles for a hearty meal.
Butter Chicken Gnocchi in Tomato Sauce
Elevate your pasta game with this creamy, aromatic dish that combines the flavors of India and Italy. This recipe is a unique twist on traditional gnocchi, adding the rich flavors of butter chicken to create a truly unforgettable meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 package gnocchi
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon garam masala
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook gnocchi according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, tomato paste, garam masala, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add cooked gnocchi to the sauce; toss to combine.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Butter Chicken Wraps with Cucumber Raita
Elevate your wrap game with this flavorful and refreshing recipe that combines the richness of butter chicken with the cooling crunch of cucumber raita.
Ingredients:
For the Butter Chicken:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 tbsp butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp garam masala
– 1/2 tsp cumin powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup tomato puree
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
For the Cucumber Raita:
– 2 large cucumbers, peeled and grated
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– Salt to taste
– Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Marinate chicken in butter, garlic, garam masala, cumin powder, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
2. Grill or cook the chicken until cooked through.
3. In a separate pan, mix tomato puree and heavy cream. Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until thickened.
4. Warm tortilla wraps according to package instructions.
5. Assemble wraps with grilled chicken, tomato sauce, and cilantro (if using).
6. For the raita, combine grated cucumber, yogurt, lemon juice, and salt. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Summary
` tag:
Get ready to indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of butter chicken! This article brings you 20 mouth-watering recipes that are perfect for any occasion. From classic dishes like Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice to innovative twists like Butter Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re craving a comforting casserole or a quick and easy weeknight meal, these creamy butter chicken recipes will satisfy your cravings. So go ahead, get cooking, and enjoy the delightful fusion of Indian and Western flavors!