Creamy Butter Chicken Delight Recipe

This quick and easy Creamy Butter Chicken Delight is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, brimming with tender chicken bathed in a rich, velvety tomato sauce you’ll want to scoop up with every piece of naan. Ready in less than an hour—with minimal fuss—it’s the cozy, flavor-packed comfort food perfect for weeknights or when you want to wow guests!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the ingredient list fool you—each item here plays a vital role in creating that signature Creamy Butter Chicken Delight flavor and color. Gather everything before you start, and you’ll be amazed at just how simple this luxurious meal is to assemble.

• Chicken Thighs: Skinless, boneless thighs stay tender and juicy through simmering, making them ideal for rich curries.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and sauce, enhancing every layer of flavor.
• Garlic Powder and Fresh Garlic: Double the garlic means double the savory depth!
• Sweet Paprika: Adds warm, earthy sweetness and helps give the sauce its beautiful color.
• Curry Powder: Brings gentle spice and classic butter chicken aroma—don’t skip it!
• Greek Yogurt: Tenderizes the chicken and provides a hint of tang in the marinade.
• Vegetable Oil: Perfect for browning chicken evenly, without overpowering the flavors.
• Butter: This is what makes the dish so luxuriously creamy and silky—use real butter for best results.
• Onion: Sautés down to a sweet base, laying the groundwork for a flavorful sauce.
• Tomato Sauce: The foundation of color and tang—use a good-quality canned sauce for best flavor.
• Sugar: Just a teaspoon helps balance out the acidity of the tomatoes for that authentic restaurant-style flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and seasoning to round out the flavors.
• Heavy Cream: The star of “creamy”—it transforms the sauce into a luscious, velvety dream.
• Cayenne Pepper (optional): Add a little for gentle heat or skip for a milder version—totally up to you!
• Garam Masala: This warm, aromatic spice blend gives the sauce its unmistakeable butter chicken personality.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish—a little freshness and a pop of color to finish.
• Naan Bread & Steamed Rice: These classic sides make every bite of Creamy Butter Chicken Delight that much more satisfying.

Variations

I love how Creamy Butter Chicken Delight adapts to every preference—there is so much room for personal twists whether you want to lighten things up, make it spicier, or keep it dairy-free. Here are a few of my favorite ways to shake things up!

• Lighter Dairy: Use half-and-half or coconut cream in place of the heavy cream for a slightly lighter finish (still so creamy!).
• Spicy Kick: Crank up the cayenne or add chopped fresh chilies for a fiery version that still stays balanced and smooth.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in a handful of spinach or peas right at the end for a hit of color and extra nutrition.
• Swap the Protein: Try boneless chicken breast, paneer, or even tofu to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs.

How to Make Creamy Butter Chicken Delight

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Mix together your bite-sized chicken thighs, salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt in a bowl. Massage it all together so every piece is beautifully coated—if you can, let it sit for 15 minutes so the chicken soaks up all that flavor while you prep the sauce ingredients.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add your marinated chicken, spreading into a single layer. Cook, without fussing too much, until golden and cooked through—about 8-10 minutes. Scoop the chicken onto a plate and keep the oil in the pan for the next step!

Step 3: Start the Sauce Base

Lower the heat to medium. Toss in 1 tablespoon of butter, then add the garlic and onion, along with a sprinkle of salt. Use your spoon to scrape up every bit of golden flavor from the pan. Sauté until the onion is soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Tomato Sauce & Simmer

Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle with the sugar. Let this bubble away for a few minutes to mellow out any tartness. Slide the cooked chicken (and all the juices!) back into the skillet, stirring to coat in the vibrant sauce.

Step 5: Creamy Finish & Spices

Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring as the sauce turns that dreamy orange color. Add cayenne (for heat, if you like), garam masala, more curry powder, and black pepper. Simmer gently on low for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken perfectly.

Step 6: Stir in Butter & Serve

To finish your Creamy Butter Chicken Delight, stir in the last two tablespoons of cold butter for a glossy, silky texture. Garnish with lots of chopped parsley. Now’s the best part—bring out the naan, scoop rice onto plates, and let everyone dig in while it’s hot and fragrant!

How to Serve Creamy Butter Chicken Delight

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley (or cilantro—classic!) adds freshness and a pop of color, making your Creamy Butter Chicken Delight look as vibrant as it tastes. Don’t be shy—finish with a swirl of cream or a little extra butter for an ultra-indulgent touch.

Side Dishes

This dish is practically begging to be partnered with pillowy naan bread and a heap of steamy rice. Serve with a cool cucumber raita or a simple green salad for a balanced, satisfying meal the whole table will rave about.

Creative Ways to Present

Set up a DIY “butter chicken bowl” bar—let guests scoop Creamy Butter Chicken Delight over rice, top with garnishes, and add sides of their choice. For date nights, serve in pretty shallow bowls with swirls of cream and a sprinkling of toasted nuts or pomegranate seeds for an extra wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Butter Chicken Delight keeps beautifully for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors deepen overnight, making for some truly epic next-day lunches!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this dish! Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to help restore the original creamy texture. Stir well and heat just until steaming to avoid overcooking the chicken.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving big, bold flavors with minimal effort, Creamy Butter Chicken Delight is about to become your go-to comfort food. I hope your kitchen fills with mouthwatering aromas and that every bite reminds you just how fun and delicious homemade can be. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this classic—and let me know how you serve yours!

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