Super Creamy Butter Chicken! 30 Minute Dinner Idea
SUPER CREAMY BUTTER CHICKEN! 30 Minute Dinner Idea is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Moribyan on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 55 min
Cost: $14.48 total, $3.62 per serving
Ingredients
- unspecified Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless, cut into bite‑size pieces)
- unspecified Fresh Garlic (minced)
- unspecified Fresh Ginger (minced)
- unspecified Plain Whole Yogurt (for marinating and garnish)
- unspecified Salt (to taste)
- unspecified Cumin (ground, to taste)
- unspecified Garam Masala (to taste)
- unspecified Coriander (ground, to taste)
- unspecified Cayenne Pepper (to taste, optional heat)
- unspecified Turmeric (to taste)
- unspecified Paprika (to taste)
- unspecified Vegetable Oil (for browning chicken and cooking paste)
- unspecified Tomato Paste (canned, 2‑3 tbsp)
- unspecified Tomato Sauce (canned or jarred, about 1 cup)
- unspecified Heavy Cream (adds richness, about ½ cup)
- unspecified Fresh Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
In a mixing bowl combine chicken pieces with minced garlic, minced ginger, plain yogurt, salt, cumin, garam masala, ground coriander, cayenne, turmeric and paprika. Mix thoroughly until every piece is coated. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).
Time: PT10M
Brown the Chicken
Heat a splash of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces develop a golden‑brown crust but are still slightly pink inside (about 6‑8 minutes). Transfer the chicken to a bowl and set aside.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: medium‑high
Cook Tomato Paste
In the same skillet add a little more oil if needed, then stir in the tomato paste. Cook, stirring constantly, for 4‑5 minutes until the paste darkens and its raw acidity fades.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Build the Sauce
Add the tomato sauce and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 8‑10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: low simmer
Finish the Dish
Return the browned chicken (and any juices) to the sauce. Simmer for another 4‑5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce coats the pieces, turning a rich orange hue.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: low simmer
Plate and Garnish
Transfer the butter chicken to a deep serving bowl. Swirl a spoonful of plain yogurt on top to cool the heat and sprinkle chopped cilantro for freshness. Serve immediately with rice or homemade garlic naan.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 450
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 10 g
- Fat
- 30 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: High‑protein, Gluten‑free if served with rice, Contains dairy
Allergens: Dairy (yogurt, heavy cream)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Tofu, Paneer, Cauliflower
- Instead of Plain Whole Yogurt: Greek yogurt
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Sunflower oil
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: crushed tomatoes
- Instead of Heavy Cream: half‑and‑half, coconut cream
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons (optional)
- Serving Bowl
- Grater (optional for ginger) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Marinating the chicken evenly ensures flavor penetration
- Do not over‑cook the chicken during browning; it will finish cooking in the sauce
- Cooking the tomato paste until it darkens removes raw acidity and deepens flavor
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use full‑fat yogurt for a richer marinate and smoother sauce
- Add a small knob of butter at the end for extra shine, true to classic butter chicken
- Garnish with a drizzle of extra cream for an elegant presentation
Troubleshooting
Chicken turns dry
Do not over‑cook during the browning step and remember the chicken will finish cooking in the sauce.
Sauce is too acidic
Cook the tomato paste longer or add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
Sauce is too thin
Simmer a few minutes longer uncovered or stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 1 month
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor
- The tomato‑cream sauce can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated; reheat gently before adding chicken
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Butter Chicken in Indian cuisine?
Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, originated in Delhi in the 1950s when chefs mixed leftover tandoori chicken with tomatoes, butter and cream to create a rich, comforting dish. It quickly became a staple of North Indian restaurant menus and is celebrated for its balance of spice and creaminess.
What are the traditional regional variations of Butter Chicken in North Indian cuisine?
In Punjab, the sauce may be richer with more butter and a hint of fenugreek; in Lucknow it can be lighter with a tomato‑onion base. Some regions add cashew paste for extra thickness, while others keep it simple with just cream and spices.
How is Butter Chicken traditionally served in Indian households?
Butter Chicken is typically served hot with steamed basmati rice or soft Indian breads such as naan, roti or paratha. A side of fresh cucumber raita and a wedge of lemon are common accompaniments.
On what occasions is Butter Chicken traditionally prepared in Indian culture?
Butter Chicken is popular for family gatherings, festivals like Diwali, and celebratory meals because its rich flavor feels indulgent yet comforting for guests of all ages.
What authentic ingredients define traditional Butter Chicken versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic Butter Chicken uses boneless chicken, ghee or butter, plain yogurt, tomato puree or paste, cream, and a blend of garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and fenugreek. Substitutes like tofu, paneer or cauliflower can replace the chicken for vegetarians, and coconut cream can replace dairy cream for a dairy‑free version.
What other Indian dishes pair well with Butter Chicken?
Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with buttery garlic naan, jeera rice, dal makhani, and a fresh cucumber‑mint raita. For a complete meal, serve a light lentil soup like mulligatawny on the side.
What makes Butter Chicken special or unique in Indian cuisine?
Its signature characteristic is the silky, tomato‑cream sauce that balances heat with sweetness, creating a universally appealing flavor profile that bridges the gap between spicy curries and milder, creamy dishes.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Butter Chicken?
Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken during browning, not cooking the tomato paste long enough (leaving a raw acidic taste), and adding cream at too high a heat, which can cause it to curdle.
Why does this Butter Chicken recipe use yogurt in the marinate instead of lemon juice?
Yogurt tenderizes the chicken gently while adding a subtle tang; lemon juice can denature the proteins too quickly, making the meat tough. The yogurt also contributes to the creamy texture of the final sauce.
Can I make Butter Chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Marinate the chicken overnight, and the sauce can be prepared up to two days in advance. Store the cooked sauce in the refrigerator in an airtight container and reheat gently before adding the chicken. Leftovers keep for 3 days refrigerated or 1 month frozen.
What does the YouTube channel Moribyan specialize in?
The YouTube channel Moribyan focuses on approachable Indian home‑cooking tutorials, offering step‑by‑step videos that blend traditional flavors with modern kitchen techniques for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Moribyan's approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?
Moribyan emphasizes quick, ingredient‑flexible recipes, often suggesting vegetarian swaps and providing clear visual cues for each step, whereas many other channels stick strictly to classic preparations without offering adaptation tips.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
