Creamy, flavourful, and packed with aromatic spices, butter chicken is a favourite for anyone who enjoys comforting Indian food. Its rich tomato-based gravy, tender chicken, and mild spices make it a delicious choice for lunch or dinner. With a few everyday ingredients and the right cooking technique, this butter chicken recipe can be prepared at home without complicated steps or excessive cleanup. The SUNCASA Stainless Steel Fry Pan makes it convenient to sauté the ingredients, cook the chicken, and simmer the creamy gravy in one pan.
Butter Chicken Recipe Ingredients
This recipe serves four people and can be prepared in approximately 20–25 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces and cooking conditions.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 500 g boneless chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste or ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon chilli powder or paprika
- 1 teaspoon fenugreek powder, optional
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream, or a suitable half-and-half or yoghurt-based alternative
- Fresh coriander, chopped, for garnish
These butter chicken recipe ingredients combine familiar spices with butter, tomato, and cream to create a smooth, flavourful gravy. For a milder preparation, reduce the chilli powder according to your preference.
How to Make Butter Chicken in One Pot
Preparing this dish in a single pan allows the chicken and sauce to cook together, helping the ingredients develop a balanced flavour while keeping cleanup simple.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cutting the chicken into evenly sized pieces so they cook at a similar rate. Finely dice the onion, grate the ginger, and mince the garlic. The SUNCASA Essentra Stainless Steel Chopping Board can be used to prepare the vegetables before cooking.
Keep the spices, tomato paste, butter, and cream measured and ready. Preparing everything beforehand makes the cooking process smoother and helps prevent ingredients from overcooking while you reach for the next item.
Step 2: Heat the Oil and Butter
Place the SUNCASA Impact Pro Stainless Steel Fry Pan on the stove over medium heat. Add the oil and butter, allowing the butter to melt without browning excessively.
The combination of oil and butter provides a flavourful base for the gravy. Using moderate heat helps the butter retain its flavour while creating a suitable cooking surface for the onions and aromatics.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion, Ginger, and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the pan and sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens. Add the grated ginger and minced garlic, then cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic too much, as it can develop a bitter taste. This aromatic base gives the gravy depth and complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and richness of the cream.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken with Spices
Add the chicken pieces to the pan along with the tomato paste, garam masala, cumin powder, chilli powder, fenugreek powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so the spices coat the chicken evenly.
Cook for approximately 5–6 minutes, stirring regularly. The chicken should begin to cook through, while the tomato and spices combine into a thick, aromatic base. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the pieces.
Step 5: Add the Cream and Simmer
Lower the heat and stir in the cream until the tomato mixture develops a smooth, creamy consistency. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling the gravy vigorously, as high heat can affect its texture.
Check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 74°C before serving. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of water and stir until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is tender and the gravy is rich and creamy, turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander and serve immediately.
This butter chicken one-pot preparation pairs well with steamed rice, jeera rice, butter naan, roti, or paratha. A simple cucumber salad or sliced onions can also complement the rich gravy.
Tips for a Rich and Creamy Butter Chicken
A few practical adjustments can help you achieve a delicious result at home.
- Choose the right chicken: Boneless thighs tend to remain juicy, while chicken breast offers a leaner option. Cut the pieces evenly for consistent cooking.
- Balance the spices: Adjust the chilli powder to suit your taste. Garam masala and cumin provide warmth without requiring excessive heat.
- Simmer gently: Keep the heat low after adding the cream to help maintain a smooth sauce.
- Avoid overcrowding: Use a fry pan with enough room for the chicken to cook evenly. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Taste before serving: Adjust the salt, pepper, and seasoning after the gravy has simmered.
Make Everyday Cooking Easier with SUNCASA
Knowing how to make butter chicken at home means you can enjoy a familiar restaurant-style favourite with ingredients you choose yourself. A little preparation, balanced seasoning, and gentle simmering help bring the flavours together without making the recipe unnecessarily complicated.
The SUNCASA Impact Pro Stainless Steel Fry Pan offers a practical option for sautéing, cooking chicken, and preparing the gravy in one vessel. Explore the SUNCASA cookware collection to find kitchen essentials that support everyday meals, from quick weekday dinners to special family gatherings. With a reliable cooking routine and suitable cookware, preparing comforting Indian favourites can become simpler and more enjoyable.
FAQs
Which SUNCASA cookware is suitable for preparing butter chicken?
The SUNCASA Impact Pro Stainless Steel Fry Pan is suitable for sautéing aromatics, cooking chicken, and simmering gravy, making it practical for preparing this comforting one-pan meal.
What ingredients are needed for a homemade butter chicken recipe?
Chicken, butter, oil, onion, ginger, garlic, tomatoes, cream, and spices form the base. SUNCASA cookware helps bring these ingredients together during everyday cooking.
Can I prepare butter chicken entirely in one pan?
Yes, a suitably sized fry pan lets you sauté onions, cook chicken, and simmer the gravy together. The SUNCASA Impact Pro Fry Pan suits this method.
How can I keep butter chicken gravy smooth and creamy?
Add cream over low heat, stir thoroughly, and simmer gently. Avoid vigorous boiling, and adjust the consistency with small amounts of water when needed during cooking.
What should I serve with homemade butter chicken?
Serve butter chicken with naan, roti, paratha, steamed rice, or jeera rice. SUNCASA cookware helps prepare this flavourful dish conveniently for family lunches and dinners at home.


