5 Buttered Chicken Recipes You’ll Actually Want to Cook (and Eat!)

Okay, real talk buttered chicken might just be one of the best comfort foods ever created. It’s creamy, spicy (but not too spicy), buttery (duh), and the kind of dish that makes you feel like you accidentally ordered takeout from a fancy restaurant. But here’s the kicker you don’t need to be a master chef to whip it up at home.

I’ve tested a bunch of butter chicken recipes (yep, my kitchen smelled like an Indian restaurant for days), and I’m sharing five versions that are guaranteed to make your taste buds do a happy dance. From the traditional classic to a quick weeknight hack, there’s something here for everyone.

Ready? Let’s get that butter sizzling.

1. Classic Restaurant-Style Butter Chicken

You know that silky, rich, slightly smoky butter chicken you get at restaurants? Yeah, you can actually make it at home without begging the chef for their secret spice mix.

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken (boneless, cut into bite-sized chunks)
• 2 tbsp butter (don’t skimp this is buttered chicken)
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 cup tomato puree
• ½ cup cream
• 2 tbsp plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken in yogurt, chili powder, ginger-garlic paste, and salt. Let it sit for at least an hour (overnight if you actually plan ahead).
2. Sear the chicken in oil until golden. Don’t fully cook it you’ll finish it in the sauce.
3. In another pan, melt butter, add tomato puree, spices, and let it simmer until the oil separates. (Yes, that’s when you know you’re doing it right.)
4. Add the chicken, cream, and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Garnish with cilantro and a swirl of extra cream.

👉 Pro Tip: Serve this with naan or basmati rice. And yes, you’ll probably lick the bowl. No judgment.

2. Quick & Easy Weeknight Butter Chicken

No time for marinating overnight? No worries, I got you. This version skips the fancy steps but still tastes amazing. Perfect for when you’re hangry and can’t wait.

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken thighs or breast
• 3 tbsp butter (because more butter = more happiness)
• 1 jar store-bought tomato sauce (yep, we’re cutting corners)
• ½ cup cream or coconut cream
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cube the chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Sauté in butter until cooked through.
3. Pour in tomato sauce, curry powder, garlic powder, and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in cream, let it bubble, and done.

👉 Is this authentic? Nope. Does it taste fantastic and save your sanity on a Tuesday night? Absolutely. 🙂

3. Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

This one is for the lazy cooks (ahem, me on Sundays). You basically throw everything into the pot, walk away, and come back hours later to something magical.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg chicken thighs
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
• 2 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss chicken, onions, garlic, tomatoes, butter, and spices into your slow cooker.
2. Set it to low for 6 hours (or high for 3 if you’re impatient).
3. Stir in cream before serving.

👉 Ever wondered why slow cookers are a thing of beauty? Because they make dishes like this practically cook themselves.

4. Butter Chicken with a Spicy Twist 🌶️

If you love a little heat, this one’s for you. Think of it as butter chicken that had an energy drink—bold, fiery, and addictive.

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken (boneless, cubed)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 large tomato, pureed
• 1 tbsp chili flakes
• 2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust if you don’t want your face melting)
• 1 tsp garam masala
• ½ cup yogurt
• ½ cup cream
• Salt

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken with yogurt, cayenne, chili flakes, and salt.
2. Sear chicken until lightly charred.
3. In another pan, melt butter, add tomato puree and spices.
4. Add chicken, stir in cream, simmer for 15 minutes.

👉 Serve this with cooling cucumber raita because, trust me, you’ll need it.

5. Healthy(ish) Butter Chicken

Okay, I know what you’re thinking: “Butter chicken isn’t supposed to be healthy.” True. But sometimes you want the flavor without the guilt. This version lightens things up but still tastes indulgent.

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken breast (leaner option)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (instead of butter—yes, I said it)
• 1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
• ½ cup tomato puree
• ½ cup light coconut milk
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt & pepper

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken in yogurt, turmeric, paprika, and cumin.
2. Cook chicken in olive oil until golden.
3. Add tomato puree, coconut milk, and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Garnish with fresh herbs.

👉 IMO, this version is perfect if you’re meal-prepping for the week. It reheats well, pairs great with quinoa, and doesn’t make you feel like you need a nap after eating.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Try First?

So, there you have it five butter chicken recipes that range from classic restaurant-style indulgence to quick weeknight saviors. Personally, I keep the quick version in my back pocket for busy days and bust out the slow cooker recipe when I want to impress guests (without actually doing much work).

Ever wondered why butter chicken has so many variations? Because it’s one of those magical dishes that works in almost every form. Add more cream, throw in extra spices, make it healthy whatever. It still tastes like a warm hug in food form.

So here’s my challenge to you: pick one recipe this week and give it a try. Worst case? You’ll end up with delicious leftovers. Best case? You’ll have a new go-to comfort food that makes you forget takeout apps even exist.

And hey, don’t forget to stock up on naan you’re gonna need it. 😉