Creamy Butter Chicken

Creamy Butter Chicken with Rice

This classic butter chicken is a cosy family favourite, tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich, spiced tomato and cream sauce. Easy to make at home and packed with flavour, it's a great go-to for nights when you want something warm and satisfying.

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• ½ cup plain unsweetened yoghurt

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• ½ tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp garam masala

• 1 tsp paprika

• Salt and cracked black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger

• 1½ tsp garam masala

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp mild chilli powder (optional)

• 1 cup tomato purée

• 1 tsp brown sugar

• ½ cup cream

• Salt, to taste

• Fresh coriander, to serve

To Serve:

• Cooked basmati rice or warm naan

• Optional: a spoonful of plain yoghurt or cucumber raita

Method

1. Marinate the Chicken
   In a bowl, combine the chicken, yoghurt, lemon juice and spices. Using thighs gives the dish a juicy, tender texture that works beautifully in curry-style dishes. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight if you can).

2. Cook the Chicken
   Heat a little oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken in batches and cook until lightly golden and nearly cooked through. Set aside.

3. Make the Sauce
   In the same pan, melt the butter and gently sauté the onion until soft. Stir in the garlic, ginger and spices, then add the tomato purée and brown sugar. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

4. Bring It Together
   Return the chicken to the pan, add the cream, and stir to coat. Let it simmer for another 5–7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is creamy and rich. This dish is a firm favourite in many New Zealand households and often features on weeknight dinner rotations.

5. Serve and Enjoy
   Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with rice or naan—perfect for a relaxed dinner at home.

Tips

• For a leaner option, this also works well with chicken breast.

• If you prefer a slower approach, try adapting this for the slow cooker—just reduce the cream slightly and cook on low for 4–5 hours.

• Mild enough for the whole family, but you can add extra chilli powder for more heat if you like.