Name: Authentic Butter Chicken Copycat: 10 Stars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons yogurt; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste); Salt to taste; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 inch ginger, grated; 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon sugar; Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Okay, so let me tell you, if you’ve ever wanted that incredible, restaurant-style Butter Chicken without all the fuss, you’ve found it! This Butter Chicken Copycat recipe is my absolute go-to. I remember the first time I tried making it at home – I was so intimidated, thinking it was this super complicated dish. But honestly, it’s surprisingly easy, and the results? Chef’s kiss! It tastes just like the real deal, maybe even better because *you* made it. It’s rich, creamy, perfectly spiced, and that tender chicken just melts in your mouth. Seriously, get ready to impress yourself (and anyone lucky enough to snag a bite!).

Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken Copycat

Seriously, this recipe is a game-changer! Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:

Unbeatable Flavor: It’s got that rich, creamy, tomatoey goodness with just the right amount of spice that you crave. Tastes exactly like your favorite Indian restaurant!
Super Easy to Make: Honestly, it’s way simpler than you think. You don’t need fancy techniques, just a little time to let it all come together.
Wallet-Friendly: Skip the expensive takeout! Making this Butter Chicken Copycat at home saves you a ton of money, and you get a huge batch of deliciousness.
Customizable Spice: Love it mild or extra fiery? You’re in control! Tweak the cayenne pepper to make it perfect for your taste buds.

Gathering Your Butter Chicken Copycat Ingredients

Alright, let’s get our mise en place ready for this amazing Butter Chicken Copycat! You’ll need about a pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into nice bite-sized pieces. For the marinade that makes the chicken so tender, grab some plain yogurt, a splash of lemon juice, and our star spices. For the sauce itself, we’ll need butter, a big onion that’s been finely chopped, and some fresh garlic and ginger. Don’t forget a can of good old tomato sauce, some heavy cream for that luxurious richness, a pinch of sugar to balance everything out, and of course, salt!

Essential Spices for Authentic Butter Chicken Copycat Flavor

These little guys are the heart and soul of our Butter Chicken Copycat! We’re talking garam masala for that warm, complex Indian flavor, cumin and coriander for earthy depth, turmeric for that beautiful golden hue, and a touch of cayenne pepper to give it a gentle kick. Make sure they’re fresh for the best flavor!

Fresh Aromatics for a Fragrant Butter Chicken Copycat Base

You absolutely can’t skip the fresh stuff here! Finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger are crucial. They sauté down to create this incredibly fragrant base that makes the whole sauce sing. Trust me, the smell alone as this cooks is divine!

Crafting Your Perfect Butter Chicken Copycat: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get this amazing Butter Chicken Copycat made! It’s really not complicated, just a few steps and you’ll be digging into pure deliciousness.

Marinating the Chicken for the Best Butter Chicken Copycat

First things first, we gotta get that chicken happy! In a bowl, just toss your chicken pieces with the yogurt, lemon juice, and all those yummy spices we gathered – garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne, and salt. Give it a really good mix so every piece is coated. You want this to sit for at least 30 minutes, but honestly, popping it in the fridge for an hour or even overnight is even better. This is where the magic starts for super tender chicken!

Cooking the Chicken to Perfection for Butter Chicken Copycat

Now, let’s get that chicken cooked. Grab a big skillet or a pot and melt about a tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Don’t crowd the pan! Cook the chicken in batches if you have to, just until it’s nicely browned on all sides. We’re not cooking it all the way through here, just getting some good color. Once it’s browned, scoop it out and set it aside. We’ll add it back later!

Building the Rich Sauce for Your Butter Chicken Copycat

In that same skillet (don’t clean it, all those browned bits are flavor!), add the last tablespoon of butter. Toss in your chopped onion and let it cook until it’s nice and soft and starting to get a little golden, maybe 5-7 minutes. Then, add your minced garlic and grated ginger. Oh, that smell! Cook for just another minute until it’s super fragrant. Now, pour in the tomato sauce. Give it a good stir and scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let it bubble away for a minute.

Bringing It All Together: The Final Simmer for Butter Chicken Copycat

Okay, drumroll please! Add that beautifully browned chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and the sugar. Give it all a good stir to combine everything. Let it simmer gently for about 10 to 15 minutes. You want the sauce to thicken up nicely and for the chicken to be cooked all the way through. Taste it! Does it need more salt? A little more cayenne for heat? Adjust it until it’s perfect for you. That’s it, you’re basically done!

Tips for Butter Chicken Copycat Success

To get that amazing restaurant-quality Butter Chicken Copycat, a few little things make a big difference. Use good quality chicken thighs – they stay so tender! Don’t be shy with the butter and cream; that’s where the richness comes from. When you’re cooking the chicken, make sure the pan is hot enough to get a nice sear, but don’t burn the aromatics when you’re sautéing them. If your sauce isn’t thickening up quite right, just let it simmer a little longer uncovered. It’s all about tasting and adjusting until it’s perfect!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Butter Chicken Copycat

Chicken thighs are my absolute fave for this Butter Chicken Copycat because they stay moist, but chicken breast works too – just be careful not to overcook it! If you like it spicier, definitely add more cayenne pepper. And if you happen to have some fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi), a little pinch tossed in at the end adds this authentic, incredible aroma that’s just *chef’s kiss*!

Serving and Enjoying Your Butter Chicken Copycat

Now for the best part – eating your amazing homemade Butter Chicken Copycat! This dish is just begging to be served with fluffy basmati rice to soak up all that incredible sauce. Or, grab some warm naan bread for scooping. Before you dig in, give it a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro. That bright green against the gorgeous orange sauce just looks so inviting, doesn’t it? Take a moment to really savor it. You made this! It’s rich, creamy, perfectly spiced, and oh-so-satisfying. Enjoy every single bite!

Frequently Asked Questions about Butter Chicken Copycat

Got questions about whipping up this glorious Butter Chicken Copycat? I’ve got answers!

Can I make this Butter Chicken Copycat ahead of time? Absolutely! The flavors actually meld together even better if you make it a day in advance. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop. It’s perfect for meal prep!

What if I don’t have yogurt for the marinade? No worries! You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for a thicker marinade, or even buttermilk in a pinch. Just make sure it’s plain and unsweetened.

How can I make the sauce thicker for my Butter Chicken Copycat? If your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like after simmering, you can create a slurry with a tablespoon of cornstarch and a couple of tablespoons of water. Stir it into the simmering sauce and cook for another minute or two until it thickens up beautifully.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, you can! Just be aware that chicken breast can dry out more easily. Cook it for a shorter time after marinating to ensure it stays tender and juicy in your Butter Chicken Copycat.

Nutritional Estimate for Butter Chicken Copycat

Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates and can change depending on the exact ingredients you use! For one serving of this glorious Butter Chicken Copycat, you’re looking at roughly 500 calories. It’s got about 35g of fat, 30g of protein, and 15g of carbohydrates. It’s a rich dish, for sure, but so worth it!

Share Your Butter Chicken Copycat Creation!

Okay, I’m dying to hear how your Butter Chicken Copycat turned out! Did you love it? Did you tweak anything? Please, please leave a comment below and tell me all about it! And if you snapped a pic, tag me on social media – I’d be thrilled to see your masterpiece. Your feedback really helps other home cooks too!