Taste the World

Butter Chicken Recipe Inspired by Indian Holidays

Last updated: May 2026

This butter chicken is a mild, creamy curry inspired by North Indian cooking and Indian restaurant favourites. It keeps the sauce smooth and family friendly while using simple supermarket ingredients.

Butter chicken curry with creamy tomato sauce

Recipe Summary

Prep time
15 minutes
Cook time
30 minutes
Total time
45 minutes
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
Estimated cost
£9-£13
Cuisine
Indian
Inspired by
North India and Indian restaurant culture

Ingredients

  • 600g chicken thighs, chopped
  • 150g plain yoghurt
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp butter or oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 400g passata or tinned tomatoes
  • 100ml cream or evaporated milk
  • Cooked rice or naan, to serve

Method

  1. 1

    Mix chicken with yoghurt, garam masala and paprika, then leave while you start the sauce.

  2. 2

    Heat butter or oil in a pan and cook the onion until soft.

  3. 3

    Add garlic and ginger, then cook for 1 minute.

  4. 4

    Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned.

  5. 5

    Pour in passata or tomatoes, then simmer for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

  6. 6

    Stir in cream or evaporated milk, adjust seasoning and serve with rice or naan.

Easy UK & European Ingredient Swaps

IngredientEasy swap
GheeButter or neutral oil
Kashmiri chilli powderMild chilli powder with paprika
Fresh methiDried fenugreek leaves or omit
Double creamEvaporated milk or a small spoon of yoghurt

Budget Cooking Tips

  • Chicken thighs give good flavour at a lower cost than breast.
  • Use passata or own-brand tinned tomatoes for the sauce.
  • Serve with rice instead of naan if you want the cheapest base.
  • Freeze leftover sauce in portions for quick curry nights.

Plan the Holiday Behind This Dish

Butter chicken is tied to North Indian food culture and has become a familiar restaurant curry for many UK travellers. Dedicated India pages are not live yet, so the travel links below point to confirmed Asia and long-haul BudgetHolidayHub planning pages.

Asia Browse Asia holiday guides Explore guide → Sri Lanka Sri Lanka budget travel guide Explore guide → Malaysia Malaysia budget travel guide Explore guide → Worldwide Cheapest holiday destinations from the UK Explore guide →
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FAQs

Can I make butter chicken without cream?

Yes. Evaporated milk, a small spoon of yoghurt or a little extra butter can soften the tomato sauce.

Is butter chicken spicy?

This version is mild. Increase chilli powder if you want more heat.

Can I use leftover cooked chicken?

Yes. Make the sauce first, then add cooked chicken near the end and heat it through gently.