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 travel-inspired recipe placeholder

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.