Butter Chicken Curry is the kind of creamy, deeply spiced comfort food that feels indulgent yet surprisingly simple to make at home. This homemade Butter Chicken Curry features tender bone-in chicken pieces tossed in Providore’s Butter Chicken Curry Mix, simmered with chopped tomatoes, coconut cream, butter, onion, garlic, and chicken stock until rich and velvety. If you’re looking for an easy butter chicken recipe, a family-friendly curry dinner, or a comforting coconut cream chicken curry that’s perfect for weekend cooking, this dish delivers bold flavor with minimal fuss. Ideal for cozy family meals, relaxed entertaining, or meal prep nights, this Butter Chicken Curry offers a silky sauce, warming spices, and melt-in-your-mouth chicken that makes every bite deeply satisfying.
Introduction
There’s something irresistible about a pot of Butter Chicken Curry gently simmering on the stove. The aroma of onions and garlic softening in oil, the richness of coconut cream and butter blending with tomatoes, and the bold spice notes from the curry mix create a dish that feels both celebratory and comforting.
This version keeps things beautifully straightforward. With Providore’s Butter Chicken Curry Mix doing the heavy lifting on spice balance, you get depth and complexity without needing a long list of individual spices. The bone-in chicken pieces stay juicy and flavorful, while the sauce thickens into a creamy, luscious base that clings to every bite.
Whether you’re serving it for a relaxed family dinner, preparing it ahead for gatherings, or simply craving a warm and hearty meal, this Butter Chicken Curry stands out for its richness, simplicity, and bold flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deep, Creamy Flavor – Coconut cream and butter create a velvety sauce with rich body.
- Simple Ingredient List – The curry mix streamlines spice blending without sacrificing taste.
- Perfect for Make-Ahead – The flavors deepen beautifully after resting.
- Family-Friendly – Warm spice without overwhelming heat.
- Generous Yield – 1.5 kg of chicken makes it ideal for feeding a crowd.
- Comforting and Hearty – Bone-in chicken adds depth and moisture to the sauce.
Ingredients Breakdown
Main Ingredients
- 50g (1/2 pack) Providore’s Butter Chicken Curry Mix
- 1.5 kg Chicken Pieces (bone in)
- 2 tbs coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 50g diced butter
- 1 Onion
- 2 Cloves Garlic
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 2 x 400g Tins Chopped Tomatoes
- 400ml Coconut Cream
- Fresh coriander leaves optional
Serving Suggestions (as listed)
- Basmati rice
- Providore brinjal pickle
- Pappadums
Ingredient Roles
- Butter Chicken Curry Mix provides balanced spice and warmth.
- Bone-in chicken pieces retain moisture and enhance depth of flavor.
- Coconut cream delivers creaminess and subtle sweetness.
- Chopped tomatoes add acidity and structure to the sauce.
- Butter enriches and smooths the final texture.
All quantities are used exactly as provided.

Tools & Equipment Needed
- Large heavy-bottomed pan or deep skillet
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Refrigerator-safe container
Optional:
- Tongs for turning chicken
- Lid for gentle simmering
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
Toss 1.5 kg chicken pieces (bone in) through 50g (1/2 pack) Providore’s Butter Chicken Curry Mix.
Set aside in the fridge for a few hours, overnight if possible, to allow the spices to penetrate the meat.
2. Prepare Aromatics
Chop 1 onion and 2 cloves garlic.
3. Cook Onion and Garlic
Heat 2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until glassy and softened. The onion should become translucent and fragrant.
4. Seal the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan.
Cook through until sealed on the outside, turning occasionally. The exterior should lose its raw color.
5. Build the Sauce
Add:
- 2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes
- 400ml coconut cream
- ½ cup chicken stock
Bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Simmer
Cook for approximately 20–30 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the chicken to cook fully. The sauce should become rich and cohesive.
7. Finish with Butter
Add 50g diced butter and stir in until fully melted and incorporated. This creates a glossy, silky finish.
8. Adjust Seasoning
Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve
Serve with fresh coriander leaves if desired. Traditionally paired with basmati rice, Providore brinjal pickle, and pappadums.
Tips & Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken pieces with firm vegetables such as cauliflower or chickpeas while keeping sauce quantities identical.
- Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but confirm the curry mix label.
- Dairy-Free: Replace butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Spice Adjustment: Add extra curry mix for stronger spice intensity.
- Richer Version: Allow sauce to simmer slightly longer for thicker consistency.
Flavor Profile
This Butter Chicken Curry is rich, creamy, and layered. The tomatoes provide brightness and acidity, while coconut cream softens the spice edges into a smooth, rounded finish. Butter adds luxurious mouthfeel and subtle sweetness. The bone-in chicken imparts savory depth as it simmers, creating a sauce that’s bold yet balanced.
The texture is velvety and thick enough to coat rice beautifully. Aromas of garlic, onion, and warm spices fill the kitchen as it cooks.
Nutritional Overview (Estimated Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)
- Calories: ~520
- Protein: ~40g
- Carbohydrates: ~18g
- Fat: ~34g
- Fiber: ~4g
Dietary Notes: Gluten-free (verify mix), contains dairy, high protein.
Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips
- Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- Prepare full curry a day ahead; flavors intensify after resting.
- Store in airtight container in refrigerator up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on stovetop to maintain sauce texture.
FAQs
Can I marinate for less time?
Yes, a few hours works, but overnight provides deeper flavor.
Why use bone-in chicken?
Bone-in pieces retain moisture and enrich the sauce.
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, but monitor cooking time to avoid dryness.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer uncovered slightly longer to reduce.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, once fully cooled.
Cooking Timeline
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Several hours marinating | 20–30 minutes simmer | Approx. 1 day including marination | 6 |
Serving Suggestions
Serve in a large shallow bowl with sauce spooned generously over the chicken. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for contrast. Present alongside basmati rice, brinjal pickle, and crisp pappadums for texture variation.
Recipe Variations
- Extra Creamy Version – Simmer longer before adding butter for thicker base.
- Rustic Style – Use larger chicken pieces for hearty presentation.
- Chunky Sauce Version – Allow tomatoes to remain slightly textured.
- Herb-Forward Finish – Add extra coriander at serving.
Ingredient Spotlight
Coconut Cream
Choose full-fat coconut cream for maximum richness. Shake well before opening. Store unused portions refrigerated and use within 3 days.
Butter Chicken Curry Mix
This blend ensures balanced spice without guesswork. Store sealed in a cool, dry place to preserve aroma.
Pro Cooking Tips
- Do not rush marination; it enhances depth.
- Simmer gently, not rapidly, to prevent sauce separation.
- Add butter at the end for best texture and gloss.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Storage & Freezing Guide
Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in airtight container.
Freezer: Up to 3 months once cooled.
Reheating: Warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Avoid: High heat reheating, which can split the sauce.
Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~520 |
| Protein | ~40g |
| Carbs | ~18g |
| Fat | ~34g |
| Fiber | ~4g |
Dietary Notes: Gluten-free (check mix), contains dairy, nut-free.
Expanded Conclusion
This Butter Chicken Curry brings together bold spice, creamy richness, and tender chicken in one deeply satisfying dish. It’s approachable enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. The slow simmer, the buttery finish, and the aromatic spice blend make it a recipe worth returning to again and again.
If you’ve been searching for a comforting homemade curry that feels authentic and generous without being complicated, this is it. Save it, share it, and let it become a regular in your kitchen rotation.
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Easy Butter Chicken Curry – Creamy Homemade Comfort Food
A rich and comforting Butter Chicken Curry made with tender chicken pieces simmered in a creamy tomato and coconut sauce, finished with butter for a velvety texture. Perfect served with basmati rice and traditional sides.
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 50g butter chicken curry mix
- 1.5 kg chicken pieces (bone-in)
- 2 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 50g diced butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes
- 400ml coconut cream
- Fresh coriander leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Toss chicken pieces with butter chicken curry mix. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight if possible.
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic; cook until softened and translucent.
- Add marinated chicken and cook until sealed on all sides.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, coconut cream, and chicken stock. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for 20–30 minutes until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Add diced butter and stir until melted and incorporated.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with basmati rice and preferred sides.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for the last 5–10 minutes.
- Pairs well with basmati rice, brinjal pickle, and pappadums.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Simmer
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired



