What type of curry is butter chicken?

Butter chicken is a creamy tomato-based curry known for its mild spice and smooth texture. It blends warm spices, butter, cream, and tomato to create a rich, comforting sauce. Cheesy butter chicken follows the same idea but adds melted cheese for an extra layer of indulgence.

Is butter chicken the same as chicken curry?

No, butter chicken is different from a standard chicken curry. Regular chicken curry usually has a stronger spice profile and a thinner sauce. Butter chicken delivers a softer, creamier flavor because it uses butter, cream, and sometimes cheese, which make the dish richer and milder.

What goes into butter chicken curry?

Butter chicken curry usually includes chicken, tomatoes, butter, cream, and warm spices like cumin, garam masala, and turmeric. Cheesy butter chicken uses the same base but adds cheese to make the sauce velvety and more indulgent. The ingredients come together quickly and create a cozy, well-balanced dish.

What makes butter chicken curry?

Butter chicken curry gets its identity from its creamy tomato sauce, gentle spices, and smooth texture. The butter and cream soften the spices and give the dish its signature richness. When you add cheese, cheesy butter chicken becomes even creamier and more comforting without changing the classic flavor balance.

Cheesy Butter Chicken: 5 Ultimate Tips for Rich, Comforting Flavor

Description

Creamy, rich, and full of warm spices, this cheesy butter chicken delivers tender chicken coated in a velvety sauce. The cheese melts smoothly into the tomato and cream base, creating bold comfort without extra work. It cooks quickly, pairs beautifully with rice or naan, and works for both busy nights and relaxed weekends.

Ingredients

Scale

Simple ingredients that build rich cheesy butter chicken flavor.

1 ½ lbs boneless chicken pieces
1 cup plain yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
3 tbsp butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or any melting cheese)
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Mix yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, cumin, paprika, garam masala, and salt. Coat the chicken and marinate for 20–30 minutes.
Heat butter in a pan and sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes.
Add the heavy cream and stir until smooth and creamy.
Add the cheese and let it melt completely into the sauce.
Add the marinated chicken and simmer until fully cooked and tender.
Adjust the seasoning or heat level as needed.
Serve warm with rice, naan, or your favorite sides.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Indian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 580
Fat: 36 g
Saturated Fat: 20 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 42 g