Simple Butter Chicken Recipe Saffron Cream Swirl

Name: simple butter chicken recipe Saffron Cream Swirl
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces (or breast); 1 28-oz can crushed or diced tomatoes; 0.375 cup unsalted butter; 0.5 cup heavy cream; 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger; 4 cloves minced garlic; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp ground cumin; 0.75 tsp chili powder (or Kashmiri chili powder for color); 1 pinch saffron threads; 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water); 0.25 cup plain Greek yogurt, for marinade (optional); 0.5 tsp salt

I’ve always believed that the best meals don’t have to be complicated, and this simple butter chicken recipe with a luxurious Saffron Cream Swirl truly proves it. The moment those spices hit the pan, my kitchen fills with an irresistible, warm aroma that promises comfort. This family-friendly dish is a game-changer for busy weeknights, offering restaurant-quality taste without the fuss, making it perfect for health-minded cooks and budget eaters alike.

simple butter chicken recipe Saffron Cream Swirl

Ingredient Spotlight and Why They Matter

Chicken Thighs (or Breast): 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces. Thighs offer richer flavor and tenderness; breast provides a leaner, high-protein option.
Canned Tomatoes: One 28-oz (794g) can crushed or diced tomatoes. These form the tangy, robust foundation of your curry.
Butter & Cream: ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter and ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream. The heart of butter chicken’s creamy texture. For a nuttier note, use ghee.
Ginger & Garlic: 1 Tbsp (15g) grated fresh ginger and 4 cloves minced garlic. These aromatic powerhouses are essential for deep, authentic flavor.
Spices (Garam Masala, Turmeric, Cumin, Chili Powder): 2 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp ground cumin, ½-1 tsp chili powder (or Kashmiri chili powder for color). Authentic Indian flavors; adjust chili powder to your family’s preferred heat level.
Saffron Threads: A tiny pinch (about 15-20 threads). The star of the Saffron Cream Swirl, adding delicate aroma and a beautiful golden hue. A small amount goes a long way.
Chicken Broth: ½ cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth (or water). Adds moisture and flavor to the sauce.
Plain Yogurt: ¼ cup (60g) plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream if that’s what’s in the fridge). Used for an optional brief marinade to tenderize the chicken and add tang.
Substitutions: For a delicious vegetarian butter chicken, swap chicken for paneer or chickpeas.
Healthier Swaps: Use Greek yogurt or cashew cream instead of heavy cream for a lighter simple butter chicken recipe. Always opt for low-sodium broth to control salt intake, which supports healthy eating.
Pantry Staples: Most ingredients for this easy butter chicken recipe are likely already in your kitchen, making sourcing a breeze.

Easy Cooking Instructions for Your Simple Butter Chicken Recipe Saffron Cream Swirl

Prep the Chicken (10 min): Dice chicken into 1-inch pieces. In a bowl, toss chicken with 2 Tbsp plain yogurt, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp garam masala. Let it sit while you prep other ingredients; even a brief marinade adds tenderness.
Sauté Aromatics (5 min): In a large, heavy-bottomed 10-inch skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 Tbsp butter over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 small chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the grated ginger and minced garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Build the Sauce (15 min): Add the remaining garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and chili powder to the pan, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant and ‘bloomed.’ Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and cook, uncovered, for about 10 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and deepens in color. If the sauce appears too thick, splash in 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth. For a super smooth sauce, carefully blend it with an immersion blender now.
Cook the Chicken (10-12 min): Stir the marinated chicken pieces into the simmering sauce. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. This usually takes 8-10 minutes; avoid overcooking, as the chicken can become tough and dry. My family likes a mild butter chicken recipe, so I always go easy on the chili powder here.
Finish with Cream & Swirl (2 min): Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the remaining 2 Tbsp butter and the heavy cream until fully incorporated and the sauce looks glossy. For the show-stopping Saffron Cream Swirl: warm 2 Tbsp of cream separately (microwave for 15 seconds), add the saffron threads, and let steep for a minute. Gently drizzle and swirl this saffron-infused cream into the finished simple butter chicken recipe just before serving.

Everyday Uses and Make-Ahead Convenience

This simple butter chicken recipe is incredibly versatile, ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prepping for the week, or a special weekend family gathering. It’s also a fantastic dish to bring to potlucks!

Serve over fluffy Basmati rice or fragrant jasmine rice.
Pair with warm naan bread or Roti for scooping up the rich sauce.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a squeeze of lime to brighten the flavors.
Serve alongside a simple cucumber raita or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
For a light meal, serve this creamy chicken with cauliflower rice.

Make-Ahead Tips

Batch Cooking: Double the simple butter chicken recipe for effortless meal prep. It truly tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Storage: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooled butter chicken in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce to its original consistency.

Nutrition & Lifestyle Advantages of Your Simple Butter Chicken Recipe Saffron Cream Swirl

Our simple butter chicken recipe Saffron Cream Swirl provides a balanced meal with plenty of protein from the chicken and nutrients from the vegetables in the sauce, offering sustained energy throughout your day.

Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly: Serve with cauliflower rice. Use heavy cream, but watch for added sugars in canned tomatoes for a delicious low-carb butter chicken option.
Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free if you use pure spices and double-check labels on broth. This makes it a fantastic gluten-free chicken recipe for those with dietary restrictions.
High-Protein Meal: An excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle support and satiety.
Healthy Meal Prep: This dish is an ideal candidate for healthy meal prep, ensuring you have nutritious options readily available throughout your busy week.

This recipe fits perfectly into your rotation of quick dinner ideas, making it simple to enjoy a flavorful, homemade meal even on the busiest evenings.

Why This Simple Butter Chicken Recipe Helps You Save Time and Money

Making this dish at home offers significant advantages for your budget and schedule, making it an everyday hero.

Simplified Cooking: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe significantly reduces kitchen stress and cooking time.
Budget-Friendly: Chicken thighs are often an economical choice, and pantry spices make this an affordable family meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Less Waste: The versatile ingredients mean you’re less likely to have leftover odd bits and pieces that go unused.
Family Appeal: This creamy, flavorful dish is a crowd-pleaser that satisfies diverse tastes, reducing the need to prepare multiple meals for picky eaters.
Grocery Convenience: Easily order ingredients through grocery delivery services or find them in most meal kits that offer Indian-inspired dishes, making this a truly easy butter chicken recipe to source.

Smart Tips, Adjustments, and Special Notes for Your Simple Butter Chicken Recipe

Flavor Boosts: A pinch of fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi) adds an authentic depth that elevates the dish. I always find a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime at the end truly brightens all the flavors.
Texture Control: For a silkier, smoother sauce, blend the tomato base carefully with an immersion blender before adding the chicken. If you prefer a chunkier texture, simply mash the tomatoes as they cook.
Sweetness/Spiciness: Add a touch of sugar or honey if your tomatoes are too tart, or if you prefer a sweeter profile. Increase or decrease chili powder to perfectly suit your family’s spice preference for this butter chicken recipe.
Allergy-Friendly: For dairy allergies, use full-fat coconut milk or cream instead of dairy cream and ghee or oil instead of butter. Always ensure all spices are pure and free from cross-contamination.
Kid-Friendly: Introduce spices gradually to young palates. Serving with plenty of rice and warm naan bread can help temper any heat for little ones.

Common Questions About Simple Butter Chicken Recipe Saffron Cream Swirl

Q: Is simple butter chicken recipe Saffron Cream Swirl good for a low-carb diet?

A: Yes, it absolutely can be! Serve it with cauliflower rice and make sure to choose canned tomatoes with no added sugars for a delicious low-carb butter chicken option.

Q: Can I freeze simple butter chicken for meal prep?

A: Absolutely! This simple butter chicken recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months when stored in airtight, freezer-safe containers, making it perfect for healthy meal prep.

Q: What are the best healthy sides to serve with simple butter chicken?

A: Consider serving it with cauliflower rice, a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette, or steamed green beans for healthy, complementary sides.

Q: How do I make this butter chicken spicier?

A: To add more heat, increase the amount of chili powder or include a pinch of cayenne pepper during the sauce-building step. Taste and adjust as you go!

Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in this dish?

A: Yes, chicken breast works well, but be careful not to overcook it as it tends to dry out faster than thighs. Cook until just done for the best texture.

Q: What gives the Saffron Cream Swirl its flavor?

A: Saffron threads, steeped in warm cream, impart a delicate, aromatic, and slightly sweet flavor to the swirl, which beautifully complements and elevates the overall dish.

Q: Is this a quick dinner idea?

A: Yes, with an active cooking time often under 30 minutes, this simple butter chicken recipe is a fantastic quick dinner idea for busy weeknights. I consistently have this on the table in under an hour, which makes it a family favorite when time is tight.

Conclusion

This simple butter chicken recipe with its elegant Saffron Cream Swirl offers a perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and convenience, making it an indispensable addition to your family’s meal rotation. It’s easy enough for weeknights yet special enough for guests, promising delicious, healthy eating results every time. Save this recipe on Pinterest, and add the ingredients to your next grocery order for a truly satisfying home-cooked meal!