Creamy Butter Chicken
Let me be crystal clear: Creamy Butter Chicken is that meal prep. The one. The recipe that built the empire. The dish that turned “just meal prepping” into a full-blown culinary event. This is tender, flavor-loaded chicken smothered in a rich, spiced tomato cream sauce that makes your kitchen smell like heaven and your Tupperware look like fine dining. We’re talking OG status—the recipe that’s been fueling gains, saving weeknights, and blowing minds since day one.
It’s not just the flavor (though yeah, that’s elite). It’s the way the garam masala, garlic, and heavy cream come together in perfect harmony—bold but smooth, spicy but comforting, indulgent but balanced. Every bite is buttery, warm, and soul-hugging. Served over jasmine rice? Forget it. It’s game over. This isn’t just a good meal prep. This is the meal prep. And somehow, despite how rich and creamy it tastes, the macros are absolutely on point. That’s the kind of wizardry we do around here.
So if you’re new to the blog, or you’ve just been sleeping on this one, let me say it louder for the people in the back: Make. This. Recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a fridge-filler, and a weeknight winner. I’ve created a lot of high-protein bangers over the years, but this is the one I’ll never stop coming back to. The Butter Chicken that started it all. Bookmark it, batch it, and watch it become your new obsession.
Butter Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Butter Chicken:
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 2 lbs raw chicken breast cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1 tsp ginger minced
- 6 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream you can technically use half & half, but heavy cream is a game changer
- 1 tbsp garam masala heaping
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp fenugreek powder optional but epic
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine rice
Instructions
Prep the ingredients
- Dice the onion, cube the chicken, & mince the garlic and ginger.1 medium yellow onion, 2 lbs raw chicken breast, 1 tsp ginger, 6 cloves garlic
- Start cooking the rice using your preferred method. I'm a rice cooker guy myself!1 cup jasmine rice
- Combine the spices in a small bowl1 tbsp garam masala, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp fenugreek powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
Start Cooking the Butter Chicken
- Heat your large saucepan over high heat. Add the olive oil & onions, cook down until golden (about 5 minutes)2 tbsp olive oil, 1 medium yellow onion
- Add ginger & garlic and cook for about 45 seconds, until fragrant. Stir to make sure it doesn't burn.1 tsp ginger, 6 cloves garlic
- Add chicken, tomato paste, & spices to the mixture. Cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 6 minutes. Stir frequently so it doesn't burn.6 oz tomato paste, 2 lbs raw chicken breast
- Turn the heat to low, & stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for 8-10 minutes and then remove from heat.1 cup heavy cream
- Separate the rice into four separate servings in your meal prep containers! Then add the butter chicken mixture & enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
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Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken
This butter chicken recipe is pure flavor therapy. It’s warm, rich, and decadent—but still macro-friendly enough to hit your fitness goals without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. Juicy chicken breast is simmered in a thick tomato-based sauce, spiked with garlic, ginger, and garam masala, then finished with silky heavy cream for a dish that’s as comforting as it is crave-worthy.
Forget bland chicken breast meal prep—this is a high-protein Indian-inspired dream that reheats like a champ and tastes even better the next day. You get the full flavor punch of classic butter chicken, but it’s simplified, meal-prep-friendly, and balanced with jasmine rice to round out the carbs. Plus, if you’ve never added fenugreek powder to your spice arsenal, this is your golden opportunity. It adds that authentic finishing note that makes this dish taste like it came straight out of a tandoor kitchen.
Whether you’re feeding your gains or just looking for a low-effort dinner that tastes high-effort, this stovetop butter chicken recipe is about to become a regular in your macro rotation.
Ingredient Substitutions & Customizations
- Swap the protein – Boneless chicken thighs work beautifully if you prefer dark meat and more flavor.
- Cream options – You can use half & half or full-fat coconut milk if you’re dairy-free, but heavy cream gives it that rich, restaurant-style texture.
- Spice it up – Want more kick? Add cayenne or use hot chili powder instead of regular.
- Bulk it up – Add peas, spinach, or diced bell peppers to stretch the volume and fiber.
- Rice swaps – Basmati rice is traditional, but quinoa or cauliflower rice work for lower-carb options.
Expert Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken
- Caramelize your onions – Don’t rush this step. Letting the onions get golden gives you the base depth of flavor the sauce needs.
- Stir constantly after adding tomato paste – This keeps it from burning and brings out the sweetness.
- Cut chicken evenly – Even cubes = even cooking = juicier final result.
- Simmer low & slow – Once you add cream, go low heat to prevent breaking or curdling.
- Leftovers magic – It actually tastes better the next day as the spices continue to develop.
Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips
- Fridge: Keeps in airtight containers for 4-5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions (rice + butter chicken) up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Microwave with a splash of water or milk to keep the sauce silky.
- Serve with: Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy cool contrast.
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- A swirl of plain Greek yogurt
- Red pepper flakes or chili oil
- A wedge of lime
- Toasted naan (if you’re feelin’ it)
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Thighs will be even juicier and add richness, just slightly higher fat content.
Is heavy cream necessary?
You can sub half & half, but heavy cream gives that signature buttery texture. Coconut milk also works for dairy-free folks.
Is this authentic Indian butter chicken?
It’s a simplified, meal-prep-friendly version inspired by the classic—but we still honor the bold spice and creamy depth. Not traditional, but definitely delicious.
How spicy is this?
It’s mild to medium by default. Omit chili powder or fenugreek to tone it down—or spice it up with cayenne or extra masala.
What’s the best rice for butter chicken?
Jasmine or basmati work best for soaking up all that creamy, spiced sauce. They reheat like champs too.
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Whether you’re cutting, bulking, or just maintaining a high-protein lifestyle, these chicken meals are perfect for your weekly rotation. Each one is built for easy tracking, quick reheats, and serious meal prep efficiency. From chicken rice bowls to high-protein pastas and oven-roasted classics, these recipes cover all the best ways to prep chicken for muscle-building, fat loss, or just leveling up your lunch game. If you’ve been searching for “healthy chicken meal prep,” “easy high-protein chicken meals,” or “fitness-friendly chicken recipes,” this is where your next prep week starts.
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The blueprint to high-protein meal prep
Want to see how I structure high-protein meal prep recipes like this to hit real fitness goals—whether you’re cutting, bulking, or just trying to stay lean? Check out my full meal prep strategy here to learn how I use macro-friendly meals to stay consistent all week long.
WOW, Incredible dish!! I had pita bread instead of the rice and it was simply divine.