Pioneer Woman Butter Chicken

Pioneer Woman Butter Chicken is a rich, creamy chicken curry made with yogurt-marinated chicken simmered in a velvety tomato and cream sauce. Packed with warming spices and comforting flavor, it’s surprisingly easy to make—and just as good as your favorite takeout. Serve it over basmati rice or with warm naan for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal.

Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken Recipe

• Creamy, cozy comfort food: Velvety tomato sauce with just the right balance of spice and richness.
• Bold flavor, simple steps: A yogurt marinade and quick simmer bring out deep flavor without fuss.
• Takeout taste at home: Feels restaurant-worthy, but made with pantry ingredients.
• Great for meal prep: Stores and reheats beautifully—perfect for leftovers or freezer meals.

Pioneer Woman Butter Chicken Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 1/2 cup full-fat plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp chili powder or cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1.5 lbs (750g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces

For the Curry:

• 2 tbsp ghee or butter (or 1 tbsp vegetable oil)
• 1 cup tomato passata (tomato purée)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 1/4 tsp salt
• Optional: Fresh cilantro for garnish

How to Make Pioneer Woman Butter Chicken

1. Taste and Finish: Taste and adjust salt as needed. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve hot with rice or naan.
2. Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, cumin, ginger, and garlic. Add chicken pieces, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best flavor.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat ghee or oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add chicken with the marinade (don’t shake it off). Cook for about 3 minutes until the pieces are white all over—no need to brown fully.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Add tomato passata, cream, sugar, salt, and any leftover marinade to the skillet. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

Expert Recipe Tips

• Marinate overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
• Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more tender texture than breast meat.
• Adjust the heat easily by using more or less chili powder or cayenne.
• Don’t skip the sugar—it balances the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.
• For richer sauce, substitute a bit of cream with coconut cream or cashew paste.

Recipe Variations

• Lighter Option: Use Greek yogurt and half-and-half instead of cream.
• Extra Spicy: Add fresh green chilies or increase cayenne for heat-lovers.
• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with paneer, tofu, or roasted cauliflower.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and plant-based yogurt for a creamy, lactose-free twist.
• Instant Pot Method: Sear chicken using sauté mode, then pressure cook with sauce for 7 minutes.

Storage Instructions

• In the Fridge: Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• In the Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a small pan, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• Air Fryer: Not ideal for sauces, but if reheating with rice or naan, 350°F for 5–7 minutes works well.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
  Yes, but thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful in this kind of dish.
• How can I make the sauce thicker?
  Simmer longer uncovered, or stir in a small spoonful of tomato paste to thicken the curry.
• What’s the difference between butter chicken and chicken tikka masala?
  Butter chicken is typically creamier and milder, while tikka masala leans spicier with a more complex blend of flavors.
• How can I make this less spicy for kids?
  Just omit or reduce the chili powder. The rest of the spices add flavor, not heat.
• Can I make butter chicken ahead of time?
  Absolutely! The flavors deepen beautifully after sitting, and it reheats like a dream.

More Pioneer Woman Recipe:

• Pioneer Woman Chicken Ala King
• Pioneer Woman Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole
• Pioneer Woman Chicken Biscuit Casserole

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 355
• Total Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Polyunsaturated Fa:t 3.8g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 8.3g
• Cholesterol: 92mg
• Sodium: 251mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 14g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 6.7g
• Protein: 23g
• Calcium: 128mg
• Iron: 2.9mg
• Potassium: 610.5mg