Jamie Oliver Butter Chicken Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken is a flavorful, rich dish that puts a twist on the classic Indian butter chicken (also known as murgh makhani). His version is designed to be simple and accessible while still delivering the signature creamy, comforting flavors. It’s a balance of aromatic spices, tender chicken and a velvety tomato-based sauce. But what makes Jamie’s recipe stand out is how he simplifies the process without compromising on taste. Unlike traditional recipes that require a long list of ingredients or hours of slow cooking, Jamie’s approach makes this indulgent dish approachable for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

What’s fun about Jamie’s version is that he doesn’t just throw in a handful of spices and call it a day. He brings in fresh herbs and uses them in ways that elevate the entire dish. The combination of smoky, spicy, tangy and creamy elements gives the butter chicken an irresistible depth.

Jamie Oliver Butter Chicken Recipe

Ingredients Needed

Here’s the magic behind Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken:

1. Chicken Thighs – Bone-in, skinless thighs are ideal because they remain juicy and tender during cooking. You’ll need about 6-8 thighs for 4 servings.
2. Yogurt – Adds tang and helps tenderize the chicken. It’s a key component in the marinade.
3. Spices – A mix of turmeric, garam masala, cumin, paprika and chili powder brings the aromatic kick to the dish. It’s important to use good quality garam masala for that authentic flavor.
4. Tomatoes – Fresh, chopped tomatoes form the base of the rich sauce. They give both body and a subtle acidity.
5. Butter – This is where the ’butter’ in butter chicken really comes into play. It creates a rich, smooth sauce that’s a hallmark of the dish.
6. Onions and Garlic – Classic flavor-builders. Caramelized onions add sweetness and garlic brings a lovely punch.
7. Fresh Ginger – A staple in Indian cooking, fresh ginger gives a sharp, warming kick.
8. Cream – The heavy cream at the end takes the sauce to a luscious, smooth consistency. It’s what makes the dish feel like a treat.
9. Fresh Coriander (Cilantro) – Used as a garnish, this adds a bright, herbaceous finish that balances the richness of the dish.
10. Lemon – A squeeze of fresh lemon helps cut through the richness, adding a citrusy zing.

Equipment Needed

1. Large Frying Pan or Dutch Oven. To cook the chicken and build the sauce. A heavy pan like a cast-iron skillet is perfect for this kind of dish because it holds heat evenly.
2. Blender or Hand Blender. To smooth out the sauce at the end. Jamie usually purees the tomatoes and onions to create a velvety texture.
3. Tongs or a Spatula. For flipping and handling the chicken as it cooks.
4. Sharp Knife and Chopping Board. To prep all your ingredients like onions, garlic, ginger and tomatoes.
5. Measuring Spoons – Essential for measuring out the spices correctly.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken: Start by preparing the chicken. Coat the chicken thighs in yogurt, turmeric, cumin, garam masala, paprika and a bit of chili powder. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a bit of oil in your pan and brown the chicken on both sides. This step adds flavor and helps seal in the juices. You don’t need to cook it all the way through at this point.
3. Build the Sauce: In the same pan, sauté onions, garlic and fresh ginger. Let them soften and caramelize which will give the sauce that rich sweetness. Add chopped tomatoes and cook them down until they break apart into a chunky sauce.
4. Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce: Once the tomatoes have cooked down, place the chicken back in the pan. Let it simmer, turning occasionally, so the chicken absorbs the sauce and cooks through. This also lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
5. Finish the Sauce: After the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Stir in the butter and cream. Blend the sauce until it’s smooth and velvety.
6. Serve: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pan with the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve it with rice or naan bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

What I Learnt

What I learned from making Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken is just how much the simplicity of the recipe doesn’t detract from the depth of flavor. It’s easy to assume that rich, complex dishes like this must involve intricate steps or a ton of prep time but Jamie proves that you can have a restaurant-quality butter chicken without hours in the kitchen. The marinating and sautéing are quick and straightforward but the result is a creamy, spicy dish that’s both comforting and exciting to eat.

The key takeaway is that using fresh ingredients and layering flavors, even in simple steps, makes all the difference. Also, blending the sauce to create that smooth, velvety texture is a game-changer. It’s those little touches that turn this dish from just a chicken curry into something special.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken

Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken is delicious as it is but if you want to take it to the next level, there are some tweaks you can make. Here’s what you can do:

1. Add More Spice – The original recipe is pretty mild. If you’re into heat, throw in some chopped green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also use a bit of garam masala or smoked paprika to add a smokier depth.
2. Switch Up the Protein. While chicken thighs are great for tender, juicy meat, you could swap them for chicken breasts for a leaner option. Or, go bold with lamb or even paneer if you want a vegetarian twist.
3. Use Ghee Instead of Butter. If you want to make this dish more authentic, replace the butter with ghee. It’ll give the dish that rich, nutty flavor that’s a hallmark of Indian cooking.
4. Cream Substitute – While heavy cream is traditional, you can use coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version. It still creates that smooth, velvety texture but with a different flavor profile.
5. Add Tomatoes for Freshness. While the recipe calls for a can of tomatoes, you could add fresh, chopped tomatoes for a burst of juiciness. This could balance out the richness of the sauce.
6. Marinate the Chicken Longer. The longer the chicken marinates in the yogurt and spices, the more flavorful it will be. Try letting it sit for 2-3 hours or even overnight.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

Butter Chicken makes amazing leftovers. Here’s how you can store it:

1. Refrigeration – Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to cool it down to room temperature before putting it in the fridge to avoid any bacterial growth.
2. Freezing – If you want to keep it longer, butter chicken freezes really well. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat.
3. Separate the Sauce and Chicken. If you plan to store the dish for a while, it’s a good idea to separate the sauce from the chicken. This will keep the chicken from becoming soggy when you reheat it. You can easily adjust the sauce when you want to reheat it.
4. Reheating Tips – When reheating, try using a pan on medium heat. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or cream to loosen it up. Stir occasionally to make sure it heats evenly. If you’re reheating in the microwave, cover the dish to retain moisture.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken?

Butter chicken is rich and indulgent, so you’ll want sides that complement its creamy, spiced flavor without overpowering it. Here are a few ideas:

1. Basmati Rice – This is the classic choice. The fluffy, aromatic rice soaks up the sauce and the simplicity of it balances the richness of the butter chicken.
2. Naan – A soft, warm naan is perfect for scooping up that delicious sauce. You can choose from garlic naan, butter naan or even a cheesy version if you’re feeling fancy.
3. Raita – A cool, yogurt-based raita with cucumber and mint helps cut through the richness of the chicken. The coolness of the yogurt is a perfect contrast to the spicy sauce.
4. Roasted Vegetables – Try some roasted cauliflower, carrots or potatoes on the side. Roasting vegetables brings out their sweetness and it’s a nice balance to the deep flavors of the chicken.
5. Salad – A fresh salad with a tangy dressing can add a nice crunch and contrast to the creamy butter chicken. Think of something with cucumber, tomatoes and a light lemon dressing.
6. Pickles – Indian pickles (like mango or lime) bring a sharp, tangy punch that pairs beautifully with the buttery sauce.

FAQs

What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken Different From Other Recipes?

Jamie’s recipe uses a unique blend of spices, fresh ingredients, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce that balances heat and sweetness perfectly.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken Without Cream?

Yes! You can substitute the cream with coconut milk for a lighter version or to make it dairy-free.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Jamie Oliver’s Butter Chicken?

It usually takes about 45 minutes from start to finish, including marinating time for the chicken.