What Is Butter Chicken?

Butter chicken, or murgh makhani, is a classic Indian dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce. It's known for its rich flavor profile, combining spices like garam masala, cumin, and chili powder with a buttery, creamy texture. Traditionally served with basmati rice and naan, it's a comforting meal that's both satisfying and adaptable for meal prep.

Butter Chicken Meal Prep Recipe

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 tablespoon oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

• 4 tablespoons tomato paste or 8 oz can of tomato sauce

• 1 tablespoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon chili powder or paprika

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)

• Cooked basmati rice and naan for serving

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating a tablespoon of oil and a small pat of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. We like using both for that perfect balance of richness and smooth cooking.

Once the butter has melted and the pan is warm, toss in your diced onion. You’ll want to cook it down until it becomes soft and translucent. This usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. Don’t rush it; this step lays the foundation for deep, savory flavor.

Next, add in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Stir everything around and let it sauté for about a minute, just until your kitchen starts to smell amazing.

Step 2: Cook Chicken

Now it’s time to add the chicken. We prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces for quicker cooking and easier portioning later.

Drop them into the skillet and season with a generous pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Let the chicken cook, stirring occasionally, until it's browned on the outside and no longer pink inside. This usually takes about 7 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of your pieces.

Don't worry about getting a perfect sear. What matters is that the chicken is fully cooked and ready to soak up flavor in the next stage.

Step 3: Add Spices And Tomato

Here’s where the butter chicken starts to come to life. Stir in your tomato paste or sauce, followed by the garam masala, chili powder (or paprika for a milder version), and cumin. Mix everything thoroughly so the chicken is coated in your deep red, spiced sauce.

Then let it simmer for a few minutes. This helps the spices bloom and blend with the tomato base, creating that signature richness.

Step 4: Incorporate Cream

Turn the heat down low and slowly pour in the heavy cream. If you’re looking for a lighter version, feel free to use half-and-half or even plain Greek yogurt. Just stir it in gently to avoid curdling.

Simmer the sauce for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a silky, spoon-coating consistency.

At this stage, taste the sauce. Want more heat? Add a pinch of chili. Need a little brightness? A squeeze of lemon goes a long way. This is your chance to tweak it just right before packing it up.

Step 5: Prepare For Meal Prep

With the butter chicken ready, it’s time to build your meals.

Start by spooning cooked basmati rice into your meal prep containers: about ½ to 1 cup per container, depending on your needs. If doing batch cooking, you can use rice for this meal, as well as others like chicken salad meal prep and salmon bowl meal prep.

Then ladle the butter chicken over the top, making sure each portion gets enough sauce to keep things moist and flavorful throughout the week.

If you’d like, tuck a small piece of naan into the container or pack it separately to heat and enjoy later.

We’ve found that layering your meals like this helps preserve texture and keeps flavors vibrant, even after a few days in the fridge.

Not sure how best to incorporate this meal into your week? Connect with a Registered Intuitive Eating Dietitian through Berry Street for a personalized 7-day meal plan tailored to your likes and needs, with options ranging from turkey taco bowl meal prep to meal prep turkey meatballs.

How To Store & Reheat Butter Chicken

We've found that how you store and reheat your butter chicken meal prep can make or break your week. Done right, you’ll enjoy the same bold, comforting flavors on day three that you had on day one. Here’s how to keep it tasting fresh, tender, and just as satisfying as when you first made it:

Refrigeration

If you’re planning to eat your butter chicken within a few days, refrigeration is your best bet. We recommend storing it in airtight containers; glass or BPA-free plastic both work. Just make sure the lids seal tightly. This helps lock in moisture and flavor while keeping unwanted fridge smells out. Butter chicken can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tip: Let the butter chicken cool slightly before sealing it up. Popping it into the fridge while still piping hot can create condensation, which leads to soggy rice and watered-down sauce. Not ideal.

Freezing

Want to prep ahead for the month? Butter chicken freezes fantastically.

Portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable silicone bags, making sure to press out as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn and preserves that rich, creamy texture. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to use it, transfer it to the fridge the night before to thaw. We’ve found this slow thawing method works best for maintaining the sauce’s consistency and keeping the chicken tender.

Reheating

To reheat, you have two solid options: microwave or stovetop. Both work great, but each has a few tricks.

If you're using the microwave, cover the container loosely and heat in 60-second bursts, stirring between each until it’s hot all the way through. This helps avoid uneven heating and keeps the chicken juicy.

On the stovetop, use a small pan over low heat. Stir frequently and be patient. Low and slow wins here.

If the sauce looks like it’s thickened too much (which is totally normal after chilling), just add a splash of water, broth, or even a bit more cream to bring it back to life. Stir it in while heating, and it’ll loosen right up without losing flavor.

Conclusion

Butter chicken meal prep is a flavorful, practical way to bring variety and satisfaction to your weekly meals without adding stress to your schedule. Meals like this can make meal prep feel less like a chore and more like something to look forward to.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your nutrition journey, connect with a Registered Dietitian at Berry Street to get personalized support that fits your lifestyle.

Butter Chicken Meal Prep (FAQs)

Can I make butter chicken meal prep dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use full-fat coconut milk or a plain dairy-free yogurt in place of cream. The flavor will be slightly different but still rich and satisfying.

What vegetables pair well with butter chicken for meal prep?

Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, or spinach work great. They hold up well in the fridge and complement the creamy, spiced sauce nicely.

Is butter chicken high in protein?

Yes, especially when made with chicken breast or thigh. Pairing it with rice and optional veggies gives you a well-rounded, protein-rich meal ideal for meal prep.