GF

These butter chicken skewers are the perfect balance of cosy comfort food and effortless entertaining, with juicy yoghurt-marinated chicken served alongside a rich, velvety butter chicken sauce that's made for generous drizzling. Whether you're serving them over fluffy rice for a family dinner or as part of a spread for guests, this elevated winter favourite is guaranteed to disappear quickly.

Butter chicken has always been one of those meals that everyone happily gathers around the table for. It's rich, comforting and packed with flavour, making it a firm family favourite throughout the cooler months. I created these Butter Chicken Skewers as a way to elevate a classic comfort food into something that's equally suited to a cosy family dinner or a table full of guests.

The juicy yoghurt-marinated chicken is grilled until lightly charred before being brushed with a creamy butter chicken sauce, with plenty more served on the side for drizzling over rice or scooping up with warm roti. They're just as delicious served as a crowd-pleasing starter with the sauce for dipping, or as a generous main alongside fluffy basmati rice.

For the best results, I like to use sturdy metal skewers (like these), as they're durable, reusable and much easier for guests to eat from. If you don't have metal skewers on hand, bamboo skewers work perfectly too—just remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking to prevent them from burning.

What's in this recipe?

Marinated chicken

Chicken thighs
Chicken thighs are the juiciest cut of chicken, making them perfect for skewers as they stay tender and flavourful on the barbecue. Chicken breast can be used instead, but it won't be quite as juicy.
Greek yoghurt
Greek yoghurt forms the base of the marinade, helping to tenderise the chicken while creating a thick coating that carries all the spices. Plain natural yoghurt can be used instead.
Fresh garlic & ginger
Fresh garlic and ginger provide the aromatic base of the marinade and add plenty of flavour. I highly recommend using fresh rather than jarred, as it gives a much fresher, more authentic result.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice helps tenderise the chicken while adding a subtle freshness that balances the spices. White vinegar can be used as a substitute if needed.
Olive oil
Olive oil adds richness to the marinade and helps it coat the chicken evenly. Any neutral oil will work, but I prefer extra virgin olive oil for its flavour and everyday health benefits.
Sweet paprika
Sweet paprika gives the chicken its beautiful colour while adding a gentle warmth without making it spicy.
Garam masala
A fragrant Indian spice blend that brings warmth, depth and the signature butter chicken flavour to the marinade.
Ground cumin & coriander
These classic spices add earthy warmth and depth, creating a well-rounded flavour that's unmistakably butter chicken.
Ground turmeric
Turmeric adds a beautiful golden colour and a subtle earthy flavour.
Salt
Salt enhances all the spices and brings the flavours of the marinade together.

Butter chicken sauce

Butter
Butter forms the base of the sauce, adding richness and creating the silky, luxurious texture that makes butter chicken so irresistible. Coconut oil can be used for a dairy-free option.
Brown onion
Slowly cooking the onion until soft and lightly golden creates a naturally sweet, flavourful base for the sauce.
Fresh garlic & ginger
These aromatics build layers of flavour and give the sauce its signature warmth. Fresh is always best for the most authentic taste.
Garam masala
The hero spice blend in the sauce, adding warmth, fragrance and that classic butter chicken flavour.
Ground cumin, coriander & sweet paprika
These spices add warmth, depth and colour, creating a rich, balanced sauce without overwhelming heat.
Turmeric
Turmeric enhances the sauce with its vibrant golden colour and subtle earthy notes.
Tomato passata
Passata forms the bulk of the sauce, giving it a rich tomato flavour and an incredibly smooth, velvety texture. It's also a simple way to add plenty of vegetables to the dish.
Chicken stock
Chicken stock loosens the sauce to the perfect consistency while adding extra savoury depth. Water can be substituted if preferred.
Honey
Honey balances the acidity of the tomatoes while adding a subtle sweetness and beautiful glossy finish. Caster sugar can be used instead.
Salt
Salt balances the flavours and enhances the richness of the sauce.
Cream
Cream gives the sauce its rich, velvety finish and rounds out all the spices beautifully. Full-fat cream provides the best flavour, but light cream can be used for everyday cooking. For a dairy-free option, substitute coconut cream, keeping in mind it will add a subtle coconut flavour.

To serve

White rice
Fluffy basmati rice is the perfect base for soaking up every last spoonful of the butter chicken sauce. Its light, fragrant grains pair beautifully with rich curries without feeling heavy.
Roti
Warm roti is delicious served alongside the skewers for scooping up the creamy sauce or wrapping around the chicken for the perfect bite.
Greek yoghurt
A dollop of Greek yoghurt adds a cool, creamy finish that balances the rich butter chicken sauce. It also creates beautiful contrast when serving.
Shaved almonds
Toasted shaved almonds add crunch and texture, making the finished dish feel extra special. They're optional but highly recommended when entertaining.
Coriander
Fresh coriander adds colour and freshness, making the perfect finishing garnish. If you're not a fan, parsley or mint make great alternatives.

Step-by-step photos

Mixing marinade

Chicken marinated

Browning onion

Adding aromats

Simmering sauce

Blending sauce

Threading chicken onto skewers

Grilling chicken

Basting skewers with sauce