Indian-Inspired Comfort in a Bowl
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Cost per Serving: ~$3.20
- Calories per Serving: 420 kcal
- Servings: 4–6
Indian Butter Chicken… But Make It Soup!
You know those nights when you’re craving something warm, creamy, and full of flavor — but also need it to be quick and doable? This Butter Chicken Soup is exactly that. Inspired by the beloved Indian classic, it’s everything you love about butter chicken, but in a cozy bowl of soup.
It’s packed with tender chicken, warm spices like garam masala, cardamom, and paprika, and finished with a swirl of cream for richness. This isn’t just any Indian chicken soup — this is a chicken soup recipe Indian-style, with all the bold flavors and none of the fuss. Trust me, mama — this one’s going on repeat.
What Makes Butter Chicken Soup So Good?
For starters, I love using organic chicken — not just for its deep flavor, but because it’s free from hormones, antibiotics, pesticides, and all the stuff we try to avoid. I grew up eating this kind of chicken, and honestly, it’s the only kind I’ll cook with. If I can’t find organic, I go for hormone- and antibiotic-free as a last resort.
What makes this butter chicken soup so comforting (and a little extra special) is the bold Indian spices — things like garam masala, cardamom, ginger, and paprika. You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to get that cozy, rich flavor. Just a few pantry staples and the magic of real spices.
Another reason I love this soup? It’s not just tasty — it’s nourishing too. The cream adds richness, but the tomato base balances it out, and those warming spices? They’re full of anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger and cardamom are so good for digestion, which makes this soup both comforting and healing.
And let’s be honest — sometimes, all we moms really need is one pot, one bowl, and a warm, creamy spoonful of something that feels like a hug. Add some naan or crusty bread on the side, and you’ve got the perfect dinner.
If you’re feeling a little under the weather or just need a break from boring chicken dinners, this Indian chicken soup is everything. Flavorful, satisfying, and simple enough to make on a Tuesday night.
How to make Butter Chicken Soup
Ingredients Breakdown (Simple, Real-Life Style)
Chicken Thighs – Boneless, skinless and full of flavor. You can also use chicken breast if preferred.
Canola or Vegetable Oil – For searing the chicken and locking in flavor.
Garam Masala – A warm Indian spice blend that gives this soup its signature taste.
Paprika & Cardamom – For color and a touch of sweetness and spice.
Salt – Helps bring out all the flavors in both the chicken and broth.
Butter – Because it’s not butter chicken soup without it! Adds richness to the base.
Onion, Garlic, Ginger – The classic Indian flavor trio — fragrant and essential.
Tomato Puree – I like using passata, but crushed tomatoes work too. Not tomato paste!
Chicken Stock – Adds depth and makes the soup base soupy (but still creamy).
Sugar – Just a pinch to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
Heavy Cream – This makes the soup velvety and indulgent. You can sub with coconut cream for dairy-free.
Black Pepper – A little heat to round it out.
Step-by-Step instructions:
Step 1: Spice and Sear the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the chicken thighs with oil, garam masala, cardamom, paprika, and salt. Heat a large pot over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes per side). Remove and shred or cube.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same pot, melt the butter. Add onions and sauté until soft and golden. Stir in garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Spices
Add the garam masala, paprika, and cardamom. Toast them in the butter and onion mixture for 30 seconds to bring out their aroma.
Step 4: Stir in Tomato & Broth
Pour in the tomato puree and chicken stock. Stir well, then add salt, pepper, and sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Blend (Optional)
For a smooth texture, you can blend the base with an immersion blender before adding the chicken back in. Totally optional — I usually skip it on busy nights.
Step 6: Add Chicken & Cream
Add the cooked chicken back to the pot. Pour in the heavy cream, stir, and let it simmer on low for 5–10 minutes.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Ladle into bowls and top with a swirl of cream or fresh cilantro if you like. Serve with naan, rice, or even toasted bread — it’s cozy any way you scoop it.
Butter Chicken Soup Tips (for Busy Moms!)
Sneak in extra veggies – Chopped spinach, shredded carrots, or frozen peas all mix in beautifully and help get more goodness into every bowl.
Use pre-cut or frozen onions – No shame here! If chopping onions feels like a chore today, grab the frozen diced ones or pre-chopped from the store. Total time-saver.
No time to marinate the chicken?
That’s okay — just toss it in the spices and sear it right away. You’ll still get tons of flavor thanks to the soup base.
Rotisserie chicken works too – If your chicken’s already cooked, just skip the searing step and stir it in with the cream at the end. Dinner = done.
Coconut cream for dairy-free – Need a lighter or non-dairy option? Swap the heavy cream for canned coconut cream. Still rich, still delicious.
Make it ahead – The flavors get even better the next day. Make a big batch, refrigerate overnight, and reheat for a no-effort dinner.
Freeze in portions – I love freezing this soup in individual containers for emergency comfort meals. Just skip the cream before freezing and stir it in when reheating.
Perfect Pairings (Simple, Quick & Family-Approved)
You’ve got this cozy, creamy butter chicken soup on the stove — now let’s make it a full meal without adding stress. Here are my favorite no-fuss pairings that my kids actually enjoy:
- Warm naan or pita – Just toast it lightly and serve on the side. You can even cut it into triangles for easy dipping (the kids love this!).
- Steamed white or basmati rice – A quick pot of rice stretches the meal and makes it extra filling. Bonus: my kids mix it right into the soup.
- Mini grilled cheese – Indian twist meets comfort food classic. Use naan or sandwich bread — great for picky eaters.
- Cucumber yogurt dip (Raita-style) – Just mix plain yogurt, diced cucumbers, and a pinch of salt. Cool, creamy, and balances the spices perfectly.
- Roasted veggies – Toss some carrots or cauliflower in the oven while the soup simmers. Super hands-off and healthy.
- Fruit skewers – Keep it fun and fresh with simple fruit on sticks. My go-to when the kids want “something sweet after dinner.”
Everything here is easy, quick, and designed for real-life family dinners — because no one has time for complicated sides on a weeknight.
FAQ – Real Questions from Real Moms
What is butter chicken soup?
Butter chicken soup is a creamy, comforting twist on the classic Indian dish. It’s made with tender chicken, tomato puree, warm spices like garam masala and cardamom, and finished with cream for that rich, velvety texture. Think of it as all the flavor of butter chicken — but in a spoonable, cozy soup form.
What’s the best soup for an upset stomach?
Soups made with gentle ingredients like chicken, ginger, garlic, and broth are great for soothing an upset tummy. Butter chicken soup can work well too — especially when made with organic chicken and mild spices. Just go easy on the cream and seasonings if someone’s feeling sensitive.
What is butter chicken sauce made of?
Traditional butter chicken sauce is made with tomato puree, butter, garlic, ginger, cream, and Indian spices like garam masala, paprika, and cardamom. That same sauce is what gives this butter chicken soup recipe its rich, comforting flavor.
Can I use butter for soup?
Yes, definitely! Butter adds richness and a silky texture to soups — especially creamy ones like this. In butter chicken soup, it’s essential. It helps carry the spices and gives the soup its signature buttery base.
Butter Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy butter chicken soup is a cozy, comforting twist on the classic Indian dish. Made with tender chicken thighs, warm spices like garam masala and cardamom, tomato puree, and rich cream, it’s everything you love about butter chicken — in soup form. Quick to make, family-friendly, and freezer-friendly, this is the ultimate weeknight dinner with bold Indian flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tbsp canola or vegetable oil
1 tbsp garam masala
½ tsp ground cardamom
½ tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
For the Soup Base:
2 tbsp butter
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tsp crushed garlic
1 tsp crushed ginger
2 tsp garam masala
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground cardamom
Instructions
Start by preparing the chicken. In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs with the oil, garam masala, cardamom, paprika, and salt. Toss well to coat. Heat a large pot over medium heat and sear the chicken pieces until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side. Remove from the pot and shred or cube the chicken, then set aside.
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the remaining spices — garam masala, paprika, and cardamom — and stir for 30 seconds to toast them gently.
Next, pour in the tomato puree and chicken stock. Stir in the salt, pepper, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes to let the flavors develop. For a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend the base at this stage, but this is optional.
Add the cooked chicken back into the pot. Pour in the cream, stir well, and let the soup simmer on low for another 5–10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, topped with fresh cilantro or a swirl of cream if desired.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
To save time, use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken and skip the searing step.
This soup freezes well — just leave out the cream and add it fresh when reheating.
Add extra veggies like spinach or cauliflower for more nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: stevtop
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1bowl
- Calories: 420kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 740g
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: butter chicken soup, butter chicken soup recipe, chicken soup recipe Indian, Indian soup chicken, Indian chicken soup, creamy Indian chicken soup, weeknight chicken soup, easy Indian recipes
This butter chicken soup has truly become a family favorite in our house. It’s everything we love about Indian comfort food — creamy, flavorful, and full of tender chicken — but in a simple, one-pot meal that fits right into our busy weeknights.
What I love most? It brings everyone to the table. The kids ask for seconds (always a win!), and I know I’m serving something warm, homemade, and full of goodness. Whether you’re new to Indian chicken soup recipes or already a butter chicken fan, this cozy version hits all the right notes.
Give it a try the next time you’re craving something soothing, rich, and easy to pull off. And when you do, I’d love to see your bowl! Leave a comment, or tag me on Pinterest or Instagram @SavorAtHome — it makes my day every time I see your creations
Love This Recipe? Here’s More Cozy Comfort
If you enjoyed this butter chicken soup, you’ll love our other family-favorite soups too. For something just as nourishing with a bright, zesty twist, try this Lemon Spinach Ginger Chicken Soup — it’s packed with flavor and perfect for when someone’s feeling under the weather.
Craving something creamy but hearty for dinner? Don’t miss this Chicken Thighs with Cream of Mushroom Soup recipe from BoldBitesHub — it’s cozy, rich, and so simple to pull together on a busy weeknight.
i love
★★★★★