Butter Chicken Recipe: The Ultimate Creamy and Flavorful Indian Classic
If you’re craving a rich, comforting, and utterly delicious meal, look no further than this Butter Chicken Recipe. Also known as Murgh Makhani, butter chicken is one of the most beloved Indian dishes around the world. It’s known for its creamy tomato-based sauce, tender marinated chicken, and a perfect balance of spices that make each bite unforgettable.
In this article, you’ll find everything you need to make the best homemade butter chicken—from ingredients and instructions to pro tips and variations. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this butter chicken recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken Recipe
- ✅ Authentic Taste with easy-to-find ingredients
- ✅ Restaurant-Quality Texture made at home
- ✅ Customizable Spice Level to suit every palate
- ✅ Perfect for Meal Prep or special dinners
- ✅ Pairs beautifully with naan, roti, or rice
What Is Butter Chicken?
Butter chicken is a creamy, mildly spiced Indian curry made with marinated chicken, simmered in a tomato-based sauce enriched with butter and cream. Originating from Delhi, this dish was created to repurpose leftover tandoori chicken in a rich sauce, giving birth to a modern classic that’s both savory and slightly sweet.
Ingredients for Butter Chicken Recipe
Here’s what you need to make authentic butter chicken at home:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ¾ cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1½ tsp ground cumin
- 1½ tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1½ tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (or paprika for less heat)
- 1½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter (unsalted)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1½ tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1½ cups pureed tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1½ tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine all marinade ingredients. Add chicken pieces and coat them thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight for the best flavor.
💡 Pro Tip: Use full-fat yogurt for the marinade to help tenderize the chicken.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
You can either:
- Grill: Preheat grill or oven to 425°F (220°C). Place marinated chicken on a rack or tray and cook for 20–25 minutes until slightly charred.
- Pan-fry: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a skillet and cook chicken until browned on all sides and fully cooked.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Butter Chicken Sauce
- In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Sauté onions until golden and soft—about 8–10 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add cumin, garam masala, and chili powder. Stir for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
- Pour in pureed tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce deepens in color.
- Add sugar and season with salt.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 5 minutes until rich and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Add cooked chicken (with juices) into the sauce. Let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
🍽️ Finish with a drizzle of cream or a knob of butter and garnish with fresh cilantro.
What to Serve With Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is rich and creamy, so it pairs perfectly with:
- Steamed Basmati Rice
- Garlic Naan or Roti
- Jeera Rice (Cumin Rice)
- Paratha or Lachha Paratha
- Pickled onions and cucumber raita
Variations and Substitutions
Here are some twists you can try with this classic butter chicken recipe:
- 🥛 Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and olive oil instead of butter.
- 🔥 Spicy Version: Add green chilies or increase red chili powder.
- 🍗 Bone-in Chicken: Adds deeper flavor—just cook a little longer.
- 🥬 Veggie Version: Replace chicken with tofu, paneer, or roasted cauliflower.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Meal prep-friendly:
You can marinate the chicken a day ahead and refrigerate the sauce separately.
To store:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
🔄 The flavor improves after a day—hello, delicious leftovers!
Common Questions About Butter Chicken
❓ Is butter chicken spicy?
Butter chicken is mild to moderately spicy, depending on the chili used. Kashmiri chili gives color with low heat, so it’s great for families or spice-sensitive eaters.
❓ Can I make butter chicken without cream?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt, coconut cream, or cashew cream as alternatives for a lighter or dairy-free version.
❓ Is butter chicken gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients in this butter chicken recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your yogurt and spice brands for hidden gluten if needed.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
Final Thoughts
This homemade butter chicken recipe brings the warmth of Indian cuisine straight to your dinner table. It’s rich, creamy, full of flavor, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether it’s a weekend feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, butter chicken never disappoints.
Give it a try today and see why this dish has become an international favorite!
Want more Indian recipes? Try these next:
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry)
- Garlic Naan
- Saag Paneer
