Butter Chicken Recipe – A Creamy & Authentic Indian Delight

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of the most beloved Indian dishes worldwide. This rich, creamy, and mildly spiced curry originated in Delhi in the 1950s and quickly became a staple in Indian cuisine. Known for its velvety tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices and tender chicken, Butter Chicken is often paired with naan, roti, or fragrant basmati rice.

In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide to making an authentic Butter Chicken Recipe, from selecting the right ingredients to preparing the signature creamy sauce. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home cook, this recipe will help you recreate restaurant-quality Butter Chicken in your own kitchen.

Let’s dive into the ingredients, cooking methods, and expert tips to make this classic dish!

Butter Chicken Ingredients

Essential Ingredients for Butter Chicken

To make an authentic Butter Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade

• Boneless chicken thighs or breasts (500g) – Thighs provide more tenderness
• Yogurt (½ cup) – Helps tenderize the chicken
• Lemon juice (1 tbsp) – Adds a slight tang
• Ginger-garlic paste (1 tbsp) – Essential for authentic Indian flavor
• Turmeric powder (½ tsp) – Adds color and subtle warmth
• Red chili powder (1 tsp) – Adjust based on spice preference
• Cumin powder (1 tsp) – Enhances depth of flavor
• Coriander powder (1 tsp) – Adds a citrusy, earthy note
• Salt (to taste)

For the Butter Chicken Sauce

• Butter (unsalted) (2 tbsp) – The key to a rich, creamy base
• Tomatoes (pureed) (2 cups) – Fresh or canned for a smooth consistency
• Cashews (10-12 pieces) – Adds natural creaminess to the sauce
• Heavy cream (½ cup) – For the signature rich texture
• Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) (1 tsp) – Adds authentic aroma
• Garam masala (1 tsp) – A blend of warm Indian spices
• Honey or sugar (1 tsp) – Balances acidity from tomatoes
• Salt (to taste)
• Water or chicken broth (½ cup) – To adjust sauce consistency

Alternative Ingredients for Dietary Preferences

• Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream
• Low-fat version: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream
• Spice adjustments: Reduce chili powder for a milder taste

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s move on to preparing the signature Butter Chicken sauce.

How to Make Butter Chicken Sauce

A rich, creamy sauce is the heart of any Butter Chicken Recipe. This smooth and flavorful tomato-based gravy, enriched with Indian spices, butter, and cream, gives Butter Chicken its signature taste. Follow this step-by-step guide to make the perfect Butter Chicken sauce at home.

Key Ingredients for Butter Chicken Sauce

The secret to an authentic Butter Chicken Recipe lies in its silky, aromatic sauce. Here’s what you need:

✔ Butter (2 tbsp) – Adds a rich, smooth texture.
✔ Tomato puree (2 cups) – Provides the base and tanginess.
✔ Cashews (10-12 pieces) – Blended for natural creaminess.
✔ Garam masala (1 tsp) – A warm spice blend for depth.
✔ Kasuri methi (1 tsp) – Dried fenugreek leaves for aroma.
✔ Heavy cream (½ cup) – Creates a luxurious, velvety finish.
✔ Honey or sugar (1 tsp) – Balances the acidity of tomatoes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Butter Chicken Sauce

1. Sauté the Aromatics

• Heat 2 tbsp of butter in a pan over medium heat.
• Add 1 finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
• Stir in 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute until fragrant.

2. Cook the Tomato Base

• Pour in 2 cups of tomato puree and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add cashews and let them soften in the sauce.

3. Blend for a Smooth Texture

• Turn off the heat and blend the sauce until completely smooth.
• Strain if needed for an ultra-creamy consistency.

4. Add Spices & Seasonings

• Return the sauce to the pan and stir in:
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt to taste

5. Finish with Butter & Cream

• Add ½ cup heavy cream, stirring gently for a silky texture.
• Sprinkle in 1 tsp kasuri methi for an authentic, earthy aroma.
• Stir in 1 tsp honey or sugar to balance the acidity.
• Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes until everything is well combined.

Your Butter Chicken sauce is now ready! Up next, let’s prepare the marinated chicken for this dish.icken sauce is now ready! Let’s move on to cooking the chicken.

Cooking the Chicken for Butter Chicken

The key to making the best Butter Chicken Recipe is ensuring that the chicken is juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. Proper marination and cooking techniques will enhance the dish, allowing the butter chicken sauce to coat each piece beautifully.

Best Type of Chicken to Use

For the juiciest and most flavorful Butter Chicken, consider these options:

✔ Chicken thighs – More tender and flavorful, ideal for a rich and juicy texture.
✔ Chicken breasts – A leaner option, but may dry out if overcooked.

If using chicken breast, be careful not to overcook it, as the meat can become tough. Opting for chicken thighs ensures a more authentic, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

How to Marinate the Chicken

Marination is essential for infusing flavor and keeping the chicken tender. The yogurt helps break down the meat fibers, while the spices enhance the depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Marination

In a bowl, mix the following ingredients:

• 500g boneless chicken (thighs or breasts, cut into chunks)
• ½ cup yogurt – Tenderizes the chicken
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste – Adds bold, aromatic flavor
• 1 tbsp lemon juice – Helps balance flavors
• 1 tsp cumin powder – Earthy spice for depth
• 1 tsp coriander powder – Citrus-like aroma
• 1 tsp chili powder – Adjust based on spice preference
• ½ tsp turmeric powder – Adds color and warmth
• Salt to taste

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for the best results). This step ensures that the chicken absorbs all the flavors, making it tender and juicy when cooked.

Cooking Methods for the Chicken

There are multiple ways to cook marinated chicken for Butter Chicken. Choose the method that best suits your preference.

1. Grilling Method (for authentic smoky flavor)

✔ Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
✔ Brush with oil and place the marinated chicken pieces on the grill.
✔ Cook for 5-7 minutes per side until charred and fully cooked.

This method gives the chicken a smoky, tandoori-style taste, similar to restaurant-quality Butter Chicken.

2. Pan-Frying Method (easiest for home cooking)

✔ Heat 1 tbsp butter in a pan over medium heat.
✔ Add marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
✔ Ensure the chicken is golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.

This is the easiest and quickest method, perfect for home cooking without needing a grill.

3. Baking Method (healthier option)

✔ Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
✔ Place marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet.
✔ Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

Baking allows for even cooking with less oil, making it a great alternative for those looking for a lighter Butter Chicken Recipe.

Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, it’s time to combine it with the butter chicken sauce for the final step!

Combining the Chicken & Sauce

Now that the chicken is cooked to perfection, it’s time to bring everything together. The key to authentic Butter Chicken is allowing the marinated chicken to soak up the rich, creamy butter chicken sauce, creating an irresistible dish bursting with flavor.

How to Cook the Chicken with the Butter Chicken Sauce

1. Add the Cooked Chicken to the Sauce
   • Carefully transfer the grilled, pan-fried, or baked chicken pieces into the butter chicken sauce.
2. Stir Well to Coat Each Piece
   • Gently stir to ensure every piece of chicken is fully coated in the luscious, spiced tomato-butter gravy.
3. Simmer to Blend the Flavors
   • Let the Butter Chicken simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
4. Adjust Seasoning if Needed
   • For extra creaminess, add more heavy cream.
   • If you love spicy Butter Chicken, sprinkle in more chili powder.
   • To enhance the authentic Indian aroma, add a pinch of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves).

Achieving the Perfect Butter Chicken Texture

✔ For a thicker sauce – Simmer for a few extra minutes until it reduces to your desired consistency.
✔ For a thinner consistency – Add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
✔ For extra smokiness – Use the dhungar method (charcoal smoking technique) by placing a hot charcoal piece in a small bowl inside the pot, drizzling oil over it, and covering the lid for a few minutes.

At this point, your Butter Chicken Recipe is complete! Next, let’s explore what to serve with this delicious dish to make it a perfect meal.

Butter Chicken vs. Chicken Tikka Masala

Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala are often confused, but they have key differences:

Both are delicious, but Butter Chicken is milder and creamier, making it a favorite for all spice levels!

What to Serve with Butter Chicken?

Butter Chicken is best enjoyed with traditional Indian breads and rice that help soak up its flavorful sauce. Here are some popular accompaniments:

Best Side Dishes for Butter Chicken

1. Indian Breads

• Naan – The classic choice; soft, fluffy, and perfect for scooping up the sauce.
• Roti/Chapati – A lighter, whole-wheat option.
• Paratha – Flaky, buttery flatbread that complements the creamy texture.

2. Rice Varieties

• Basmati Rice – Fragrant and light, balancing the richness of the sauce.
• Jeera Rice (Cumin Rice) – Adds a subtle warmth with cumin-infused flavor.
• Saffron Rice – Slightly sweet with a luxurious aroma.

3. Refreshing Side Dishes

• Cucumber Raita – Yogurt-based dip with cooling properties.
• Onion Salad – Sliced onions, lemon, and green chilies for a spicy kick.
• Mango Chutney – A sweet and tangy contrast to the creamy butter chicken.

Beverages That Pair Well with Butter Chicken

• Lassi (Sweet or Salted) – A traditional yogurt drink that balances spice.
• Masala Chai – A spiced tea for an authentic Indian meal experience.
• Red Wine – A medium-bodied red like Merlot pairs well with the richness.

Now that we know what to serve with Butter Chicken, let’s explore some recipe variations to suit different dietary preferences!

Variations of Butter Chicken Recipe

Butter Chicken is incredibly versatile, and there are many ways to modify the recipe for different dietary needs.

1. Healthier Butter Chicken

• Low-Fat Version – Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk.
• Less Butter Option – Reduce butter and use olive oil for a lighter alternative.
• Lean Protein Choice – Use chicken breast instead of thighs for lower fat.

2. Vegetarian Butter Chicken (Paneer Butter Masala)

• Replace chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or tofu.
• Follow the same sauce preparation but sauté paneer or tofu separately before adding it to the sauce.

3. Dairy-Free & Vegan Butter Chicken

• Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and coconut oil for butter.
• Use tofu, jackfruit, or soy curls instead of chicken.

4. Spicy Butter Chicken

• Add extra red chili powder or green chilies for a fiery kick.
• Sprinkle black pepper for additional heat.

5. Slow Cooker or Instant Pot Butter Chicken

• Slow Cooker Method – Add all ingredients (except cream) to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours. Stir in cream before serving.
• Instant Pot Method – Pressure cook marinated chicken and sauce for 8 minutes, then stir in cream.

With so many variations, Butter Chicken can be adapted to any taste or dietary need! Now, let’s address some frequently asked questions.

FAQs on Butter Chicken Recipe

1. What are the ingredients for Butter Chicken?

Butter Chicken requires chicken, tomatoes, butter, cream, and Indian spices like garam masala, cumin, coriander, and kasuri methi. Check Part 2 for the full ingredient list.

2. How to make Butter Chicken sauce?

Butter Chicken sauce is made by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger, then adding tomato puree, cashews, and spices. After simmering, it’s blended for a smooth consistency and finished with butter and cream.

3. Are Chicken Tikka Masala and Butter Chicken the same?

No. Butter Chicken is milder and creamier, while Chicken Tikka Masala is spicier and more tomato-forward. Check Part 5 for a detailed comparison.

4. What do Indians eat Butter Chicken with?

Butter Chicken is traditionally served with naan, roti, or basmati rice. It’s also commonly enjoyed with cucumber raita and onion salad.

5. What Indian dish is closest to Butter Chicken?

• Paneer Butter Masala – A vegetarian version with paneer instead of chicken.
• Chicken Tikka Masala – A spicier, British-Indian variation.
• Shahi Chicken Korma – Another creamy, mildly spiced dish with nuts.

6. Do Americans eat Butter Chicken?

Yes! Butter Chicken is one of the most popular Indian dishes in the U.S., loved for its rich and creamy flavor. It’s a favorite in Indian restaurants and is often adapted with different spice levels to suit American palates.