Butter chicken recipe fans, you’re in for a treat. If you’ve ever craved that velvety, tomato-butter sauce with perfectly spiced chicken chunks from your favorite Indian restaurant, this recipe brings it right to your home kitchen. Known in India as murgh makhani, this iconic dish has found its way into hearts and kitchens worldwide. The best part? It’s easier to make than you might think, especially with a little prep and a good marinade.
My first real success with a butter chicken recipe came during a cozy weekend in Asheville. Rain was pouring outside, and the only thing that felt right was something simmering, fragrant, and comforting on the stove. I remembered the rich flavors from my childhood—a buttery sauce, tender grilled chicken, and soft rice on the side. I recreated it with simple ingredients and was stunned by how close it tasted to the one I had growing up.
Table of Contents
Butter Chicken Recipe: Authentic, Creamy, and Easy to Make at Home
- Total Time: 40M
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A rich and creamy butter chicken recipe made with yogurt-marinated chicken and a tomato-based buttery sauce full of authentic Indian spices.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
1.5 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt to taste
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp oil
1 cup tomato purée
10–12 cashews (or 1/4 cup heavy cream)
1 tsp ginger garlic paste
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek)
1/2 cup water (adjust consistency)
2–4 tbsp cream (for finishing)
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine yogurt, ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and salt. Add chicken and marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
2. Grill, bake, or pan-fry the chicken until cooked and lightly charred. Set aside.
3. Heat butter and oil in a large skillet. Add ginger garlic paste and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in tomato purée and cashews. Simmer for 5–6 minutes, until oil begins to separate.
5. Add cumin, coriander, chili powder, sugar, and salt. Cook for 2–3 more minutes.
6. Let sauce cool slightly. Blend until smooth (if using cashews), then return to the pan.
7. Add cooked chicken pieces and kasuri methi. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, adding water as needed.
8. Stir in cream and heat through. Serve with basmati rice or naan.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, use coconut yogurt and coconut cream.
Add green chilies for extra heat or adjust Kashmiri chili for color.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15M
- Cook Time: 25M
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Why This Butter Chicken Recipe Is a Must-Make
Rich, Creamy, and Bursting with Flavor
This butter chicken recipe is built on layers of flavor that anyone can master. It starts with marinating the chicken in a mixture of Greek yogurt, ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, and classic Indian spices like garam masala and Kashmiri chili powder. This not only tenderizes the meat but ensures every bite is packed with flavor before it even hits the pan.
The sauce is where the magic happens. A combination of ripe tomatoes, cashew nuts or cream, butter, and aromatic spices like coriander powder, cumin, and kasuri methi (dried fenugreek) blend together into a rich, silky base. A touch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, and the cream rounds out the warmth of the spices into something utterly comforting.
You can serve this dish with fluffy naan, warm roti, or even over jasmine or basmati rice. And if you’re planning a comforting weeknight dinner, pair it with a creamy one-pan option like creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne.
Butter Chicken Recipe vs Chicken Tikka Masala
A common question: is butter chicken the same as chicken tikka masala? The answer is no, though they look similar at first glance. This butter chicken recipe is softer and creamier, often milder in heat, and always finished with butter and cream for a glossy, silky sauce. There are no onions in the traditional version, which sets it apart from tikka masala’s bold, onion-heavy base.
Chicken tikka masala is often cooked in oil, has a more intense heat level, and tends to be drier with a heavier tomato punch. Butter chicken, on the other hand, leans into warmth and richness, making it an ideal comfort food.
If you’re a fan of layered flavors but prefer less spice, this recipe is your go-to. It also works perfectly as the star of your dinner table next to a hearty potato chicken ranch casserole.
Mastering the Butter Chicken Recipe at Home
Essential Ingredients for the Best Butter Chicken Recipe
To make a butter chicken recipe that tastes restaurant-quality, you’ll need a mix of pantry spices and a few fresh staples. Here’s everything you’ll need for both the marinade and the buttery tomato sauce:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (or thick curd)
- 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
- 1.5 teaspoons Kashmiri red chili powder (for color and mild heat)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
For the Butter Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
- 2 tablespoons oil (neutral like sunflower or canola)
- 1 cup tomato purée (or blended canned tomatoes)
- 10–12 cashews (or 1/4 cup heavy cream)
- 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon kasuri methi (crushed dried fenugreek leaves)
- 1/2 cup water (adjust to preferred thickness)
- 2–4 tablespoons cream (for richness)
- Salt to taste
This ingredient list might seem long, but each item adds to the dish’s signature warmth and richness. Many of these are pantry staples if you enjoy dishes like chicken shawarma sheet pan dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Butter Chicken Recipe
1. Marinate the Chicken (at least 1 hour, ideally overnight):
In a large bowl, combine yogurt, ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and salt. Add the chicken, mix well, cover, and refrigerate.
2. Cook the Chicken:
You can grill, pan-fry, or bake the chicken. I usually pan-fry mine in a hot skillet until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce Base:
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat butter and oil. Add ginger garlic paste and sauté for a minute. Pour in the tomato purée and cashews (or cream). Cook for 5–6 minutes on medium heat, until the raw smell disappears and oil separates.
4. Add the Spices:
Stir in cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, sugar, and salt. Cook another 3 minutes.
5. Blend for Smoothness:
If using cashews, turn off the heat and let the sauce cool slightly. Transfer to a blender and blend until smooth. Pour back into the pan.
6. Simmer Chicken in Sauce:
Add the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce. Add kasuri methi and simmer for 5–7 minutes, adding water if needed to thin it out.
7. Finish with Cream:
Stir in fresh cream, cook for another 2 minutes, and turn off the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Pair it with naan or serve it over basmati rice for a full meal. For side inspiration, try my chicken broccoli potato casserole.
Butter Chicken Recipe Mistakes to Avoid and Pro Tips
Common Mistakes That Ruin a Butter Chicken Recipe
Even a great butter chicken recipe can go sideways with just one misstep. These are the mistakes I’ve made (and corrected!) over the years—and ones you can easily avoid.
1. Skipping the Marinade Time:
Don’t rush this step. The yogurt marinade not only infuses the chicken with flavor but tenderizes it. A minimum of 1 hour is essential, though overnight in the fridge is ideal.
2. Using Raw Tomatoes or Unripe Ones:
Raw tomatoes can add unwanted tang and acidity. Either use canned tomatoes or cook fresh ones down properly before blending. The goal is a rich, mellow base—not something sour.
3. Not Cooking the Sauce Long Enough:
A good butter chicken recipe requires patience. If you don’t cook the tomato mixture until the oil starts to separate, you’ll end up with a raw-tasting sauce.
4. Overcooking the Chicken:
Whether you’re grilling, baking, or pan-frying, avoid dry, overcooked meat. The chicken should be tender and juicy before it even hits the sauce.
5. Using Too Much Cream or Butter:
It might sound odd in a dish called butter chicken, but too much fat can dull the spices. Balance is key—follow the measured ingredients for best results.
If you’re looking for more recipes that strike the same balance between richness and spice, check out this chicken taco casserole with rice.
How to Store and Reheat Butter Chicken Recipe the Right Way
Butter chicken is one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead dish. Here’s how to store and reheat your leftovers so they stay just as good:
Storage Tips:
- Let the butter chicken cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating Tips:
- For best texture, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Avoid microwaving unless you’re short on time. If you do, cover loosely and stir halfway to prevent hotspots.
- Do not boil the sauce again after adding cream—it can separate. Just warm it through until steamy.
You can serve leftovers with fresh naan or repurpose the sauce for other dishes like a quick pasta or grain bowl. I’ve even paired it with chicken nuggets in air fryer for a kid-friendly fusion dish that shocked my tastebuds—in the best way.
Butter Chicken Recipe Variations and Meal Prep Tips
Creative Twists on the Classic Butter Chicken Recipe
One of the best things about a great butter chicken recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Whether you’re avoiding dairy, counting carbs, or just looking to mix things up, here are a few tasty variations that still keep the soul of the dish intact.
Dairy-Free Butter Chicken:
Swap the yogurt in the marinade with coconut milk or unsweetened almond yogurt. For the sauce, replace the cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use oil instead of butter—though you’ll lose a bit of the buttery richness, the depth from spices will still shine through.
Low-Carb/Keto Version:
Omit sugar completely and reduce tomatoes slightly to lower the carb count. Pair it with cauliflower rice instead of basmati. This variation works incredibly well with this pink salt trick recipe for those following a low-sodium, keto-friendly meal plan.
Extra-Spicy Butter Chicken:
Add green chilies to the sauce or increase the Kashmiri chili powder for more heat. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper can also elevate the warmth without overwhelming the creamy texture.
Vegetarian Swap:
Replace the chicken with paneer cubes or tofu. Marinate and pan-fry them the same way and continue the recipe as-is. The sauce works beautifully with vegetarian proteins, making it ideal for Meatless Mondays.
Need more easy dinner ideas with crowd-pleasing twists? Try my brazilian mounjaro recipe for a veggie-packed option, or explore the carrot ribbon salad recipe that makes a vibrant side.
Make-Ahead and Entertaining Tips
This butter chicken recipe is a lifesaver when you’re feeding a group or planning meals ahead. The flavors get even better after a day in the fridge, making it perfect for entertaining or meal prep.
Make-Ahead Steps:
- Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance.
- Cook and blend the sauce up to 2 days early and store separately.
- On the day of serving, just sear the chicken and reheat the sauce.
Freezer Friendly:
Portion the finished butter chicken into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat with a splash of water or cream.
Hosting Tip:
Serve butter chicken buffet-style with bowls of basmati rice, garlic naan, and a crisp salad. For a fun appetizer, serve mini portions in ramekins or on small plates with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
It pairs wonderfully with cozy dishes like dill pickle pasta salad or my comforting onion boil recipe for an unexpected fusion dinner spread.
Frequently Asked Questions About Butter Chicken Recipe
What are the ingredients in butter chicken?
A traditional butter chicken recipe includes marinated chicken (using yogurt, spices like garam masala, Kashmiri red chili powder, and lemon juice), and a rich tomato-based sauce with butter, cream, cashews or nuts, kasuri methi, and warming spices like cumin and coriander powder. It’s finished with cream for a velvety texture. You can view the full ingredient list and steps in this guide or pair it with something simple like green tea refresher to cool down the spice.
What is the secret to a good butter chicken?
The secret lies in three key areas: the marinade, slow-cooked sauce, and proper spice balance. Letting the chicken marinate overnight makes it tender and flavorful. Cooking the tomato sauce until the oil separates gives it depth. And using kasuri methi and just the right amount of sugar helps balance creaminess with warmth.
What are some common mistakes when making butter chicken?
Overcooking the chicken, undercooking the sauce, or using raw tomatoes are common errors. Also, too much cream or butter can dull the spices rather than enhance them. Follow the exact steps in this butter chicken recipe and you’ll avoid these easily.
What’s the difference between chicken tikka masala and butter chicken?
Butter chicken is creamier, milder, and usually made without onions, relying on butter and cream for richness. Tikka masala uses oil, includes more spice, and often features caramelized onions. For a weeknight twist on Indian comfort, also try my chicken broccoli potato casserole for similar cozy vibes.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever thought you couldn’t master a true Indian butter chicken recipe at home, now you know you can. With a bit of patience and the right steps, this classic dish transforms from something you order out to something you proudly serve up. From the creamy tomato sauce to the deeply flavored, marinated chicken, this recipe is pure comfort with every bite.
Whether you’re hosting guests or just cooking for two, this butter chicken recipe brings restaurant-level flavor without the fuss. Save it, share it, and come back to it whenever you’re craving something special yet doable. For more check this Chicken Makhani
