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.

Butter Chicken Recipe – 1 Better Than Takeout You’ll Love

Name: Butter Chicken Recipe – 1 Better Than Takeout You’ll Love
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Indian
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)

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

Scale

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)

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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