Indulge in the rich, creamy, and utterly addictive flavors of authentic Butter Chicken! This comprehensive recipe will guide you through every step, ensuring a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this classic Indian delight. Prepare for an explosion of aromatic spices and tender, juicy chicken in a luscious tomato-based sauce – the perfect Butter Chicken experience awaits!


Category | Value |
---|---|
Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
Cooking Time | 45 minutes |
Servings | 4 servings |
Difficulty | Easy |
Nutrition per serving (approximate): Calories: 450-500, Protein: 35-40g, Fat: 25-30g, Carbohydrates: 20-25g. Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Chicken (boneless, skinless thighs or breasts), cut into 1-inch cubes | 1.5 lbs (680g) |
Plain Yogurt | 1 cup |
Ginger-Garlic Paste | 2 tablespoons |
Garam Masala | 1 tablespoon |
Turmeric Powder | 1 teaspoon |
Chili Powder | 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) |
Cumin Powder | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | 1 teaspoon (or to taste) |
Butter | 4 tablespoons |
Onions, finely chopped | 1 large |
Tomatoes, pureed or finely chopped | 1.5 cups |
Heavy Cream | 1/2 cup |
Fresh Cilantro, chopped | For garnish |
Oil | 1 tablespoon |
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, marinate the chicken cubes in yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric powder, chili powder, cumin powder, and salt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer for deeper flavor. This step is crucial for a flavorful Butter Chicken.
- Heat oil in a large pan or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. This adds depth to the Butter Chicken sauce.
- Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook until browned on all sides. Ensure the chicken is cooked through before proceeding.
- Stir in the tomato puree (or chopped tomatoes). Cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. The tomato base is essential for the creamy Butter Chicken sauce.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is very tender. This slow simmering allows the flavors to meld together perfectly in your Butter Chicken.
- Remove the lid and stir in the butter. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the butter to melt and coat the chicken. The butter adds richness and creaminess to your Butter Chicken.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Do not boil. The cream enhances the creamy texture of the Butter Chicken.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot. Your delicious homemade Butter Chicken is ready!
Serving Suggestions: This incredible Butter Chicken is best served with naan bread, roti, rice, or jeera rice. A side of raita (yogurt dip) cools the palate and balances the spices wonderfully. For an extra touch of indulgence, add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.

Tips and Notes:

- For a richer flavor, you can use a combination of bone-in and boneless chicken thighs.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder to your preferred spice level. Start with less and add more if needed.
- If you don’t have tomato puree, you can use canned crushed tomatoes instead.
- For a smoother sauce, you can blend the cooked sauce with an immersion blender before adding the cream.
- Leftover Butter Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well.
- This Butter Chicken recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy the amazing taste of homemade Butter Chicken, a testament to the magic of Indian cuisine!
This easy Butter Chicken recipe brings the vibrant flavors of India to your kitchen. The tender chicken, rich sauce, and aromatic spices make this a truly unforgettable dish. Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list; with simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can master this classic recipe and delight your taste buds with this incredible Butter Chicken.
