Butter Chicken Recipe – Creamy, Flavorful, and Easy to Make!
Learn how to make authentic Butter Chicken at home with this easy step-by-step recipe. Tender chicken in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, perfect with naan or rice. Ready in 3 hours.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Rich and Creamy: A luscious tomato-based sauce with butter and cream.
- Flavor-Packed: Aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, and kasuri methi.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps for marinating, cooking, and assembling.
- Versatile: Perfect with naan, rice, or your favorite bread.
Whether you’re new to Indian cuisine or a seasoned cook, this Butter Chicken recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy the comforting flavors of this iconic dish
A Rich and Creamy Indian Classic
Course: MainCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Medium4
servings20
minutes40
minutes300
kcal2
hrs180
min"Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of Butter Chicken – tender chicken simmered in a spiced tomato sauce, perfect with naan or rice. A classic Indian dish made easy."
Ingredients
- For the Marinade
500g boneless chicken (thighs or breast), cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt to taste
- For the Sauce
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, pureed
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp red chili powder
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup water (adjust as needed)
Salt to taste
1 tbsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, cumin powder, lemon juice, and salt.
- Add the chicken pieces and coat them well with the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil.
- Grill or pan-sear the marinated chicken until slightly charred and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce
- In a large pan, heat butter and oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.
- Add cumin, coriander, red chili powder, turmeric, and garam masala. Mix well.
- Pour in heavy cream and water, and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Add the grilled chicken pieces to the sauce and mix well.
- Crush kasuri methi between your palms and sprinkle it over the dish.
- Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the chicken is fully coated and the flavors meld.
- Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with naan, rice, or roti.
Notes
- Marinating Time: Do not skip marinating the chicken, as it tenderizes and infuses flavor.
- Smoky Flavor: For an authentic smoky taste, use a charcoal grill or add a small piece of charcoal to the pan and cover it for a few minutes.
- Adjust Spice Level: Increase or decrease red chili powder based on your preference.
- Kasuri Methi: This ingredient is essential for the authentic flavor. If unavailable, skip but try to source it for the best results.
- Cream Substitute: Use coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
