Butter Chicken Recipe | Easy and Delicious Restaurant-Style Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of the most beloved dishes in Indian cuisine. Its rich, creamy texture and aromatic flavor make it a crowd-pleaser. This iconic dish was first created in Delhi in the 1950s and has since become a global favorite. The chicken is marinated in a yogurt and spice mix, cooked to perfection, and then simmered in a luscious, buttery tomato gravy.
This Butter Chicken Recipe brings that restaurant-style flavor to your home kitchen, and I’ll walk you through every step so you can make this mouthwatering dish easily.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500 grams chicken (boneless, cut into pieces)
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Butter Chicken Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tomatoes (pureed)
- 1/2 cup cashew nuts (soaked in water for 10-15 minutes)
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/2 cup cream
- Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Preparation | How to Make Butter Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, salt, and lemon juice.
- Add the chicken pieces and mix well to coat them evenly with the marinade.
- Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
[Insert Image Placeholder: Chicken Marinating]
Step 2: Prepare the Butter Chicken Gravy
- Heat butter and oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in the pureed tomatoes and cook until the mixture thickens and the oil starts separating from the masala.
[Insert Image Placeholder: Cooking Tomato Gravy]
- Blend the soaked cashews into a smooth paste and add it to the gravy.
- Stir in cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala. Cook the spices for 2-3 minutes.
[Insert Image Placeholder: Cashew Paste Gravy]
- Add 1-2 cups of water to adjust the consistency of the gravy, and let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat a pan or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken pieces until they are cooked through and slightly charred (about 5-7 minutes per side).
[Insert Image Placeholder: Grilled Chicken]
- Add the cooked chicken to the prepared gravy and mix gently.
Step 4: Add Cream and Final Touches
- Once the chicken is fully coated with the gravy, add the cream and honey (optional) to make the sauce rich and creamy.
- Stir well and simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
[Insert Image Placeholder: Butter Chicken with Cream]
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Step 5: Serve Butter Chicken
- Serve the creamy Butter Chicken hot with naan, roti, or jeera rice.
[Insert Image Placeholder: Butter Chicken Served]
Serving Suggestions
- With Naan or Roti: Butter Chicken pairs perfectly with soft, buttered naan or tandoori roti.
- With Jeera Rice: A bowl of fluffy jeera rice complements the richness of the Butter Chicken perfectly.
- With Salad & Pickle: A fresh onion salad with a bit of pickle adds a tangy contrast to the creamy dish.
Pro Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken Recipe
- Marinate the Chicken Well: Marinating the chicken for at least an hour (or overnight) ensures that the chicken absorbs all the spices and becomes tender.
- Use Fresh Cream: Fresh cream gives a rich, smooth texture to the gravy. Avoid using thickened cream or substitute it with milk for a lighter version.
- Adjust Spice Levels: You can adjust the amount of red chili powder and garam masala according to your spice preference.
- Cook the Chicken Separately: For the best texture, cook the marinated chicken separately before adding it to the gravy. This helps retain the charred flavor.
Variations You Can Try
- Makhani Chicken: Add extra butter and cream for a richer, more indulgent version of Butter Chicken.
- Paneer Butter Masala: Replace the chicken with paneer cubes for a vegetarian version.
- Kadai Butter Chicken: Add bell peppers and onions to the gravy for a more flavorful, chunky variation.
Butter Chicken is the epitome of comfort food — rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. With this recipe, you can recreate the magic of restaurant-style Butter Chicken recipe right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving a hearty meal, Butter Chicken will never disappoint.
FAQs
Can I make Butter Chicken without a grill?
Yes, you can cook the chicken in a regular pan or in the oven. The charred flavor will be slightly different, but it will still taste amazing.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully in Butter Chicken and give the dish a juicier texture.
How can I make the Butter Chicken less rich?
You can use less cream and butter or opt for low-fat cream for a lighter version of the dish.