Butter Chicken

The rich, savory aroma of butter chicken is enough to draw everyone to the table. With its roots in North Indian cuisine, this globally loved dish features juicy pieces of marinated chicken simmered in a velvety tomato-based curry enriched with cream and warm spices.

This butter chicken recipe is the perfect balance of heat and richness, making it ideal for anyone new to Indian cooking or simply looking for a flavorful yet easy dinner. It’s excellent for meal prep, dinner parties, or cozy nights when you crave something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it over fluffy basmati rice or scoop it up with warm naan to soak up every drop of the luscious sauce.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 cup plain yogurt

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tsp ground turmeric

• 2 tsp garam masala

• 2 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger

• 1 1/2 cups tomato puree

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Add the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight for best flavor).

2. In a large skillet, heat the butter and oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft and golden.

3. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for about 1 minute.

4. Add marinated chicken and cook until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.

5. Pour in tomato puree, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

6. Stir in the cream and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce is creamy and rich.

7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan or basmati rice.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a beloved Indian dish that has captivated palates across the globe with its creamy texture, rich flavors, and perfectly balanced spices. Originating in the bustling streets of Delhi in the 1950s, this dish was reportedly created by accident at the famous Moti Mahal restaurant, when leftover tandoori chicken was simmered in a luscious tomato-butter cream sauce. The result? A comforting curry that combined the smoky depth of grilled meat with a silky, tangy, and mildly spiced sauce—a revolutionary moment in Indian cuisine.

Today, butter chicken is not just a restaurant favorite, but also a go-to meal in home kitchens due to its accessibility, flexibility, and unmatched flavor. This version of the recipe stays true to its roots while simplifying the steps for everyday cooks. It’s quick enough for weeknight dinners but luxurious enough to serve on special occasions. The best part? It uses common pantry ingredients, doesn’t require a tandoor, and can be made in one pan, minimizing cleanup.

The Power of the Marinade

One of the secret weapons in this butter chicken recipe is the yogurt-based marinade. The marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor from spices like turmeric, garam masala, cumin, and chili powder. Marinating for at least 30 minutes (though overnight is best) ensures that the chicken is juicy and flavorful when cooked. This step also helps balance the heat and enhances the final texture, creating restaurant-quality results at home.

Creamy, But Not Overwhelming

What sets butter chicken apart from other curries is its luxurious sauce. While it is rich and creamy, it isn’t heavy or greasy. The cream blends with the tanginess of the tomato puree and the warmth of the spices to create a velvety, well-rounded flavor. Butter adds a final glossy finish that enhances the dish’s aroma and richness, without overwhelming the other ingredients.

For those seeking lighter options, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, Greek yogurt, or even coconut milk for a dairy-free twist. The recipe is also easily adaptable to different spice preferences—mild for kids, or spicier with a dash of cayenne for heat lovers.

Why This Butter Chicken Recipe Stands Out

This particular butter chicken recipe shines because it’s both authentic and easy. Many traditional Indian dishes can seem intimidating due to their complex ingredient lists and cooking techniques, but this recipe bridges that gap. With minimal prep and straightforward steps, even beginners can recreate this flavorful dish in under 40 minutes.

Another advantage of this recipe is its versatility. You can use boneless chicken thighs for a more tender texture or substitute paneer or tofu for a vegetarian version. It’s also meal-prep friendly—make a double batch and freeze half for a future meal. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers arguably even better the next day.

A Meal That Appeals to Everyone

Butter chicken has universal appeal. It’s not too spicy, making it a favorite with kids and those new to Indian cuisine. The creamy texture and balanced spices are comforting and indulgent, but not overly rich. It pairs wonderfully with rice, naan, roti, or even a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad.

Hosting a dinner party? Butter chicken can easily be scaled up for a crowd and served in a buffet with other Indian classics like basmati rice, dal, and raita. For busy weeknights, it’s an excellent one-dish meal that feels like a treat, even when time is limited.

Health Benefits of Homemade Butter Chicken

While butter chicken has a reputation for being indulgent, making it at home gives you full control over the ingredients. Using lean chicken breast or skinless thighs cuts down on fat, while homemade sauces mean you can avoid preservatives, added sugar, and excess sodium. Tomatoes provide a healthy dose of lycopene, and spices like turmeric, garlic, and ginger bring anti-inflammatory benefits to the table.

Ginger and garlic are known for boosting immunity and aiding digestion, while turmeric offers powerful antioxidants. Even the cream can be swapped for a healthier alternative, allowing you to enjoy the taste without the guilt.

A Family Favorite That’s Here to Stay

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or trying to impress guests with a comforting, exotic dish, this butter chicken recipe delivers every time. Its balance of savory and sweet, heat and creaminess, richness and freshness, makes it one of the most loved chicken dishes worldwide.

It also invites creativity: add crushed cashews or a sprinkle of fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) for more depth; top it with a swirl of cream for elegance; or serve it with lemon wedges and pickled onions to brighten the meal. However you make it, one thing is certain—this butter chicken will become a staple in your recipe collection.

Conclusion

Butter chicken isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. It tells the story of Indian culinary tradition while inviting innovation and personalization. With its easy steps, flexible ingredients, and unbeatable flavor, this butter chicken recipe is one you’ll return to time and again. It brings warmth to cold nights, joy to family dinners, and flavor to everyday cooking.

Make it once, and you’ll understand why it’s one of the most loved dishes in the world.