- August 12, 2025
Butter Chicken Recipe – Creamy, Authentic & Delicious
If there’s one dish that has won hearts across the globe, it is the Butter Chicken recipe. Also known as Murgh Makhani, this dish originated in Delhi but has become a global favorite, especially in Indian restaurants worldwide. With its velvety tomato-based gravy, succulent chicken pieces, and a rich buttery finish, the Indian butter chicken recipe is the perfect balance of creaminess and spice.
In this blog, we’ll explore how to prepare the authentic butter chicken recipe step by step, discover variations like the Punjabi butter chicken recipe and restaurant style butter chicken recipe, and share useful tips to make it at home.
What is Butter Chicken?
Butter chicken is a mildly spiced curry made with marinated chicken cooked in a rich tomato, butter, and cream sauce. The chicken is usually marinated in yogurt and spices, grilled or cooked in a tandoor, and then simmered in the gravy.
Unlike other chicken curries, the creamy butter chicken recipe has a smooth texture, thanks to butter, cream, and cashew paste. It pairs beautifully with naan, roti, or steamed rice, making it a versatile dish for all occasions.
Ingredients for Butter Chicken Recipe
Here’s everything you need for a homemade butter chicken recipe:
For Chicken Marinade
500 g boneless chicken (thighs preferred)
½ cup yogurt
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tbsp red chili powder
1 tsp garam masala powder
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt to taste
For Gravy
3 tbsp butter
1 tbsp oil
2 medium onions, sliced
3 tomatoes, pureed
2 tbsp cashew paste (soaked & blended)
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1–2 green chilies
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp red chili powder
½ tsp turmeric powder
½ tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
½ cup fresh cream (skip for butter chicken without cream)
Salt as required
For Garnish
Fresh coriander leaves
A drizzle of cream
Butter Chicken Step by Step Recipe
Follow this butter chicken step by step recipe for perfect results:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, turmeric, lemon juice, and salt.
Coat chicken pieces and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours (overnight for best results).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Grill or pan-fry marinated chicken until lightly charred.
Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Gravy
Heat butter and oil in a pan.
Add cumin seeds, onions, and sauté until golden.
Add ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, and cook.
Add tomato puree, chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, and cook until oil separates.
Add cashew paste and simmer.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Gravy
Add cooked chicken pieces to the gravy.
Stir in cream and kasuri methi.
Simmer for 10 minutes until creamy.
Your authentic butter chicken recipe is ready!
Variations of Butter Chicken Recipe
Easy Butter Chicken Recipe – Use pre-cooked chicken and store-bought tomato puree for a quick version.
Simple Butter Chicken Recipe – Skip cashew paste for a lighter curry.
Punjabi Butter Chicken Recipe – Spicier and richer, with extra ghee and cream.
Restaurant Style Butter Chicken Recipe – Add charcoal smoke to the curry for a tandoor-like flavor.
Butter Chicken without Cream – Substitute with milk or yogurt for a healthier option.
Butter Chicken without Oven – Pan-fry marinated chicken instead of grilling.
Traditional Butter Chicken Recipe – Uses slow cooking and fresh ingredients, no shortcuts.
Orange Chicken Recipe,Fish Tikka Recipe,Fish Kathi Roll Recipe,Prawn Frankie Recipe
Tips for the Best Butter Chicken
Always marinate chicken for a minimum of 1 hour.
Use butter generously for authentic flavor.
Kasuri methi gives the curry its signature aroma.
For a thicker butter chicken gravy recipe, add more cashew paste.
Balance flavors: tangy tomatoes, creamy cashews, and mild spice.
Serving Suggestions
The butter chicken curry recipe is versatile and pairs well with:
Butter naan or garlic naan
Jeera rice or plain basmati rice
Tandoori roti or paratha
For a North Indian feast, serve it with dal makhani and jeera rice.
Why This is the Best Butter Chicken Recipe
It’s a traditional butter chicken recipe that balances authenticity with convenience.
Can be adapted into a quick butter chicken recipe for busy days.
Creamy, buttery, and mildly spiced—appeals to all age groups.
Perfect for both home cooking and dinner parties.
FAQs on Butter Chicken Recipe
Q1: Is butter chicken the same as chicken tikka masala?
A: No. Butter chicken curry recipe is creamier and less spicy, while tikka masala has a stronger tomato base.
Q2: Can I make butter chicken without cream?
A: Yes, substitute cream with milk, yogurt, or coconut cream.
Q3: How to make butter chicken at home taste like a restaurant style butter chicken recipe?
A: Add smoky flavor using a charcoal-infused dhungar method and extra cream.
Q4: Can I freeze butter chicken?
A: Yes, freeze the gravy without cream, and add cream when reheating.
Q5: What’s the secret to the best butter chicken recipe?
A: Slow cooking the tomato-cashew base until oil separates ensures depth of flavor.
Interesting Facts
The Butter Chicken recipe is one of the most celebrated dishes in Indian cuisine. Whether you prefer the authentic butter chicken recipe, a Punjabi butter chicken recipe, or a restaurant style butter chicken recipe, this dish never fails to impress. Its velvety gravy, tender chicken, and buttery richness make it the star of any meal.
From a simple butter chicken recipe for weeknights to a traditional butter chicken recipe for special occasions, this dish adapts to every table. So, next time you crave something indulgent, try this homemade butter chicken recipe and bring the magic of Indian flavors into your kitchen.
Orange Chicken Recipe,Fish Tikka Recipe,Fish Kathi Roll Recipe,Prawn Frankie Recipe
Rose Thandai Recipe,Muskmelon Juice Recipe,Chikoo Milkshake Recipe,Pineapple Punch RecipeChocolate Milk Masala Recipe
Paneer Pulao Recipe,Mint Rice Recipe(Pudina Rice),Kashmiri Pulao Recipe,Jeera Rice Recipe
Mango Kalakand RecipeRava Kesari Recipe | South Indian Sooji Halwa |Gajar ka Halwa Recipe
Follow us on :
