- July 4, 2025
Butter Chicken Recipe | Creamy & Authentic Indian-Style Delight
Few dishes from India have reached the global stage like butter chicken recipe. Known as murgh makhani in Hindi, this creamy, rich, and flavorful curry is a favorite across homes, restaurants, and even abroad. The authentic butter chicken recipe combines juicy chicken, velvety tomato-based gravy, cream, and butter — a symphony of flavors that defines North Indian cuisine.
Whether you want the restaurant style butter chicken recipe, the Punjabi style butter chicken recipe, or even an easy butter chicken recipe at home, this dish delivers comfort and indulgence in every bite.
Origin of Butter Chicken
The story of butter chicken dates back to 1950s Delhi, where chefs at the famous Moti Mahal restaurant accidentally created this dish by simmering leftover tandoori chicken in a tomato-butter-cream sauce. That accidental invention became a legend — now celebrated worldwide.
The butter chicken recipe Indian style blends Mughlai influences with Punjabi heartiness. Unlike spicier curries, butter chicken focuses on balance — rich, creamy, and slightly tangy.
Ingredients for Butter Chicken Recipe
Here’s what you need for the best butter chicken recipe:
For Chicken Marinade:
500 g chicken (boneless, cut into cubes)
½ cup curd (yogurt)
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt to taste
For Gravy:
3 tbsp butter
1 tbsp oil
2 medium onions (sliced)
3 tomatoes (pureed)
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
2 green chilies (slit)
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp garam masala
1 tbsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
½ cup fresh cream
Salt to taste
Garnish:
Fresh coriander leaves
A swirl of cream
Step-by-Step Instructions – How to Make Butter Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt.
Coat chicken pieces evenly.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is best).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a little oil in a pan.
Cook marinated chicken until golden brown and 80% done.
Set aside.
(Tip: For a smoky, restaurant style butter chicken recipe, grill or tandoor the chicken pieces.)
Step 3: Prepare the Gravy
In a pan, heat butter and oil.
Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook until aromatic.
Add tomato puree, turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder.
Cook until oil separates.
Blend this mixture to a smooth paste for silky gravy.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Gravy
Return the blended gravy to the pan.
Add cooked chicken pieces.
Sprinkle garam masala and kasuri methi.
Stir in cream for the signature velvety texture.
Simmer for 10 minutes on low flame.
Step 5: Final Touch
Add a knob of butter on top.
Garnish with cream swirls and coriander leaves.
Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.
Variations of Butter Chicken Recipe
Easy Butter Chicken Recipe – Quick version with minimal spices, ready in 30 minutes.
Butter Chicken Recipe Without Oven – Pan-fry chicken instead of grilling.
Butter Chicken Recipe With Cream – The classic restaurant-style indulgence.
Butter Chicken Recipe Without Cream – Substitute cashew paste for a healthier yet creamy texture.
Butter Chicken Recipe Dhaba Style – Spicier and smokier, like roadside eateries.
Butter Chicken Recipe Punjabi Style – Richer, with extra butter and cream.
Simple Butter Chicken Recipe – Beginner-friendly with step-by-step instructions.
Butter Chicken Healthy Recipe – Use less butter, grilled chicken, and cashew paste.
Butter Chicken Masala Recipe – A thicker, spicier gravy variation.
Butter Chicken Instant Pot Recipe – A modern one-pot method for busy cooks.
Butter Chicken Pressure Cooker Recipe – Faster cooking without losing flavor.
Butter Chicken Gravy Recipe – Focus on the silky tomato-based curry, served with bread.
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Pro Tips for the Best Butter Chicken
Marinate well – Yogurt tenderizes and infuses flavor.
Charred chicken – Grilling or pan-searing enhances smokiness.
Use kasuri methi – Adds authentic restaurant-style taste.
Balance butter & cream – Too much can overpower the dish.
Simmer, don’t rush – Slow cooking enhances richness.
Nutritional Value of Butter Chicken
Calories: ~450 per serving (varies with cream & butter quantity)
Protein: High, from chicken
Fats: Moderate to high (adjust with lighter cream options)
Carbs: Mostly from gravy ingredients
For a butter chicken healthy recipe, reduce butter and use cashew paste instead of cream.
What to Serve with Butter Chicken
Breads: Naan, roti, paratha, or kulcha
Rice: Jeera rice, basmati rice, or pulao
Sides: Green salad, onion rings, lemon wedges
Drinks: Sweet lassi or masala chaas
FAQs on Butter Chicken Recipe
Q1. What makes butter chicken different from chicken tikka masala?
Butter chicken has a creamier, buttery tomato-based gravy, while chicken tikka masala is spicier and less creamy.
Q2. Can I make butter chicken without cream?
Yes, the butter chicken recipe without cream uses cashew paste or milk as a substitute.
Q3. Is butter chicken sweet or spicy?
The authentic butter chicken recipe is mildly spiced with a slight sweetness from cream and tomatoes.
Q4. Can beginners try making butter chicken?
Absolutely! The simple butter chicken recipe step by step is perfect for beginners.
Q5. How do restaurants get the smoky flavor?
They often use a charcoal smoke infusion (dhungar method). Try this at home for a restaurant style butter chicken recipe.
Interesting Facts
The butter chicken recipe is not just food; it’s a culinary legacy that represents Indian flavors worldwide. From the authentic butter chicken recipe Indian style to the restaurant style butter chicken recipe or even the butter chicken recipe Punjabi style, every variation brings richness and comfort.
Whether you’re cooking a simple butter chicken recipe at home, trying the butter chicken masala recipe, or experimenting with a healthy butter chicken recipe, the result is always satisfying.
Velvety, flavorful, and unforgettable — this is truly the best butter chicken recipe you can master in your kitchen.
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