The Best Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This homemade butter chicken recipe is perfect for cozy nights in or impressing your friends at dinner. You’ll love how easy it is to make while still tasting just like your favorite restaurant dish.

• Rich and creamy sauce that’s bursting with flavor, thanks to aromatic spices and a touch of cream.
• Tender, juicy chicken that melts in your mouth, marinated to perfection.
• Simple ingredients you probably already have at home, making it a stress-free meal to whip up any time.

Recipe

Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a classic Indian dish known for its rich, creamy tomato-based sauce and tender chunks of marinated chicken. This recipe offers a step-by-step guide to recreating this beloved dish at home, delivering the authentic flavors of India right to your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
2. Heat butter and oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté the onion until golden brown. Add the tomato puree, cumin powder, and coriander powder. Cook until the oil separates from the mixture.
4. Return the chicken to the pan and stir well to coat with the sauce. Add heavy cream and sugar (if using). Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan or rice.

Notes:

For a smokier flavor, you can char the marinated chicken on a grill before adding it to the sauce. Adjust the chili powder to suit your spice preference.

Equipment:

Mixing bowl, frying pan, blender (for tomato puree), spatula

Time:

Prep time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Cuisine:

Indian

Serving:

4 servings

Nutrition

Butter chicken is a rich and flavorful dish with a balance of protein, fats, and carbs. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.

What To Serve With It

Butter chicken pairs perfectly with steamed basmati rice, soaking up all that rich, creamy sauce—I can never resist an extra spoonful! Garlic naan bread is another must-have, its warm, buttery flavor complementing the dish beautifully. Trust me, these sides turn a simple meal into something truly special.

Steamed Basmati Rice

When I’m making butter chicken, I always think of steamed basmati rice as its perfect partner, and it’s easy to see why. The fluffy, fragrant grains soak up the rich, creamy sauce, balancing every bite. I rinse the rice first to remove excess starch, then cook it with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of oil for extra flavor. It’s simple but makes all the difference. Sometimes, I toss in a whole cardamom pod or bay leaf for a subtle aroma. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll never want butter chicken without it.

Garlic Naan Bread

While butter chicken and rice make a classic pair, garlic naan bread brings an extra layer of indulgence to the meal. I love how its soft, chewy texture pairs perfectly with the rich curry sauce. The garlic adds a bold flavor that complements the spices in the butter chicken. Making it at home is easier than you’d think—just mix flour, yogurt, and water, roll it out, and cook it in a hot skillet. One bite, and you’ll see why it’s a must-have side. Plus, it’s fun to tear apart and share, making the meal feel extra special.