Rich and Creamy Butter Chicken: A Restaurant-Style Indian Curry Recipe

Authentic Indian Butter Chicken Recipe (Murgh Makhani)

Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of homemade butter chicken, a beloved Indian dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a luscious tomato and cream sauce. This restaurant-quality recipe brings the exotic flavors of India right to your dinner table with surprisingly simple ingredients and techniques.

Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken Recipe

• ✅ Restaurant-quality flavors with everyday ingredients
• ✅ Perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and tomato tang
• ✅ Make-ahead friendly – flavors improve overnight
• ✅ Customizable heat level to suit your preference
• ✅ Freezes beautifully for easy meal prep

What Makes Authentic Butter Chicken Special?

Traditional Murgh Makhani (the Hindi name for butter chicken) originated in Delhi, India, in the 1950s. The secret to authentic butter chicken lies in the balance of spices, the slow simmering of the sauce, and the liberal use of butter and cream that creates that signature velvety texture that coats every piece of tender chicken.

Ingredients for the Perfect Butter Chicken

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
• 2 medium onions, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika (or Kashmiri chili powder for authentic color)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
• Salt to taste
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
• 1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi) – optional but authentic

Step-by-Step Instructions for Butter Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken

   In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, coriander, ginger, garlic, and salt. Add chicken pieces and stir to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for the best flavor development.

2. Preheat the Oven

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

3. Cook the Marinated Chicken

   Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece. Brush with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and edges begin to brown.

4. Start the Sauce

   While chicken is baking, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

5. Add Aromatics and Spices

   Add garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in cumin, garam masala, coriander, paprika, and cinnamon. Cook for another minute to toast the spices and release their flavors.

6. Create the Tomato Base

   Pour in tomato sauce and tomato paste. Add chopped green chilies. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly and oil begins to separate.

7. Blend the Sauce (Optional)

   For an ultra-smooth restaurant-style sauce, carefully transfer the sauce to a blender and blend until smooth. Return to the pan. (Skip this step if you prefer some texture.)

8. Finish the Sauce

   Add the remaining butter and stir until melted. Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, honey, and salt to taste. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.

9. Combine Chicken and Sauce

   Add the baked chicken pieces (with any accumulated juices) to the sauce. If using, crush the dried fenugreek leaves between your palms and sprinkle into the sauce. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

10. Final Touch

    Stir in chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to reach desired consistency.

11. Serve

    Garnish with additional cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice, naan bread, or roti for a complete Indian feast.

Expert Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken

• Use chicken thighs instead of breast for more tender, juicy results
• Don’t rush the marination – longer marination equals more flavorful chicken
• Toast your spices to intensify their flavors
• Kashmiri chili powder adds authentic color without excessive heat
• Dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi) add that distinctive, authentic butter chicken flavor
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream

Common Questions About Butter Chicken

Can I make butter chicken in advance?
Absolutely! The flavors actually improve after a day in the refrigerator. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze butter chicken?
Yes! Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating on the stovetop.

What’s the difference between butter chicken and tikka masala?
Butter chicken is creamier and milder, with a more buttery tomato sauce, while tikka masala tends to be spicier with a more complex spice blend.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! After marinating and searing the chicken, combine all sauce ingredients and chicken in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.

Nutritional Information

Perfect Side Dishes for Butter Chicken

• Fragrant Basmati Rice
• Garlic Naan Bread
• Cucumber Raita
• Simple Green Salad
• Sautéed Spinach with Garlic
• Roasted Cauliflower with Cumin

Why This Butter Chicken Recipe Stands Out

What makes this butter chicken recipe truly exceptional is the perfect balance of spices and the rich, velvety sauce that clings to each piece of tender chicken. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a seasoned pro, this accessible yet authentic recipe delivers restaurant-quality results every time. The combination of marinated chicken with the aromatic tomato-butter sauce creates a dish that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite for years to come.

Recipe adapted from All Recipes