If you’re craving rich, creamy, and flavorful Butter Chicken, you’re in for a treat! This homemade Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) is just as delicious as what you’d get at an Indian restaurant—maybe even better. Tender, juicy chicken is simmered in a luscious tomato-based, buttery sauce infused with warm spices.
The best part? You can make this in just 30 minutes using simple ingredients! Serve it with naan or fluffy basmati rice for the ultimate comfort meal.
Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken Recipe
✔ Rich, Creamy, and Flavorful – A perfect balance of spice, tang, and creaminess.
✔ One-Pan Wonder – Easy to make with minimal cleanup.
✔ Restaurant-Style at Home – Authentic flavors without the takeout price.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!
What Does Butter Chicken Taste Like?
Butter Chicken is mildly spiced, creamy, and slightly sweet, with a deep, buttery tomato flavor. Unlike spicier Indian curries, this dish is rich and smooth, making it a great choice for those who prefer mild to medium heat.
Ingredients for Butter Chicken
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic paste (or minced garlic)
- 1 tsp ginger paste (or grated ginger)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp paprika (for color)
- ½ tsp salt
For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp oil (vegetable or ghee)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp red chili powder (adjust for spice level)
- 1 cup tomato puree (or canned crushed tomatoes)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- ½ tsp sugar (balances acidity)
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Butter Chicken (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, garam masala, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and salt.
- Add the chicken pieces, coating them well. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly charred and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Butter Chicken Sauce
- In the same pan, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cumin, garam masala, coriander, and chili powder. Sauté for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
- Pour in tomato puree and sugar, then simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and deepens in color.
- Stir in heavy cream and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
- Serve hot with naan, basmati rice, or roti.
What to Serve with Butter Chicken
Pair this creamy Butter Chicken with:
✔ Basmati Rice – Perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
✔ Garlic Naan – A must-have for scooping up every last bit!
✔ Roti or Paratha – Another great Indian bread option.
✔ Cucumber Raita – A cooling yogurt side dish.
Tips for the Best Butter Chicken
🔸 Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness – They stay tender and don’t dry out.
🔸 Marinate Overnight for Maximum Flavor – The longer, the better!
🔸 Blend the Sauce for a Smoother Texture – For a silky finish, use an immersion blender before adding the cream.
🔸 Adjust Spice Level to Your Preference – Add extra chili powder for heat or reduce it for a milder taste.
🔸 For a Healthier Version – Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or coconut milk.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
🥶 To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🔥 To Reheat: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
❄️ To Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Butter Chicken without dairy?
Yes! Swap heavy cream for coconut milk and use oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
2. Is Butter Chicken spicy?
Not really! It’s a mild curry with a rich, buttery tomato flavor. You can adjust the spice by adding more or less chili powder.
3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Cook the sauce first, then add marinated raw chicken. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, then stir in the cream before serving.
4. What’s the difference between Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala?
- Butter Chicken is creamier, slightly sweeter, and cooked with butter.
- Tikka Masala is spicier, tangier, and often made with grilled chicken.
Final Thoughts
This homemade Butter Chicken is creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make! Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this dish will be a guaranteed hit.
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love:
- Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Homemade Naan Bread Recipe
- Easy Chicken Tikka Masala
Now, grab your ingredients and let’s make this creamy, dreamy Butter Chicken! 🍛🔥