Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe: A Creamy, Flavorful Indian Classic
- Eliane Muskus
- Mar 23
- 4 min read
From Delhi to Your Kitchen: The Best Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
What Makes This the Best Butter Chicken Recipe?
Many years ago, during my four-week journey through India, I discovered the best Butter Chicken in Delhi. A business relation invited us to dinner at a highly regarded restaurant, and while I was eager to experience authentic Indian cuisine, I was hesitant—I had always heard that Indian food is known for its bold spices and worried it would be too spicy for me.
That night changed everything. One dish stood out among the feast: Butter Chicken. The creamy, flavorful tomato sauce, the perfectly tender chicken, and the delicate blend of Indian spices completely won me over. I found myself scooping up every last drop with warm naan and basmati rice.
Since then, Butter Chicken has become one of my favorite Indian dishes. This easy homemade Butter Chicken recipe brings those same authentic flavors to your kitchen, without the need for complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
📌 What is Butter Chicken?
Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) is a popular North Indian dish made with tender marinated chicken, simmered in a rich, spiced tomato-based sauce with ghee (clarified butter) and cream. It was created in Delhi in the 1950s and has since become one of the most popular Indian curry recipes worldwide.
RECIPE:
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 3+ hours marinating time)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes (excluding marination)
Ingredients for the Best Homemade Butter Chicken
For the Chicken Marinade:
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
½ cup plain yogurt (helps tenderize the chicken)
1 tbsp lemon juice (adds brightness)
1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp garam masala
½ tsp ground red chili (adjust for spice preference)
For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
2 tbsp ghee (or unsalted butter)
1 cup tomato passata (or smooth pureed canned tomatoes)
1 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp sugar (balances acidity)
1¼ tsp kosher salt
Optional Garnish: Fresh cilantro
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Butter Chicken at Home
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, turmeric, cumin, garam masala, and chili powder. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or ideally overnight) to allow the flavors to develop.
📌 Pro Tip: For an extra-smooth sauce, blend the marinade ingredients before adding the chicken—perfect when making this dish for guests!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over high heat and melt the ghee.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off but keeping a thin coating. (Do not wipe it completely clean—this adds flavor!)
3. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces turn white on the outside.
📌 Note: The chicken won’t brown, but that’s okay—it will continue cooking in the sauce!
Step 3: Simmer the Butter Chicken Sauce
1. Pour in the tomato passata, heavy cream, sugar, and salt.
2. Stir well, making sure to scrape any remaining marinade into the pan.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
4. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
Garnish with fresh cilantro (if using).
Serve hot over fluffy basmati rice.
Pair with warm naan for scooping up the delicious sauce.
Add crisp pappadums for an extra crunch!
📌 Serving Suggestion: This dish pairs beautifully with a cooling cucumber raita or a refreshing mint yogurt dip.
Butter Chicken Cooking Tips & Substitutions
✔ Chicken Thighs vs. Breast: Chicken thighs are best as they stay juicy and tender, but chicken breast can also work.
✔ Tomato Passata Alternative: If you don’t have passata, use canned crushed tomatoes and blend them until smooth.
✔ Heavy Cream Substitute: Stick to full-fat heavy cream for the best texture—low-fat cream makes the sauce thinner.
✔ Make It Spicier: Add extra red chili powder or a pinch of cayenne if you love heat!
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
✅ Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
❌ Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed.
🔄 Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
No-Fry Pappadums Hack (Quick & Easy Method)
1. Place store-bought raw ppappadumsin the microwave.
2. Microwave on High for 45 seconds to 1 minute, until they puff up.
3. Let them cool—they’ll crisp up perfectly!
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken Recipe
This easy Butter Chicken recipe brings restaurant-quality Indian flavors to your home kitchen. Whether you're a longtime fan or trying homemade Butter Chicken for the first time, this rich, creamy, and mildly spiced curry will become a staple in your recipe collection.
❓️Have you ever made homemade Butter Chicken? Let me know in the comments—what do you love pairing it with: naan, basmati rice, or something unique?
