Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

The Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is one of the most beloved and comforting dishes in Indian cuisine. Known for its rich, creamy, and mildly spiced tomato-based gravy, butter chicken is a classic that has won hearts around the globe. Also known as “Murgh Makhani,” this dish originated in Northern India and quickly became a favorite in homes and restaurants everywhere.

With its smooth, buttery texture, tender chicken pieces, and vibrant flavor, the Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, impressing guests, or craving authentic Indian food, this dish delivers restaurant-style results without complicated steps.

In this article, you’ll learn everything about preparing the best Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe, including the key ingredients and their roles, preparation time, cooking instructions with expert tips, creative twists, customization ideas, and frequently asked questions.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

Each ingredient in the Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe has a purpose. From marinating the chicken to creating the perfect sauce, understanding the role of each element will help you craft the perfect dish.

Chicken (Boneless Thighs or Breasts)

Chicken is the heart of this recipe. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are preferred for their tenderness and juiciness. However, chicken breasts can also be used for a leaner option. The chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices, which helps tenderize the meat and enhance flavor.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a natural tenderizer and forms the base of the marinade. It helps break down the proteins in the chicken, making it soft and flavorful. It also balances the spices and adds a slight tang.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice adds acidity to the marinade, which further helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor. It also brightens the overall taste of the dish.

Garlic and Ginger

These two ingredients are staples in Indian cooking. They are used in both the marinade and the sauce. They add depth, warmth, and a pungent aroma that is essential to the dish.

Garam Masala

A blend of ground spices, garam masala is crucial for authentic flavor. It usually includes cinnamon, cloves, cumin, coriander, and cardamom. It adds warmth, richness, and complexity to both the marinade and sauce.

Chili Powder

Red chili powder adds a mild to moderate heat, depending on the variety used. Kashmiri chili powder is commonly used for its bright red color and mild spice.

Butter

True to its name, butter chicken gets its signature richness from butter. It’s used in cooking the sauce and gives it a smooth, velvety texture. It also enhances the overall mouthfeel of the dish.

Tomato Puree

Tomato puree forms the base of the gravy. It gives the dish its vibrant color and tangy flavor. Cooking the tomatoes well is important to remove acidity and bring out natural sweetness.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream adds richness and softens the spices. It creates a luxurious texture and balances the bold flavors of the sauce.

Fenugreek Leaves (Kasuri Methi)

These dried leaves add a unique, slightly bitter aroma that completes the dish. Even a small amount makes a big difference in flavor and authenticity.

Sugar

A small amount of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the flavors in the sauce.

Preparation Time

Making the Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe doesn’t take hours, though marinating the chicken enhances its flavor. Here’s a breakdown of the time needed:

Marination Time: 1–12 hours (the longer, the better)
Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour (excluding marination)

Ingredients

This recipe serves 4 people. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken Marinade:

500g boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
Salt to taste

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder (Kashmiri for color)
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 cup tomato puree
1/2 cup water (as needed)
1 tablespoon sugar
Salt to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), crushed
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions with Expert Tips

Follow these steps to prepare the perfect Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe at home.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and all spices for the marinade. Add chicken pieces and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.

Expert Tip: The longer you marinate, the deeper the flavor. Overnight marination gives the best results.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a non-stick pan or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a little oil. Sear the marinated chicken until browned on both sides. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked—it will finish cooking in the sauce.

Expert Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the chicken in batches if needed to get a nice sear.

Step 3: Make the Sauce Base

In a large skillet or pan, melt butter with a bit of oil. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Expert Tip: Cook the onions slowly on medium heat to develop a sweet, caramelized flavor.

Step 4: Add Spices and Tomato Puree

Add garam masala, chili powder, cumin, and turmeric. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices. Then, add the tomato puree and cook for 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens and oil separates from the edges.

Expert Tip: Simmering the tomatoes well removes rawness and deepens the flavor.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Simmer

Add the partially cooked chicken pieces to the sauce. Add water if needed to adjust consistency. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 6: Add Cream and Fenugreek

Stir in the heavy cream, crushed fenugreek leaves, sugar, and salt. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes on low heat until the sauce is silky and well blended.

Expert Tip: Do not boil the sauce after adding cream. Keep the heat low to prevent splitting.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh cilantro and a swirl of cream. Serve hot with naan, basmati rice, or parathas.

Presentation Tips

Presentation enhances the experience of enjoying the Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe. Try these easy tips:

Serve in a deep bowl or copper serving dish for an authentic look.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, a drizzle of cream, and a small cube of butter.
Pair with fluffy basmati rice or naan on the side.
Add a wedge of lemon for color and flavor balance.

Creative Twists for the best Homemade Butter Chicken

Looking to give your Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe a unique twist? Try one of these creative ideas:

Butter Chicken Tacos

Use small tortillas and fill them with butter chicken, onions, and cilantro. A fusion twist perfect for parties.

Butter Chicken Pizza

Spread butter chicken sauce over naan or pizza dough, top with cheese, and bake for an Indian-style pizza.

Butter Chicken Pasta

Toss cooked penne or spaghetti with butter chicken sauce and shredded chicken for a creamy, comforting meal.

Vegetarian Butter Paneer

Swap chicken for paneer cubes and follow the same recipe for a vegetarian version.

Vegan Version

Use tofu instead of chicken, plant-based yogurt and cream, and vegan butter for a completely plant-based alternative.

Pro Tip for Customization

Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is easy to adapt for dietary preferences or personal taste.

Pro Tip: For a lighter version, use low-fat yogurt and coconut milk instead of cream. You can also reduce butter slightly and still get a rich result. Adjust chili levels to suit your spice tolerance.

FAQs

Is butter chicken spicy?

Not typically. Butter chicken is known for its mild, creamy flavor. You can adjust the chili powder to make it spicier if desired.

Can I make Homemade Butter Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, butter chicken tastes even better the next day. The flavors develop and deepen overnight. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze Homemade Butter Chicken?

Yes, it freezes well. Cool completely, store in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

What can I serve with butter chicken?

It goes well with naan, parathas, basmati rice, jeera (cumin) rice, or even simple steamed rice. Add a cucumber raita or salad for a balanced meal.

What’s the difference between butter chicken and chicken tikka masala?

They are similar, but butter chicken is creamier and milder. Chicken tikka

masala is usually spicier and has a thicker, tomato-heavy gravy.

Can I use store-bought butter chicken sauce?

Yes, but making it fresh at home gives a richer, more authentic flavor. Store-bought sauces may contain preservatives or artificial flavors.

Can I use leftover grilled chicken?

Absolutely. Leftover grilled or roasted chicken can be chopped and added to the sauce to save time.

How do I prevent the cream from curdling?

Use low heat and stir continuously after adding cream. Avoid boiling the sauce once the cream is added.

Conclusion

The Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is a timeless classic that brings the flavors of Indian cuisine right into your kitchen. It’s rich, creamy, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying. With just a few pantry staples and simple techniques, you can enjoy restaurant-quality butter chicken at home any day of the week.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this dish never fails to impress. With options to customize, make ahead, or even reinvent it into fusion meals, Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe is a versatile favorite that you’ll return to time and time again.