How to Make Butter Chicken at Home (Step-by-Step Recipe)

When you think of comfort food that’s rich, creamy, and full of flavour, one dish that always comes to mind is butter chicken. It’s one of the most popular North Indian chicken curries, loved not just in India but across the world. Whether it's a family dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe always wins hearts.

In this blog, we’ll guide you on how to make butter chicken at home step-by-step, using simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques. The result? A delicious, smooth, and creamy butter chicken that tastes just like the one you get in restaurants.

Pro tip: You should check our courses if you are looking for the best diploma in culinary arts.

What is Butter Chicken?

Butter chicken, also called Murgh Makhani, is a mildly spiced, creamy tomato-based chicken dish that originated in Delhi. It's a classic dish in Punjabi cuisine, often served with naan or rice.

Unlike spicy curries, restaurant-style butter chicken has a sweet and tangy taste with a smooth texture, thanks to fresh cream, tomatoes, butter, and aromatic spices. The chicken is usually marinated, grilled, and then cooked in the buttery sauce, making it rich and irresistible.

If you're wondering how to make butter chicken that tastes like your favourite restaurant, this recipe will help you recreate it in your home kitchen.

Ingredients for Butter Chicken

For Chicken Marinade:

• 500 grams boneless chicken (thighs preferred)
• ½ cup thick curd (yogurt)
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp garam masala
• Salt as per taste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp oil

For the Gravy:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 ripe tomatoes (blended into puree)
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tbsp Kashmiri red chilli powder (for colour)
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)
• Salt to taste
• ½ tsp kasuri methi (crushed)
• 3–4 tbsp fresh cream
• 1 tbsp butter (for finishing)

Optional:

• A few drops of kewra water or rose water for aroma
• Coal for smoky flavour (optional but enhances the restaurant style butter chicken feel)

Step-by-Step Recipe for Butter Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix curd, ginger-garlic paste, red chilli powder, turmeric, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt. Add chicken pieces and coat them well. Add oil and mix again. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For best flavour, marinate overnight.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tbsp oil or butter in a pan. Cook the marinated chicken on medium flame until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. You can also grill or bake the chicken for a more authentic restaurant style. Keep the cooked chicken aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Gravy

Heat butter and oil in a deep pan. Add bay leaf and sauté for a few seconds. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook till the raw smell goes away. Add the tomato puree and cook it for 6–8 minutes till oil starts separating from the sides. Add Kashmiri red chilli powder, cumin powder, sugar, and salt. Stir well and cook on low flame until it turns thick and aromatic.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Finish the Curry

Add the cooked chicken pieces into the gravy. Mix gently and let it simmer for 8–10 minutes so that chicken absorbs the flavour. Add crushed kasuri methi and cream. Stir gently. Add 1 tbsp butter and let it melt into the gravy. Adjust salt and spice as per your taste.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Garnish your creamy butter chicken with a swirl of fresh cream, a few coriander leaves, and a pinch of kasuri methi.

What to Serve with Butter Chicken?

• Butter naan or garlic naan
• Tandoori roti
• Laccha paratha
• Steamed basmati rice
• Jeera rice

Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken Every Time

• Use boneless chicken thighs, they remain juicy after cooking.
• Strain the tomato puree for a smoother gravy.
• Don’t boil cream, add it at the end and mix on low flame.
• Marinate well, overnight is best for deep flavour.
• Always crush kasuri methi before adding to release aroma.
• Balance the sweetness with a pinch of sugar or honey if needed.

Why Try This Butter Chicken Recipe at Home?

This recipe is simple, home-style, and very close to the flavours served in top restaurants. By using fresh ingredients and following the method, you can enjoy a rich and creamy butter chicken dish without spending on takeaway. Customisable spice and cream levels according to your preference. A satisfying meal that’s ideal for both everyday cooking and special dinners.

Final Thoughts

So now you know exactly how to make butter chicken at home. With this easy and detailed step-by-step butter chicken recipe, you can bring restaurant flavours to your own dining table. Whether it’s a weekend treat, a festival meal, or a surprise for your loved ones, this North Indian chicken curry never fails to impress.

Here is our Detailed Youtube Video on How to Make Butter Chicke at Home ? 

 

FAQs

1. What is butter chicken made of?
Butter chicken is made using marinated boneless chicken cooked in a rich, creamy tomato-based gravy with butter, fresh cream, and mild spices. It’s mildly spiced and goes well with naan, roti, or rice.

2. Is butter chicken spicy or mild?
Butter chicken is mildly spiced and has a creamy, slightly sweet flavour. It’s perfect for those who prefer rich and balanced gravies over very spicy dishes. You can always adjust spice levels while cooking at home.

3. Can I make butter chicken without cream?
Yes, you can skip cream and use milk, cashew paste, or thick curd for richness. However, cream adds smoothness and restaurant-style texture, so it’s highly recommended for that classic butter chicken experience. At TGCA, students are taught variations using alternative ingredients.

4. What cut of chicken works best for butter chicken?
Boneless chicken thighs work best as they remain juicy and tender. You can also use boneless breast pieces, but take care not to overcook them to avoid dryness in the final dish.

5. Can I make butter chicken in advance?
Yes, butter chicken tastes even better the next day as flavours develop further. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving, preferably on a low flame or microwave.

6. Is there a vegetarian version of butter chicken?
Yes, you can replace chicken with paneer or tofu to make paneer butter masala or tofu butter masala. The process and gravy remain the same, and it’s equally rich and delicious. TEDCO’s culinary courses often include both vegetarian and non-vegetarian adaptations.

7. What is the difference between butter chicken and chicken tikka masala?
Butter chicken is creamier, slightly sweeter, and uses butter and cream generously. Chicken tikka masala is usually spicier, has less cream, and is made with grilled chicken tikka pieces cooked in a spiced tomato gravy.

8. What can I serve with butter chicken?
Butter chicken pairs best with naan, tandoori roti, or jeera rice. You can also serve it with steamed basmati rice, salad, or onion rings with lemon for a complete North Indian-style meal. Students at TGCA often practice full-course plating, including perfect accompaniments.