If you love rich, comforting meals packed with flavor, this butter chicken recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a popular Indian dish known for its tender marinated chicken and creamy tomato-based sauce filled with warm spices.
The best part? You don’t need to visit a restaurant to enjoy it. This easy homemade butter chicken recipe brings the same delicious taste right to your kitchen using simple ingredients.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping, or trying something new for dinner, this recipe is comfort food at its best.
Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken Recipe
- Rich, creamy, and full of flavor
- Tender chicken cooked in a buttery tomato sauce
- Perfect with rice or naan
- Easy to make at home
- Better (and often healthier) than takeout
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
For the Butter Chicken Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt to taste
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Extra cream drizzle (optional)
How to Make the Best Butter Chicken
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and spices. Add the chicken pieces and mix well until fully coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, marinate for 4–12 hours.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and cook the marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes, until browned on the outside. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked yet.
Set the chicken aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In the same pan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute.
Add the garam masala, cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Stir for about 30 seconds to release the spices’ aroma.
4. Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and sugar. Let the sauce simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce
Add the cooked chicken back into the pan. Let everything simmer together for 8–10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
Taste and adjust salt if needed.
6. Serve
Garnish with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of cream if desired.
Serve hot with:
- Steamed basmati rice
- Garlic naan
- Roasted vegetables
Tips for the Best Butter Chicken
Use chicken thighs. They stay juicier than chicken breast and add more flavor.
Don’t skip the marinade. This step makes the chicken tender and infused with spices.
Adjust the spice level. Add more chili powder for heat or reduce it for a milder dish.
Blend the sauce (optional). For an ultra-smooth restaurant-style texture, blend the sauce before adding the chicken back in.
Butter Chicken Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Approximate values based on 4 servings.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 37 g |
| Saturated Fat | 19 g |
| Cholesterol | 165 mg |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
What to Serve With Butter Chicken
Butter chicken pairs well with many side dishes. Popular options include:
- Basmati rice
- Garlic naan bread
- Cucumber yogurt sauce (raita)
- Roasted cauliflower
- Simple cucumber salad
These sides help balance the rich and creamy flavors of the dish.
Final Thoughts
This best butter chicken recipe is the perfect combination of creamy, buttery, and savory flavors. With its tender chicken and rich sauce, it’s no surprise this dish is loved all over the world.
Once you try making butter chicken at home, you might find it becomes one of your favorite go-to dinner recipes.
I hope you enjoyed learning about how to make this Butter Chicken recipe! If you liked this one, you should check out my Creamy Crockpot Chicken recipe and the rest of my blog. If you have any questions, please contact me at: [email protected]
