Butter Chicken Recipe: Ingredients & Easy Steps

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 48 views

Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the rich and creamy world of butter chicken? This dish, also known as murgh makhani, is a staple in Indian cuisine, loved globally for its smooth texture and mildly spiced tomato-based sauce. If you’ve ever wondered how to recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen, you’re in the right place. We're going to break down everything you need to know, from the essential ingredients to easy-to-follow steps.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Butter Chicken

Let's talk ingredients! To make a truly mouth-watering butter chicken, you'll need a blend of fresh and aromatic spices, creamy dairy, and, of course, succulent chicken. Here’s a comprehensive list to get you started:

For the Chicken Marinade:

Chicken: The star of the show! About 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. Thighs generally yield a more tender result due to their higher fat content, but breasts work just as well if you prefer leaner meat.
Yogurt: 1 cup of plain yogurt. Full-fat yogurt will give you the richest flavor, but you can also use low-fat if you’re watching your calorie intake. Yogurt tenderizes the chicken and helps the spices penetrate deeply.
Ginger-Garlic Paste: 2 tablespoons. This is a fundamental flavor base in Indian cooking. You can find ready-made ginger-garlic paste in most grocery stores, or you can easily make your own by blending equal parts of fresh ginger and garlic with a little water.
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon. The acidity in lemon juice further helps tenderize the chicken and brightens the flavors.
Garam Masala: 1 tablespoon. Garam masala is a blend of ground spices common in Indian cuisine. Its composition varies regionally, but it typically includes cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin, coriander, and black pepper. Using a good quality garam masala is key to achieving that authentic flavor.
Turmeric Powder: 1 teaspoon. Turmeric not only adds a vibrant yellow color but also has anti-inflammatory properties and a subtle earthy flavor.
Red Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste). This adds heat to the marinade. Use Kashmiri chili powder for a milder, vibrant red color, or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste. Salt enhances all the other flavors and is crucial for a well-seasoned dish.

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

Butter: The namesake of the dish! 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Butter adds richness and a velvety texture to the sauce. You can also use ghee (clarified butter) for a more intense flavor.
Onion: 1 large onion, finely chopped. Onions form the base of the sauce, adding sweetness and depth of flavor. Make sure to chop them finely so they melt into the sauce.
Ginger-Garlic Paste: 1 tablespoon. More of that essential flavor base! Freshly made or store-bought, it’s a must.
Tomato Puree: 1 (15-ounce) can. Tomato puree provides the body of the sauce. Look for a high-quality puree without any added ingredients.
Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons. Tomato paste adds concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Garam Masala: 1 teaspoon. A little more garam masala to deepen the spice profile.
Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves): 1 tablespoon, crushed. This is a secret ingredient that adds a unique aroma and slightly bitter, savory flavor. Don’t skip it if you want that authentic taste!
Cream: 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Cream adds richness and smoothness to the sauce, making it incredibly decadent. You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, but heavy cream will give you the best results.
Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional). A pinch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the overall flavor.
Salt: To taste. Adjust the salt level to your preference.
Fresh Cilantro: For garnish. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of freshness and color.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Butter Chicken

Now that we've got all our ingredients prepped, let's get cooking! Here's a step-by-step guide to creating the perfect butter chicken:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will be.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

There are a couple of ways to cook the chicken. You can either grill it, bake it, or pan-fry it. Grilling and baking give the chicken a slightly smoky flavor, while pan-frying is quicker and easier.

Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Pan-Frying: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Stir in the tomato puree, tomato paste, garam masala, and salt. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Blend the Sauce

For a super smooth sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the sauce to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids, and make sure to vent the blender to prevent pressure buildup.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Add the cooked chicken to the blended sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Stir in the crushed kasuri methi and sugar (if using). Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Step 6: Finish with Cream

Gently stir in the heavy cream. Heat through, but do not boil. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan bread, rice, or both! Butter chicken is also delicious with a side of raita (yogurt sauce) and a fresh salad.

Tips for the Best Butter Chicken

Marinate the Chicken: Don't skimp on the marinating time! The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will be.
Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices will give you the most vibrant and aromatic flavor. If possible, grind your own spices or buy them whole and grind them just before using.
Don't Burn the Garlic: Garlic can burn easily, so keep a close eye on it while sautéing. If it starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat or add a splash of water to the pan.
Adjust the Heat: Adjust the amount of red chili powder to your preference. If you like a milder dish, use less chili powder or substitute it with Kashmiri chili powder.
Simmer the Sauce: Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. Don't rush this step!
Use High-Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the final result. Look for good-quality tomatoes, fresh spices, and full-fat yogurt and cream.

Variations on Butter Chicken

Vegan Butter Chicken: Substitute the chicken with tofu or paneer (Indian cheese). Use plant-based yogurt and cream, and use oil instead of butter.
Spicy Butter Chicken: Add more red chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade and sauce.
Butter Chicken with Vegetables: Add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or cauliflower to the sauce.
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: Combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Serving Suggestions

Butter chicken is traditionally served with naan bread or rice. Here are some other serving suggestions:

Naan Bread: Warm naan bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
Rice: Basmati rice is a classic accompaniment to butter chicken.
Raita: Raita is a cooling yogurt sauce that helps balance the heat of the dish.
Salad: A fresh salad adds a refreshing element to the meal.
Papadums: Crispy papadums are a great appetizer to serve with butter chicken.

Conclusion

So there you have it! A complete guide to making the most delicious butter chicken you've ever tasted. With the right ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in your own home. Gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and get ready to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Happy cooking, and enjoy your amazing butter chicken! We guarantee it'll be a hit!