Butter Chicken Recipe

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Treat yourself to this restaurant-style Butter Chicken recipe featuring tender marinated chicken in a rich, creamy, and velvety tomato-butter sauce.

Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken

  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Category: Dinner, Chicken Curry
  • Prep Time:
  • Cook Time:
  • Servings: 4
  • Calories: 480 calories

Butter chicken is a beloved culinary masterpiece cherished across the globe for its velvety texture. It is pure comfort. Originating in the bustling streets of Delhi, this iconic dish combines tender tandoori chicken with a luscious, spiced tomato and cream gravy. You can easily recreate this restaurant classic right in your own kitchen.

The magic begins with a deeply aromatic yogurt marinade infused with bold Indian spices. Smoked paprika adds depth. As the chicken chars beautifully in a hot pan, it locks in juices that contrast wonderfully with the silky smooth sauce. This initial sear is crucial for building authentic, smoky depth of flavor.

A luxurious sauce relies heavily on the harmonious blend of ripe tomatoes and butter. Sweetness balances the acidity. Slowly simmering the gravy allows the warm notes of garam masala and fenugreek to bloom into a rich sensory experience. Heavy cream completes the dish, adding an elegant, glossy finish.

This dish is perfect for festive family gatherings or cozy weekend dinners at home. Everyone loves it. Serving it alongside warm, garlic-brushed naan and fragrant basmati rice creates an unforgettable meal that will impress any dinner guest. It elevates a simple evening into a true celebration of Indian cuisine.

Preparing this meal ahead of time actually improves the overall flavor profile significantly. The spices meld overnight. When you gently reheat the curry the next day, you will notice a much deeper and more complex taste. It becomes even more delicious than when it was freshly made.

Recipe

Learn how to make authentic, restaurant-style butter chicken at home with this easy, step-by-step recipe.

Ingredients

  • 800g chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1.5 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 teaspoons Kashmiri chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 50g unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 can (400g) tomato puree
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Method Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, plain yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, half of the Kashmiri chili powder, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and salt. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until beautifully browned and slightly charred. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, melt half of the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until soft and translucent.
  4. Stir in the remaining Kashmiri chili powder and cook for 1 minute before pouring in the tomato puree. Let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  5. Carefully transfer the tomato mixture to a blender and blend until completely smooth. Pour the smooth sauce back into the pan.
  6. Stir the seared chicken back into the sauce, cover, and simmer on low heat for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through.
  7. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the remaining butter, heavy cream, sugar, and crushed kasuri methi. Simmer for 2 more minutes, adjust salt to taste, and serve hot.

Recipe Video

How To Make Butter Chicken At Home | Restaurant Style Recipe | The Bombay Chef – Varun Inamdar

How To Make Butter Chicken At Home | Restaurant Style Recipe | The Bombay Chef – Varun Inamdar – step‑by‑step recipe tutorial

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 1240 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Butter Chicken, Indian Curry, Chicken Recipe, Restaurant Style Butter Chicken, Easy Dinner

Servings

Butter chicken is best enjoyed hot with classic accompaniments that complement its rich, creamy sauce:

  • Serve with warm, garlic-brushed tandoori naan for wiping up every drop of the luscious gravy.
  • Pair with fluffy basmati rice, ideally seasoned with cardamom and cumin seeds.
  • Accompany with a side of fresh cucumber and red onion kachumber salad for a crisp contrast.
  • Offer fresh lime wedges and sliced green chilies on the side to add a bright, zesty kick.

Tips

  1. Use skinless, boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for the juiciest and most tender meat.
  2. Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to let the yogurt tenderize the meat.
  3. Always use Kashmiri chili powder to achieve that signature vibrant red color without making the dish overly spicy.
  4. Do not skip the kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves); it provides the essential restaurant-style aroma.
  5. Blend the cooked tomato-onion mixture until completely smooth to get that iconic velvety sauce texture.
  6. Strain the blended sauce through a fine-mesh sieve if you want an ultra-silky, professional finish.
  7. Sear the chicken in batches to ensure it gets a beautiful char rather than steaming in its own juices.
  8. Add a pinch of sugar or honey to balance the natural acidity of the canned tomatoes.
  9. Finish the dish with a splash of cold butter right at the end for a glossy, professional sheen.
  10. Let the cooked curry rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the complex flavors to settle and intensify.

Ingredient Substitutes

If you are missing any ingredients, these simple substitutes will keep your butter chicken tasting amazing:

  1. Heavy Cream: Swap with full-fat coconut cream or cashew paste for a dairy-free alternative that maintains the richness.
  2. Kashmiri Chili Powder: Use a mix of three parts sweet paprika and one part cayenne pepper to replicate the color and mild heat.
  3. Chicken Thighs: Replace with paneer cubes, tofu, or cauliflower florets for a delicious vegetarian option.
  4. Butter: Ghee can be used instead of unsalted butter to provide an even richer, nuttier aroma.
  5. Yogurt: Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used in the marinade if regular plain yogurt is unavailable.

Remarks

This Butter Chicken recipe brings the warmth and luxury of fine dining straight to your dining table. Simple, aromatic, and deeply satisfying, it is guaranteed to become a household favorite for weeknights and special occasions alike.

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