Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe – A Comforting Classic Loved by All

If there’s one recipe that deserves the spotlight, it’s Butter Chicken. Rich, creamy, and bursting with flavour, this dish is loved across the globe and is often the star of any Indian meal. Our authentic Butter Chicken recipe is easy to make at home, giving you restaurant-quality taste with simple ingredients. Whether you’re new to cooking curries or a seasoned pro, this dish will quickly become a family favourite.

What Makes Butter Chicken Special?

Also known as Murgh Makhani, Butter Chicken originated in Delhi in the 1950s. It’s famous for its velvety tomato-based sauce enriched with butter and cream, perfectly balanced with aromatic spices.

• Mild, not overly spicy – great for both kids and adults.

• Creamy, buttery, and deeply flavorful.

• A true comfort food that pairs beautifully with rice, naan, or roti.

Ingredients for Authentic Butter Chicken

For the Chicken Marinade

• 700g boneless chicken thighs or breasts

• 150g Greek yoghurt

• 1 ½ tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tsp garam masala

• 2 tsp ground cumin

• 2 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder (or paprika)

• 1 tsp turmeric

• 2 tsp ground coriander

• 1 tbsp grated ginger

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• Salt to taste

For the Sauce

• 3 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp oil

• 1 onion, finely diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp ginger, grated

• 400g canned chopped tomatoes

• 250ml double cream

• 1 tbsp tomato purée

• 1–2 tsp sugar

• 1 tsp garam masala

• 1 ½ tsp cumin

• 1 tsp coriander

• ½ tsp turmeric

• Fresh coriander (to garnish)

Step-by-Step Method for the Best Butter Chicken

1. Prepare the Marinade

• Mix yoghurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, and spices in a large bowl.

• Coat chicken pieces thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best results).

2. Cook the Chicken

• Heat a grill pan, skillet, or oven grill.

• Cook chicken until slightly charred (it will finish cooking in the sauce).

• Set aside.

3. Start the Sauce Base

• Heat butter and oil in a heavy-bottomed pan.

• Cook onions on medium heat for 8–10 minutes until golden and caramelised.

4. Add Aromatics

• Stir in garlic and ginger.

• Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Bloom the Spices

• Add cumin, garam masala, coriander, and turmeric.

• Toast for 30 seconds to release aroma.

6. Create the Tomato Base

• Stir in chopped tomatoes and tomato purée.

• Simmer 10–15 minutes until thickened and mellow.

7. Blend for Smoothness (Optional)

• Blend sauce until silky smooth for a restaurant-style finish.

• Return to pan.

8. Enrich with Cream & Butter

• Add double cream, sugar, and extra butter (if desired).

• Simmer gently and season to taste.

9. Combine Chicken with Sauce

• Add charred chicken pieces to sauce.

• Simmer for 10 minutes until fully cooked and infused with flavour.

10. Garnish & Serve

• Top with fresh coriander and a swirl of cream.

• Serve hot with basmati rice, naan, or roti.

Tips for the Best Butter Chicken

• Use chicken thighs for tenderness.

• Marinate overnight for maximum flavour.

• Caramelise onions slowly for a richer base.

• Blend the sauce for the authentic silky texture.

• Balance flavours—add sugar for acidity, cream for smoothness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This is the ultimate Butter Chicken recipe—authentic, flavour-packed, and guaranteed to satisfy. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Once you try it, you’ll never want to order takeaway again!