Butter chicken is an creamy, rich Indian dish that pleases food enthusiasts around the world. Learn how to prepare flawlessly perfect butter chicken at home using our elaborate guide.
Table of Contents
Butter Chicken: Experience the Authentic Taste of Indian Cuisine
If we discuss influential Indian foods, then butter chicken never fails to find a place at the top. With its smooth texture, rich tomato-based gravy, and delectable smell, it is, also referred as Murgh Makhani, is a culinary world representative of Indian cuisine.
The History Behind Butter Chicken
Butter chicken was born in the 1950s in Delhi at Moti Mahal, the fabled restaurant. To use up leftover tandoori chicken, the chefs cooked it in a rich tomato sauce infused with butter and cream. Voila. A game-changing dish that became an instant favorite throughout the country—and soon around the globe.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
• 500g boneless chicken (preferably thigh)
• ½ cup thick yogurt (curd)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1½ tsp garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
For the Tomato Gravy:
• 3 tbsp butter or ghee
• 1 tbsp oil
• 4 ripe tomatoes (blended or pureed)
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp red chili powder (Kashmiri for color)
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 2–3 tbsp fresh cream
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp honey or sugar (optional for balance)
• 1 tbsp kasuri methi (dry fenugreek leaves)
The secret to a perfect butter chicken is in the balance—richness without overwhelming spice, and depth without heaviness.
Steps for Preparation
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Combine all marination spices and leave the chicken to sit for a minimum of 2–3 hours, preferably overnight in the refrigerator. This tenderizes and flavors the chicken extensively.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Marinated chicken can be grilled, pan-fried, or oven-roasted until 90% done. Mild charring adds smoky flavor, which is vital for butter chicken.
Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Gravy
• Heat ghee or butter with a little oil in a big pan to avoid burning.
• Add ginger-garlic paste and fry until golden brown.
• Add tomatoes puree and simmer until the oil gets separated.
• Mix chili powder, cumin, and garam masala. Simmer for 10 minutes.
• Add chicken pieces to the gravy and keep them soaking for 10–12 minutes.
• Add cream, season with salt, and sprinkle kasuri methi for the garnish.
Step 4: Serve
Garnish your butter chicken with a drizzle of cream and fresh coriander. Serve hot with naan, roti, or basmati rice.
Top Ways to Enjoy
1. With Garlic Naan: The tender texture of naan soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly.
2. With Basmati Rice: For a lighter choice, aromatic basmati rice goes well with the richness of butter chicken.
3. In a Wrap: Use leftover butter chicken to create decadent Indian-style wraps with onions and mint chutney.
Tips to Make the Perfect Butter Chicken
• Use thigh meat over breast for extra juicy texture.
• Always slightly roast or grill the chicken prior to adding it to the gravy.
• Don’t hurry the tomatoes—cooking until the oil separates is essential.
• Moderate cream and butter to prevent greasiness.
• Add honey or sugar for a hint of sweetness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Using raw chicken in the sauce: This waters down flavor and may result in overcooked meat.
• Omitting kasuri methi: It provides real aroma and flavor.
• Reaching for canned tomato puree: Fresh tomatoes yield the best texture and acidity.
• Adding too much cream: Cream to enhance, not overwhelm.
By steering clear of these, your butter chicken will always be a stunner.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a maximum of 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze in freezer-safe boxes for up to a month.
Reheating: Reheat gently on a stovetop with a splash of milk or cream in order to preserve texture.
The best part? The second day, butter chicken is even more delicious.
Is it Healthy?
Indulgent though it is, butter chicken can be healthier by:
• Reducing cream and butter usage
• Frying in ghee rather than oil
• Using spices for flavor rather than fats
• Serving with whole wheat roti or brown rice
Rich in protein, it can provide a complete meal if managed in the right portions.
Conclusion: Why is it Timeless Favorite
From its humble start in a Delhi household to today’s food trucks in Toronto and cafes in Melbourne, butter chicken has evolved to become something more than a dish—it’s an emblem of Indian cuisine’s richness and diversity.
Whether you’re a home cook or a restaurant chef, having the skill to make the ultimate butter chicken adds a classic,
For more such tasty easy (Breakfast, Main-Course, Snacks and Cakes and Desserts recipes) check out our Recipes Page
Share with your loved once search us on Google with Recipes.shaikh digital studio
“Made one of our recipes? Tag us @recipes_shaikhdigitalstudio We love featuring your kitchen magic!”
📸 Follow us on Instagram for Reels, Tips, and Tasty Vibes!
