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Butter Chicken Recipe

Butter Chicken Recipe for Classic Indian Style Flavor

Deeply spiced, creamy, and irresistibly comforting, this rich butter chicken delivers restaurant-style flavor right from your kitchen. You’ll love making it for cozy dinners, special occasions, or whenever you crave a satisfying, indulgent curry.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 Serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 500 g boneless chicken (thighs or breast), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon salt
For the Butter Chicken Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 large tomatoes, pureed
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt to taste
For the Creamy Finish
  • 1/2 cup fresh cream
  • 1 tablespoon butter (extra, for richness)
  • 1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi), crushed
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Method
 

  1. Marinate chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, and spices, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes to develop flavor and tenderness.
  2. Cook marinated chicken in a pan for 8–10 minutes until partially done, ensuring it stays juicy and does not overcook later.
  3. Sauté onions in butter and oil until golden brown, then add ginger-garlic paste to build a strong flavor base.
  4. Add tomato puree and spices, cooking thoroughly until oil separates to create a rich and balanced sauce.
  5. Combine chicken with the sauce and simmer until fully cooked and tender, allowing flavors to blend well.
  6. Stir in cream, butter, and fenugreek leaves on low heat, finishing with a smooth and creamy consistency.

Notes

  • Allow enough marination time because it directly impacts how flavorful and tender your chicken turns out.
  • Always cook onions until properly golden to avoid a raw taste in the final dish.
  • Use low heat when adding cream to prevent curdling and maintain a silky sauce.
  • Adjust spice levels gradually instead of all at once to better control the final flavor.