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A plate of delicious butter chicken garnished with fresh cilantro, served alongside fluffy rice and naan bread.

The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Butter Chicken

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Discover the ultimate homemade butter chicken recipe that delivers rich, creamy flavors and tender, succulent chicken. Perfect for those craving authentic Indian cuisine made from scratch. This easy-to-follow guide ensures restaurant-quality results every time, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned chefs looking to master this classic dish.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 can (14 oz) tomato puree
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken chunks, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
  2. In a large skillet or pan, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté chopped onions until translucent. Add garlic and ginger, cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in tomato puree and simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. Lower the heat, stir in the cooked chicken. Pour in heavy cream or coconut milk, stirring constantly. Let simmer for 10 minutes, adjusting seasonings as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour for best flavor infusion.
  • Use fresh ingredients like garlic, ginger, and tomatoes for a richer taste.
  • You can substitute coconut milk for heavy cream for dairy-free options.
  • Adjust spice levels according to your preference – add more chili powder for heat or omit for milder flavor.
  • Serve with basmati rice or naan bread for a complete Indian meal.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Dairy-Free Option Available

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 430 Kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 860mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg