If you’re searching for the best easy butter chicken recipe, you’ve come to the right place. Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of the most popular Indian dishes enjoyed worldwide. Its creamy tomato-based sauce combined with tender chicken creates a symphony of flavors that pleases every palate. The good news is—you don’t have to visit a fancy restaurant to enjoy this classic. With simple ingredients and a little time, you can make delicious homemade butter chicken right in your kitchen!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make easy butter chicken at home that’s rich, creamy, and flavorful. Plus, we’ll cover pro tips, variations, health benefits, and frequently asked questions to make sure you master this dish effortlessly.
Introduction
Table of Contents
Introduction to Easy Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, originated in Delhi, India, in the 1950s. It was invented by Kundan Lal Gujral, the owner of Moti Mahal restaurant. Legend has it that leftover tandoori chicken was cooked in a rich tomato, butter, and cream sauce to avoid food waste—and thus, butter chicken was born.
Today, this dish is loved globally for its mild yet flavorful profile. Unlike other Indian curries, butter chicken isn’t too spicy, making it a favorite for both kids and adults.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You’ll find most ingredients in your pantry.
- Quick Prep Time: Minimal prep with maximum flavor.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Save money and enjoy gourmet food without leaving the house.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by all ages, including kids!
Essential Ingredients for Homemade Easy Butter Chicken
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s look at the essential butter chicken ingredients you need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500g Boneless Chicken (preferably thighs or breasts)
- ½ Cup Plain Yogurt
- 1 ½ tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 ½ tsp Garam Masala
- 1 tsp Red Chili Powder
- Salt to Taste
For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
- 3 tbsp Butter (unsalted)
- 1 tbsp Oil (neutral, like canola or sunflower)
- 1 Large Onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 4 Large Tomatoes (pureed)
- 1 ½ tsp Red Chili Powder (Kashmiri chili for color)
- 1 tsp Garam Masala
- 1 tsp Ground Coriander
- 1 tsp Cumin Powder
- ½ Cup Fresh Cream
- 1 tbsp Honey or Sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- Fresh Coriander (chopped, for garnish)
Optional:
- 1 tbsp Kasuri Methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- Extra Butter for Garnishing
How to Make Easy Butter Chicken: Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy butter chicken cooking steps for a fail-proof result every time.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt.
- Add the chicken pieces and coat them well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Marinated Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the marinated chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned. You don’t need to cook it all the way through; it will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Set the chicken aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce
- In the same pan, melt 3 tbsp butter.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute.
- Add pureed tomatoes, red chili powder, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Cook the mixture until the oil begins to separate from the masala (about 10-12 minutes).
Step 4: Blend for a Smooth Sauce (Optional)
- For an ultra-smooth restaurant-style sauce, let the mixture cool and blend it until smooth.
- Return it to the pan.
Step 5: Add Cream and Chicken
- Add the chicken pieces to the sauce and cook for another 8-10 minutes.
- Pour in fresh cream and kasuri methi. Stir well.
- Simmer for 5 minutes to thicken the gravy.
Step 6: Final Touches
- Add a dollop of butter on top before serving.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Pro Tips for the BestEasy Butter Chicken
- Marinate Overnight: More time equals more flavor. Let the chicken soak up the spices for at least 8 hours.
- Use Chicken Thighs: They stay tender and juicy compared to chicken breasts.
- Char the Chicken: Cook the chicken on high heat or grill it for a smoky flavor.
- Balance the Spices: Taste the gravy and adjust the sweetness, tanginess, and spice to suit your preferences.
- Kasuri Methi is Key: Dried fenugreek leaves add an authentic aroma and flavor. Don’t skip it!
- Use Kashmiri Red Chili Powder: It adds vibrant color without too much heat.
What to Serve with Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with various sides. Here are some popular choices:
1. Naan Bread
Soft, fluffy naan is perfect for scooping up the creamy butter chicken sauce.
2. Steamed Basmati Rice
The mild flavor of basmati rice complements the rich curry.
3. Jeera Rice (Cumin Rice)
Lightly spiced rice with cumin seeds adds an extra dimension of flavor.
4. Roti or Paratha
Whole wheat rotis or flaky parathas are healthy and delicious choices.
5. Salad or Raita
A cucumber or onion salad and cooling yogurt raita balance the richness of the curry.
Variations on the Classic Butter Chicken Recipe
1. Paneer Butter Masala
Swap chicken with paneer cubes for a vegetarian version.
2. Vegan Butter Chicken
Use tofu or tempeh, coconut cream instead of dairy cream, and vegan butter.
3. Low-Fat Butter Chicken
Reduce the butter and cream, use Greek yogurt, and cook the chicken with minimal oil.
4. Spicy Butter Chicken
Add green chilies or increase red chili powder for an extra kick.
5. Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Cook everything slowly over low heat in a slow cooker for maximum tenderness and flavor.
Health Benefits of Butter Chicken
While butter chicken is considered indulgent, it offers several health benefits when made at home with quality ingredients.
1. High in Protein
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle building and repair.
2. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Tomatoes offer vitamin C and potassium. Fenugreek and spices like turmeric have anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Customizable for Health Goals
By reducing butter and cream, you can make it heart-healthier while keeping the flavor intact.
4. Better Digestion
Spices like cumin, ginger, and garlic aid in digestion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping Marination: Marinating adds flavor and tenderness.
- Overcooking Chicken: It becomes dry and rubbery if overcooked.
- Using Too Much Cream: It can overpower the spices. Balance is key.
- Not Cooking the Masala Properly: Cook until oil separates for a rich flavor.
- Neglecting Garnish: Kasuri methi and butter make a difference! Click here for More Attention
