Easy Butter Chicken Recipe-Restaurant Style at Home

Hello, flavor seekers! If you’ve ever wondered how to make butter chicken at home that tastes just like a restaurant, this beginner-friendly Murgh Makhani recipe is exactly what you need. It’s rich, creamy, mildly spiced, and surprisingly easy to make.

This homemade butter chicken uses simple ingredients, no complicated techniques, and delivers that classic Indian comfort food flavor every time.

Butter Chicken Recipe

The Secret to Restaurant-Quality Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is all about balance: tender chicken, a smooth tomato-based gravy, gentle spices, and just enough creaminess. The secret is proper marination and slow-simmered sauce—nothing fancy, just smart cooking.

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Butter Chicken Recipe Details

• Servings: 4–6 people
• Prep Time: 20 minutes + 30 minutes marination
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients for Chicken Marinade

• 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed
• ½ cup full-fat yogurt
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp red chili powder (or paprika)
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp garam masala
• Salt to taste

Ingredients for Butter Chicken Sauce

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp garam masala
• 800g crushed tomatoes or fresh tomato puree
• ½ cup soaked cashews (optional but recommended)
• 1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi)
• Salt to taste

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How to Make Butter Chicken Step by Step

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Mix chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, spices, and salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.

Step 2: Lightly Cook the Chicken

Heat oil in a pan and cook marinated chicken pieces until lightly browned. Remove and set aside. The chicken will finish cooking in the sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Butter Chicken Gravy

Melt butter in the same pan. Add onions and sauté until soft. Add ginger-garlic paste and spices, then stir in tomatoes and cashews. Simmer for 15–20 minutes.

Step 4: Blend the Sauce

Blend the cooked sauce until smooth and creamy. Return it to the pan over low heat.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add chicken back into the sauce. Stir in cream, sugar, salt, and crushed kasoori methi. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice or naan.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Butter Chicken

Is butter chicken spicy?

No. Traditional butter chicken is mildly spiced. You can increase chili powder if you prefer heat.

Can I make butter chicken without cashews?

Yes. Cashews add creaminess but are optional. You can skip them or use a little almond butter.

Can butter chicken be made ahead?

Absolutely. Butter chicken tastes even better the next day and stores well.

How long does butter chicken last in the fridge?

Stored properly, it lasts 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

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Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice
• Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months
• Reheat gently with a splash of water or cream

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Why This Is the Best Easy Butter Chicken Recipe

This recipe is perfect if you’re searching for:

• Easy butter chicken recipe for beginners
• Homemade murgh makhani
• Restaurant-style butter chicken at home
• Creamy Indian chicken curry

Once you try this, takeout butter chicken won’t hit the same.

If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with someone who loves Indian food and bookmark it for your next cozy dinner night.