Our Ultimate Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe (Better Than a Takeaway!)

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Do you ever long for the rich, smooth, and wonderfully spiced curry you enjoy at your favourite Indian restaurant? Perhaps you’ve questioned whether achieving that same depth of flavour is possible at home. We’re here to show you that it absolutely is! Allow us to walk you through our dependable, easy homemade butter chicken recipe, which is guaranteed to fulfil those curry cravings and might just become your new alternative to ordering out.

This iconic dish, also called Murgh Makhani, is the definition of culinary comfort. It consists of soft, marinated chicken immersed in a sublime, tangy, and subtly sweet tomato and cream gravy. There’s no need to worry about complex techniques or obscure ingredients. We have simplified the entire method to ensure it’s straightforward, achievable, and deeply satisfying. Prepare for your home to be filled with the most incredible scents as you create a meal everyone will want more of.

What Makes Our Butter Chicken Recipe So Special?

With so many butter chicken recipes available, we’re confident that ours has a few distinct advantages. To begin with, our main goal is to develop profound layers of flavour while keeping the method simple. We employ a two-stage approach: first, marinating the chicken to make it tender and flavoursome, and second, crafting the velvety sauce that is the soul of this curry. We also attain that hallmark restaurant-style smoothness by blending the sauce—a straightforward technique with a huge impact. Our recipe achieves the ideal harmony of zesty tomatoes, luxurious cream, and fragrant spices, creating a truly indulgent and creamy butter chicken you will be delighted to have made yourself.

A Glimpse into the History of Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

Before we begin with the recipe, it’s worth taking a moment to explore the origins of this globally renowned curry. Butter chicken, known as Murgh Makhani, was created in the 1950s by Kundan Lal Gujral at his Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi. Legend has it that he needed a way to repurpose unsold tandoori chicken. His solution was to develop a lavish, buttery tomato sauce to moisten the chicken, and with this act, he invented a true classic of Indian cooking. This clever innovation went on to be adored by people all over the world. For a deeper dive into its captivating past, we recommend this excellent article from Live History India.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Butter Chicken

The secret to a truly outstanding butter chicken is sourcing quality ingredients. We have designed this list to be as simple as possible, using components that you can easily find in any major supermarket.

For the Chicken Marinade

Chicken Breast or Thighs: 600g, cut into bite-sized chunks. We find that thighs provide a more succulent texture, but chicken breast also works wonderfully.
Full-Fat Greek Yoghurt: 4 tablespoons. This is essential for tenderising the meat and giving a pleasant sharpness.
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, from a fresh lemon.
Ginger-Garlic Paste: 1 tablespoon. You can find this ready-made or simply blend equal amounts of fresh ginger and garlic cloves yourself.
Turmeric Powder: ½ teaspoon.
Garam Masala: 1 teaspoon.
Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder: 1 teaspoon. This imparts a brilliant red hue without excessive heat.
Salt: 1 teaspoon.

For the Creamy Makhani Sauce

Butter: 3 tablespoons, unsalted. It wouldn’t be butter chicken without it!
Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon.
Onion: 1 large, chopped finely.
Ginger-Garlic Paste: 1 tablespoon.
Passata or Tinned Chopped Tomatoes: 400g. Using passata will help create a smoother sauce from the start.
Cashew Nuts: A small handful (around 15-20), steeped in hot water for 20 minutes. This is our little trick for a remarkably creamy finish.
Garam Masala: 1 teaspoon.
Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder: 1 teaspoon.
Sugar: 1 teaspoon. This helps to balance the tartness of the tomatoes.
Double Cream: 100ml.
Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves): 1 tablespoon. An indispensable ingredient for that truly authentic taste.
Salt: To taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Our Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Now we get to the best bit! If you follow these instructions closely, you are set to make the most wonderful butter chicken you have ever had. We consider this the definitive chicken makhani recipe for anyone cooking at home.

Marinate the Chicken: In a spacious bowl, place your chicken chunks and add all the ingredients for the marinade (the yoghurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, garam masala, Kashmiri red chilli powder, and salt). Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure the chicken is completely covered. Pop a lid or cover on the bowl and place it in the fridge to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, though for an even richer flavour, you can leave it for up to 4 hours.
Cook the Chicken: Place a large, heavy-based pan or a Dutch oven over a medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary, and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden-brown and cooked right through. Take the chicken out of the pan and put it to one side.
Prepare the Makhani Sauce Base: Using the same pan, melt your butter over a medium heat. Tip in the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and clear. Now add the ginger-garlic paste, cooking for one more minute until it smells aromatic.
Simmer and Blend: Pour in the passata (or tinned tomatoes), the soaked and drained cashews, the garam masala, and the Kashmiri red chilli powder. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then lower the heat, put a lid on the pan, and allow it to cook gently for 15 minutes to let the flavours meld. Afterwards, carefully pour the sauce into a blender and blitz until it is perfectly smooth. For an exceptionally silky finish, you can strain the sauce through a fine sieve.
Finish the Sauce: Pour the smooth sauce back into your pan. Stir in the sugar, double cream, and salt to your preference. To release its signature aroma, crush the kasuri methi in the palm of your hand before adding it to the sauce. Let it bubble away gently for another 5 minutes.
Combine and Serve: Gently place the cooked chicken pieces back into the sauce. Give it a good stir to combine and let it simmer for a final 5 minutes, which allows the chicken to soak up the beautiful flavours of the sauce. Your fantastic homemade butter chicken is now complete! We like to garnish it with a swirl of cream and a scattering of fresh coriander before serving.

Top Tips for the Best Butter Chicken Recipe

To guarantee your curry turns out absolutely magnificent, we have put together some of our top tips. Adhering to this advice will help transform your cooking from great to the best butter chicken recipe you have ever created.

The Marination Step is Crucial: Taking the time to marinate the chicken is essential. It serves two purposes: tenderising the meat and embedding flavour deep within. A short 30-minute marinade can have a significant impact.
Always Use Full-Fat Ingredients: This is designed to be a rich and luxurious dish. To get the creamiest, most authentic texture, be sure to use full-fat Greek yoghurt and double cream. Lower-fat alternatives can sometimes curdle with heat and will not provide the same decadent feel.
Toast Your Spices for More Flavour: To add an extra dimension of taste, you can gently toast any whole spices or your ground spices in the dry pan for about 30 seconds before you add any liquid ingredients. This simple step helps to release their fragrant essential oils.
The Wonder of Kasuri Methi: We strongly advise against omitting or substituting the dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi). They contribute a distinctive, slightly bitter, and aromatic quality that is central to the butter chicken flavour profile. Remember to crush the leaves between your palms before they go into the dish.
Be Patient with the Simmering: Let the sauce simmer for the full time suggested in the recipe. This period is vital for all the different flavours to come together and mature into a balanced, delicious curry.

What to Serve with Your Homemade Butter Chicken

While butter chicken is certainly the main event, the right accompaniments can make the meal even better. We suggest you serve it with:

Steamed Basmati Rice: The ideal fluffy accompaniment for absorbing that wonderful sauce.
Naan Bread: An absolute must for scooping up every last bit, whether you prefer it plain, with garlic, or as a peshwari naan.
Roti or Chapati: For a lighter, whole-wheat flatbread option instead of naan.
A Simple Salad: A fresh kachumber salad, made with diced onion, tomato, and cucumber dressed with lemon juice and coriander, offers a delightful, crisp contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make butter chicken in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Certainly! This recipe adapts well to both appliances. If using a slow cooker, begin by browning the chicken and softening the onions on the hob. Then, transfer everything to the slow cooker along with all sauce ingredients, leaving out the cream and kasuri methi. Cook on a low setting for 4 to 6 hours. Add the cream and kasuri methi in the final 30 minutes of cooking. For those with an Instant Pot, use the sauté setting for the browning and onion-cooking steps, then secure the lid and cook at high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release before you stir through the cream.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Although butter chicken is naturally a rich dish, you can certainly make a few changes. Opt for chicken breast over thighs, replace double cream with single cream or even evaporated milk, and use a little less butter. The final taste and texture will be a touch different, but it will still be incredibly tasty.

What’s the difference between butter chicken and chicken tikka masala?

This is a very frequent query! Although they seem alike, there are important distinctions. Butter chicken (Murgh Makhani) is typically milder and creamier, with a more noticeable flavour of tomato and butter. Chicken Tikka Masala, which originated in Britain, is usually spicier and more potent, with a bolder taste profile that includes onions and capsicums.

How long can I store leftover butter chicken?

We think leftovers are even more delicious the following day! You can keep it in the refrigerator in a sealed container for as long as 3 days. Reheat it gently on the hob or in the microwave. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Of course. If you need to avoid nuts, simply leave out the cashews. To get a similarly creamy texture, you can replace them with 2 tablespoons of soaked sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or just let the double cream provide all the richness. The final dish will still be beautifully creamy.

Exploring Other Delicious Recipes

If you loved the deeply comforting and rich taste of our butter chicken, we are sure you will appreciate some of our other popular creations. For an alternative yet equally delicious chicken meal, we recommend having a look at The Ultimate Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe. Or, if you fancy a different kind of creamy dish, be sure to explore The Best Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe Easy Delicious.

Your New Favourite Go-To Curry

We feel certain that this authentic butter chicken recipe will earn a permanent place in your collection of favourite meals. It’s a wonderful demonstration that you don’t require professional training to produce an impressive dish that’s full of incredible flavour. There is a special satisfaction that comes from creating something this tasty from basic ingredients.

So, why not get started? Collect your ingredients, put on your apron, and prepare to make a meal that is sure to please everyone. We are always keen to hear about your results! Do leave us a comment to tell us how you got on with your easy homemade butter chicken, and remember to pass this recipe on to any friends who share your love for a brilliant curry!

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Eager to create a truly memorable meal? Our simple, easy homemade butter chicken recipe guides you to a luscious, creamy curry that surpasses any takeaway. Find our complete, step-by-step method inside!