Butter Chicken Recipe Classic Indian Chicken Makhani Made Easy

Name: Butter Chicken
Prep time: 12 h 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 12 h 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: – ½ kg (1.1 lbs) boneless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces for marination; – ½ to ¾ teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder or paprika (adjust to taste) for marination; – ¼ to ⅓ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) for marination; – ¾ to 1 tablespoon lemon juice for marination; – ⅓ cup Greek yogurt (or hung curd/thick yogurt) for marination; – ¾ tablespoon ginger garlic paste (or ½ tablespoon each of grated ginger and garlic) for marination; – ⅛ teaspoon turmeric (optional) for marination; – ¾ to 1 teaspoon garam masala (adjust to taste) for marination; – ½ teaspoon cumin powder (optional) for marination; – 1 teaspoon coriander powder (optional) for marination; – 1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves, optional but recommended) for marination; – ¾ to 1 tablespoon oil for marination; – 2 to 3 tablespoons butter or ghee for sauce; – 2-inch cinnamon stick (optional) for sauce; – 2 to 4 green cardamoms (optional) for sauce; – 2 to 4 cloves (optional) for sauce; – 1½ cups sliced onions (optional, to reduce tomato acidity) for sauce; – 600 grams fresh tomatoes (or 1 cup passata/canned tomato puree, or ⅓ cup double concentrate tomato paste) for sauce; – 28 whole raw cashews (42 grams, soaked in hot water) or ¼ to ⅓ cup heavy cream for nut-free version for sauce; – ½ cup water (for blending, adjust as needed) for sauce; – 1 to 2 teaspoons Kashmiri chili powder or paprika (adjust to taste) for sauce; – 1 to 1½ teaspoons garam masala (divided, adjust to taste) for sauce; – 1 to 1½ teaspoons coriander powder (optional, adjust to taste) for sauce; – ½ teaspoon cumin powder (optional, adjust to taste) for sauce; – ½ to ¾ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) for sauce; – 1 teaspoon sugar for sauce; – ½ tablespoon crushed kasuri methi for sauce; – 1½ cups hot water for making gravy (reduce to 1 cup if no cashews) for sauce; – ⅓ cup heavy cream or whipping cream (divided) for sauce; – 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves for garnish

By:

Camille Hayes

Published:

January 15, 2026

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Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken is a well-loved Indian dish made with boneless chicken pieces that are marinated, grilled or pan-fried, and simmered in a creamy, tomato-based gravy. This recipe stands out for its smooth, rich, and mildly spiced sauce, which is different from spicier options like tikka masala and traditionally avoids onions. You’ll find it perfect for busy nights because it comes together with simple steps and everyday ingredients that make cooking feel effortless.

One of the best parts is how this dish supports a balanced meal, featuring lean protein from the chicken along with nutrient-rich spices that add flavor and health perks. For instance, the spices can help with digestion and offer antioxidants, making it a smart choice for families watching their wellness. Plus, it’s easy to tweak for different diets, so everyone at the table can enjoy it without missing out on the fun taste.

Another highlight is the way this Butter Chicken adapts to various needs, like turning it vegetarian or vegan with simple swaps, all while keeping that comforting creaminess. Whether you’re cooking for kids or sharing with friends, the warm, inviting flavors create memorable meals that bring people together. This makes it a go-to recipe that adds excitement to your weekly dinners and even works well for meal prep on Sundays.

Ease of preparation: This Butter Chicken recipe is quick and simple, requiring minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Health benefits: Made with lean protein and nutrient-rich spices, this dish offers a wholesome meal that supports overall wellness, including vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron per serving.
Versatility: Easily adaptable to various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options without compromising on taste, with about 385 calories per serving to keep things light.
Distinctive flavor: The rich, creamy tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices delivers a unique and memorable taste that sets this dish apart, enhanced by options like kasuri methi for extra depth.

To learn more about how chicken fits into a healthy diet, check out this resource on health benefits of chicken. Remember, the nutritional info per serving includes 23g fat, 119mg cholesterol, and 32g protein, so it’s a filling option for all.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken
2. Essential Ingredients for Butter Chicken
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Butter Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Butter Chicken
5. Mastering Butter Chicken: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Butter Chicken: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Butter Chicken
8. Butter Chicken

Essential Ingredients for Butter Chicken

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making authentic Butter Chicken, and this section lists everything you need with precise measurements. For a complete recipe, focus on two main parts: the marination and the sauce. Each item below is pulled directly from the details provided, ensuring you have exactly what’s required for success.

Ingredients for Marination

½ kg (1.1 lbs) boneless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
½ to ¾ teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder or paprika (adjust to taste)
¼ to ⅓ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¾ to 1 tablespoon lemon juice
⅓ cup Greek yogurt (or hung curd/thick yogurt)
¾ tablespoon ginger garlic paste (or ½ tablespoon each of grated ginger and garlic)
⅛ teaspoon turmeric (optional)
¾ to 1 teaspoon garam masala (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon cumin powder (optional)
1 teaspoon coriander powder (optional)
1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves, optional but recommended)
¾ to 1 tablespoon oil

Ingredients for the Sauce/Gravy

2 to 3 tablespoons butter or ghee
2-inch cinnamon stick (optional)
2 to 4 green cardamoms (optional)
2 to 4 cloves (optional)
1½ cups sliced onions (optional, to reduce tomato acidity)
600 grams fresh tomatoes (or 1 cup passata/canned tomato puree, or ⅓ cup double concentrate tomato paste)
28 whole raw cashews (42 grams, soaked in hot water) or ¼ to ⅓ cup heavy cream for nut-free version
½ cup water (for blending, adjust as needed)
1 to 2 teaspoons Kashmiri chili powder or paprika (adjust to taste)
1 to 1½ teaspoons garam masala (divided, adjust to taste)
1 to 1½ teaspoons coriander powder (optional, adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon cumin powder (optional, adjust to taste)
½ to ¾ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon sugar
½ tablespoon crushed kasuri methi
1½ cups hot water for making gravy (reduce to 1 cup if no cashews)
⅓ cup heavy cream or whipping cream (divided)
2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves (for garnish)

For special dietary options, you can make this recipe vegan by using plant-based cream and swapping chicken for tofu, or keep it gluten-free since most ingredients naturally fit that need. This structured list makes it simple to shop and measure everything out ahead of time.

How to Prepare the Perfect Butter Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide

To make this Butter Chicken, start by preparing all your ingredients, such as chopping garlic and ginger, and cutting the chicken into pieces. This ensures everything goes smoothly when you begin cooking. Marinating is a crucial step that infuses the chicken with flavors, so don’t skip it for the best results.

First Steps: Marination and Prep

Begin by patting the chicken pieces dry and marinating them with lemon juice, chili powder, and salt for about 20 minutes. Then, mix in yogurt, ginger garlic paste, turmeric, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, kasuri methi, and oil, and let it sit in the fridge for at least 12 hours for tender results. If you’re short on time, a few hours will still work, but longer marination really enhances the taste.

Prepare the sauce by optionally sautéing onions until golden. Blend tomatoes, onions, soaked cashews, and water into a smooth puree to create that creamy base.

Cooking and Simmering

Heat butter with whole spices like cinnamon, cardamoms, and cloves until they smell great, then add ginger garlic paste. Stir in the tomato-cashew puree and simmer until it thickens, which helps develop deep flavors. For a related idea, try our simple chicken stir-fry recipe for another quick meal option.

Grill or pan-fry the marinated chicken in batches until it’s just cooked, then add it to the sauce and simmer to blend everything together. Adjust seasoning with salt, sugar, kasuri methi, and more garam masala if needed, and stir in heavy cream at the end for that silky finish. Garnish with chopped coriander and serve hot it’s perfect with basmati rice or naan.

Step	Key Action	Tips
1. Marinate	Mix and refrigerate	Use fresh yogurt for best texture
2. Prepare Sauce	Blend and simmer	Avoid burning spices by using low heat
3. Cook Chicken	Fry or grill	Cook in batches for even results
4. Combine and Serve	Simmer and garnish	Add cream last to prevent splitting

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Butter Chicken

One of the great things about Butter Chicken is how easy it is to adapt for different preferences. You can swap proteins or adjust ingredients to fit your needs without losing the dish’s charm. This makes it ideal for families with varied tastes or restrictions.

Protein options: Replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for a plant-based version.
Sauce tweaks: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option, or add veggies like bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Spice changes: Reduce chili powder for milder flavors or try smoked paprika for a new twist.

For more inspiration on marinades, check out our grilled chicken marinades page.

Mastering Butter Chicken: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’ve got the basics down, you can take your Butter Chicken to the next level with some pro techniques. For instance, browning the chicken before adding it to the sauce builds deeper flavors that make the dish even more irresistible. Using a slow cooker is another smart way to get tender results with less effort.

Brown chicken pieces first for richer taste.
Add fenugreek leaves or cardamom for extra aroma.
Garnish with cilantro and serve in fun bowls.
Prep ahead by making sauce and marinating chicken in advance.

Remember, tips like using ripe tomatoes improve the sauce’s taste, and careful heat control prevents issues like cream splitting.

How to Store Butter Chicken: Best Practices

Storing your Butter Chicken properly keeps it fresh and tasty for later. Put leftovers in airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for 2-3 days to enjoy without worry. Freezing in small portions makes it easy to have a quick meal on hand.

Refrigerate in sealed containers for up to 3 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw slowly.
Reheat gently on the stove to keep it creamy.
Batch cook for easy weeknight dinners.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Butter Chicken

How long should I marinate chicken for butter chicken to get the best flavor?

For tender and flavorful butter chicken, marinate the chicken for at least 12 hours. This allows the spices and yogurt-based marinade to fully penetrate the meat. You can marinate it up to 48 hours in the refrigerator, but avoid longer to prevent the texture from becoming mushy. Proper marination ensures juicy chicken and rich taste.

Can I prepare the butter chicken sauce in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the butter chicken sauce a few hours or even a day ahead. Refrigerate it in an airtight container and reheat gently before adding the cooked chicken. The sauce also freezes well for up to one month. This makes meal prep easier and improves the flavors as they meld over time.

What’s the best way to cook marinated chicken for butter chicken without a tandoor?

If you don’t have a tandoor, pan-frying, oven roasting, or grilling works well. For pan-frying, heat a tablespoon of oil or butter on medium, cook the chicken until just cooked through without burning. Roasting at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or grilling over medium heat are great alternatives to develop smoky flavors.

What can I use instead of cashews if someone has a nut allergy?

If you’re avoiding cashews due to allergies, heavy cream is a simple substitute to add creaminess. You can also use plain yogurt or coconut cream for a different texture and flavor. Keep in mind that cashews help thicken the sauce naturally, so you might want to simmer the sauce a little longer to reduce it if not using nuts.

What type of chili powder should I use to get authentic butter chicken color and mild heat?

Kashmiri red chili powder is ideal because it provides a vibrant red color and mild heat typical of butter chicken. If unavailable, use paprika or a mix of smoked paprika and a small amount of cayenne pepper, adjusting to preference, especially for children or those sensitive to spice. This keeps the dish visually appealing without overpowering heat.

Butter Chicken Recipe Classic Indian Chicken Makhani Made Easy

Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken