Introduction
Picture this: A steaming bowl of creamy, golden-hued butter chicken ‘recipe’, its aroma swirling with warm spices like garam masala and turmeric, tender chicken pieces glistening in a velvety tomato-cream sauce. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and sigh with happiness—and the best part? It can be ready in only 30 minutes.
Butter chicken, or Murgh Makhani as it’s known in India, isn’t just a meal—it’s a love story. Born in the 1950s in Delhi’s iconic Moti Mahal restaurant, this dish was a stroke of genius by chefs Kundan Lal Gujral and Kundan Lal Jaggi. Legend says they rescued leftover tandoori chicken by simmering it in a rich, buttery tomato gravy. The result? A global sensation that’s now a weeknight hero in kitchens worldwide.
Why is this Butter Chicken Recipe special? We’ve stripped away the fuss without skimping on flavor. Think juicy chicken thighs (no dry breasts here!), a sauce that’s luxuriously creamy but light on calories, and pro hacks like using tomato paste for depth without hours of simmering. If you loved our Chicken Tikka Masala (another crowd-pleaser), you’ll adore this quicker, simpler cousin. Ready to ditch takeout and become a kitchen legend? Let’s get cooking!
What is Butter Chicken?
Why call it butter chicken? Is it because you’ll drown your plate in butter? (Well, there’s some truth to that!) The dish gets its name from the silky, buttery tomato-cream sauce that hugs every bite of chicken. Imagine tender morsels marinated in yogurt and spices, then bathed in a sauce so indulgent it could make a stone statue smile. As the saying goes, “The way to the heart is through the stomach”—and this recipe is your golden ticket.
Fun fact: Butter chicken was born out of thriftiness. Leftover tandoori chicken? Don’t toss it! Simmer it in a spiced tomato-cream gravy, and voilà—culinary magic. Today, it’s a universal comfort food, loved by toddlers, spice-phobes, and hardcore foodies alike. Whether you’re cooking for date night or a chaotic family dinner, this dish turns “meh” into “more, please!” Ready to stir up some magic?
Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken Recipe
- 30-Minute Miracle: Forget slaving over the stove for hours. Our pro hacks—like using pre-minced garlic or swapping fresh tomatoes for paste—deliver restaurant-quality flavor in half the time. Perfect for nights when even thinking about cooking feels exhausting.
- Budget Hero: For the price of one takeout order (15–20), you can feed four hungry humans. Bonus: No mysterious “chef’s special” markup!
- Flavor Explosion: The creamy sauce is spiced with garam masala, turmeric, and a hint of chili, balanced by tangy tomatoes and sweet butter. Top it with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a flavor party.
- Versatile AF: Gluten-free? Use cornstarch instead of flour. Vegan? Swap chicken for tofu and cream for coconut milk. This recipe bends without breaking.
- Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters can’t resist the creamy sauce. Pair it with garlic naan for dipping, and watch those veggies disappear.
Psst! If you’re a fan of our Slow-Cooker Chicken Curry, you’ll love how this recipe trades slow simmering for speedy satisfaction.
How to Make Butter Chicken Recipe
Quick Overview
Juicy chicken thighs + aromatic spices + creamy tomato sauce = 30-minute bliss. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or impressing your mother-in-law.
Key Ingredients (Serves 4)
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless thighs (fat = flavor!).
- Aromatics: 1 large onion (diced), 4 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated).
- Tomato Base: 1 cup tomato puree + 2 tbsp tomato paste (for depth).
- Creaminess: ½ cup heavy cream + 3 tbsp unsalted butter.
- Spices: 1 tsp garam masala, ½ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp Kashmiri chili powder (mild and vibrant), 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp coriander.
- Acid: 1 tbsp lemon juice (brightens the sauce).
- Garnish: Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sliced chili.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Like a Pro (5 mins)
- Dice chicken into 1-inch cubes. Pat dry with paper towels (this ensures crispy edges!).
- Mince garlic, grate ginger, and dice onion. Keep spices measured and ready.
2. Sizzle the Aromatics (5 mins)
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions and sauté until translucent (3 mins).
- Stir in garlic and ginger. Cook until fragrant (1 min).
3. Build the Sauce (7 mins)
- Add tomato puree, tomato paste, and all spices. Stir to combine.
- Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to deepen the flavor.
4. Cook the Chicken (10 mins)
- Add chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat in the sauce.
- Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes until chicken is tender.
5. Finish with Cream (3 mins)
- Stir in heavy cream and remaining butter. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Squeeze in lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt or spice.
6. Garnish & Serve
- Top with cilantro, a lime wedge, and chili slices. Pair with basmati rice or naan.
What to Serve With Butter Chicken
- Basmati Rice: Cook it with a cinnamon stick and bay leaf for extra fragrance.
- Garlic Naan: Use store-bought or try our 10-Minute Homemade Naan Hack.
- Cucumber Raita: Mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, mint, and cumin.
- Roasted Veggies: Cauliflower or spinach for a healthy twist.
- Mango Lassi: Blend mango, yogurt, and honey for a sweet sip.
Top Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken
- Chicken Thighs > Breasts: Thighs stay juicy; breasts dry out quickly.
- Spice Control: For mild heat, skip chili powder. For fire, add ¼ tsp cayenne.
- No Heavy Cream? Substitute coconut milk or cashew cream.
- Meal Prep Magic: Double the sauce and freeze for future lazy nights.
- Avoid Curdling: Add cream off the heat and stir gently.
Common Mistakes:
- Overcooking the chicken (use a timer!).
- Skipping tomato paste (it adds umami depth).
- Forgetting to taste before serving (adjust salt/spice!).
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight!
- Freezer: Freeze sauce (without cream) for 2 months. Thaw, reheat, and add fresh cream.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of water or milk if too thick.
FAQs
Q: Is Greek yogurt a suitable substitute for cream?
A: Yes! Stir in ½ cup plain Greek yogurt at the end for tangy creaminess.
Q: Is butter chicken spicy?
A: This recipe is mild. Add green chilies or cayenne for heat.
Q: Can I make it vegan?
A: Swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu, and use coconut cream.
Q: What’s the difference between butter chicken and tikka masala?
A: Butter chicken uses tandoori-style chicken, while tikka masala has a smokier, spicier sauce.
Conclusion
There you have it—the ultimate Butter Chicken Recipe that’s fast, foolproof, and guaranteed to wow. Whether you’re a busy parent, a cooking newbie, or just craving comfort food without the guilt, this dish delivers.
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