Butter Chicken is one of the most popular Indian chicken dishes, loved for its creamy texture, buttery flavor, and rich tomato-based gravy. The best part is that you can make delicious restaurant-style Butter Chicken at home with simple ingredients.
In this recipe, we will marinate the chicken, cook it until slightly charred, and then prepare a creamy, buttery tomato gravy. Serve it with naan, roti, chapati, or fragrant basmati rice for a delicious homemade meal.
Ingredients
For Marinating the Chicken
- 500 grams chicken, preferably boneless
- 1/2 cup thick curd
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chilli powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Salt as needed
For the Butter Chicken Gravy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 3 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chilli powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh cream
- 1 tablespoon cashew nuts
- 1 tablespoon butter, extra for finishing
- 1 teaspoon kasuri methi
- Salt as needed
- 1/2 cup water, or as required
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
How to Make Butter Chicken at Home
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Take the chicken pieces in a bowl. Add thick curd, ginger-garlic paste, Kashmiri red chilli powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, lemon juice, oil, and salt.
Mix everything well so the chicken is completely coated with the marinade.
Cover and keep it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinating for 2–4 hours gives even better flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a pan or tawa and add a little oil.
Place the marinated chicken pieces on the hot pan and cook on medium-high heat until they become golden and slightly charred on the outside.
Cook the chicken until it is almost completely done. Remove it from the pan and keep it aside.
You can also grill or air-fry the chicken if you prefer a slightly smoky flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Gravy
Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon oil in a pan.
Add chopped onions and sauté until they become soft.
Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
Now add chopped tomatoes and cashew nuts. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and mushy.
Turn off the flame and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Step 4: Blend the Gravy
Transfer the cooked tomato mixture to a blender.
Blend it into a smooth paste. Add a little water if necessary.
For a silky restaurant-style gravy, you can strain the blended mixture through a fine sieve.
Step 5: Cook the Butter Chicken Gravy
Heat 1 tablespoon butter in the same pan.
Add the blended tomato mixture and cook on medium flame.
Add Kashmiri red chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, sugar, and salt.
Mix well and cook for about 5–7 minutes until the gravy becomes thick and the oil starts separating.
Step 6: Add the Chicken
Add the cooked chicken pieces to the gravy.
Mix gently and add around 1/2 cup water depending on how thick you want the gravy.
Cover and simmer on low flame for about 5–8 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavors.
Step 7: Add Cream and Butter
Lower the flame and add fresh cream.
Mix gently and cook for another 1–2 minutes. Do not boil the cream for too long.
Add the remaining butter and crushed kasuri methi.
Give everything a gentle mix.
Your delicious homemade Butter Chicken is ready!
How to Serve Butter Chicken
Serve hot Butter Chicken with:
- Butter naan
- Garlic naan
- Tandoori roti
- Chapati
- Jeera rice
- Plain basmati rice
- Pulao
Garnish with fresh coriander and a small drizzle of cream before serving.
Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken
Use Kashmiri chilli powder: It gives the gravy a beautiful red color without making it extremely spicy.
Don't skip marination: Marinating the chicken helps make it flavorful and tender.
Cook the tomato mixture properly: Raw tomato flavor can spoil the taste of the gravy, so cook it until completely soft.
Add cream at the end: Adding cream on low heat gives the curry a smooth and rich texture.
Use kasuri methi: A small amount of crushed kasuri methi gives Butter Chicken its classic restaurant-style aroma.
Balance the flavors: If the tomatoes are too sour, a small amount of sugar can balance the gravy.
Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
Making Butter Chicken at home is easier than it looks. With a flavorful chicken marinade, creamy tomato gravy, butter, and a touch of kasuri methi, you can make a delicious restaurant-style dish in your own kitchen.
Try this recipe with your family and serve it hot with naan, roti, or basmati rice. If you enjoyed this recipe, keep visiting Raju Gari Vantalu for more easy homemade Indian recipes.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Serves: 4 people
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Main Course
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