Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a dish that wraps you in warmth with its rich, creamy tomato sauce and tender, spiced chicken. Originating from India, this dish was created in the 1950s at the famous Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi. The chefs stumbled upon the idea of simmering leftover tandoori chicken in a luscious tomato and butter sauce, and from there, a classic was born!

Today, Butter Chicken is one of the most beloved Indian dishes worldwide. Whether you’re craving a comforting meal on a cold evening or looking to impress guests with a restaurant-quality dish, this recipe delivers big on flavor while being incredibly easy to make at home.

This version skips the long marination time and slow cooking methods, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The result? A velvety, mildly spiced, and absolutely irresistible dish that pairs beautifully with warm naan or fluffy basmati rice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: No long marination or complicated steps—this is a simplified version of traditional Butter Chicken.
• Rich & Creamy: The sauce is packed with flavor, thanks to aromatic spices, tomatoes, and a touch of cream.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish is always a hit.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice to suit your taste, making it as mild or as fiery as you like.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
• ½ teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup plain yogurt
• ½ cup water (or as needed for desired consistency)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

How to Make Butter Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix the chicken with yogurt, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, ginger-garlic paste, and lemon juice. Let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor). If you’re short on time, even a quick marination will help infuse the chicken with spices.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. You don’t need to cook it all the way through at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Butter Chicken Sauce

In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and golden brown. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cumin seeds, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Now, add coriander powder, garam masala, paprika, and red chili powder. Stir well and let the spices bloom for about 1 minute before pouring in the crushed tomatoes and sugar. Cook this mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the tomatoes thicken and the oil starts separating from the sauce.

Step 4: Blend for a Smooth Sauce (Optional)

For an extra silky sauce, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth. If you prefer a more rustic texture, you can skip this step.

Step 5: Add the Chicken & Finish the Dish

Return the blended sauce to the pan and add the cooked chicken. Pour in the heavy cream, yogurt, and ½ cup water (adjust based on your desired consistency). Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Taste and adjust salt or spice as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot with warm naan or fragrant basmati rice.

Helpful Tips

• For Extra Flavor: Marinate the chicken for at least an hour, or overnight if you have time. This deepens the flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut milk for cream and use dairy-free yogurt.
• For a Smoky Flavor: If you want an authentic tandoori taste, briefly char the cooked chicken over an open flame before adding it to the sauce.
• Make It Spicier: Increase the red chili powder or add finely chopped green chilies for a fiery kick.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian
• Diet: Halal, Gluten-Free

Notes

• This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop!
• You can double the recipe and freeze portions for easy meal prep.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~450
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g

(These are approximate values and may vary based on ingredients used.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Butter Chicken Without Cream?

Yes! You can use coconut milk, Greek yogurt, or cashew cream for a lighter alternative.

What Can I Serve with Butter Chicken?

It pairs beautifully with basmati rice, naan, roti, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Can I Use Chicken with Bone?

Absolutely! Bone-in chicken adds more depth of flavor, but it will take slightly longer to cook.

How Do I Make It Less Spicy?

Simply reduce or omit the red chili powder. The dish will still be flavorful and delicious.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
• Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if needed.

Related Recipes

If you love Butter Chicken, here are more Indian-inspired dishes to try:

• Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder – Creamy, Cozy & Full of Flavor!
• Baked Ranch Chicken – Juicy, Flavor-Packed & So Easy!
• Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
• Baked Ranch Chicken

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about making Butter Chicken at home. It’s creamy, rich, and bursting with authentic flavors without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re an Indian food lover or trying it for the first time, this quick and easy recipe is sure to become a favorite. So grab your ingredients and get ready to indulge in one of the most comforting dishes ever!

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