Indian Butter Chicken Recipe (2024)

Published: by Dina

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This Indian Butter Chicken Recipe makes a delicious dish full of rich spices and flavors. The yogurt marinade and sauce will give your chicken an amazing flavor that you’re going to love.

This Indian butter chicken tastes great with some rustic bread and wild brown rice.

Indian Butter Chicken Recipe (1)

Best Indian butter chicken

Butter chicken is a well-known Indian dish that is very similar to chicken curry and chicken tikka masala. The chicken is marinated in a spiced Greek yogurt marinade, then added to a creamy tomato sauce that is mildly flavored with a few more spices, including curry, cumin, tandoori masala, and chili.

Everyone has their own version of how to make this dish. And I can guarantee everyone thinks their version is the best. I’m sure they are all good in their own ways. That’s the fun part about cooking. You can get really creative with just about any dish. If you enjoy Indian cuisine, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Is it spicy?

The short answer is no because Indian butter chicken uses a lot of spices, but is not spicy. However, if you want it to be spicy then you can make it so by increasing ingredients like cayenne pepper. But butter chicken is not typically spicy.

Why is it called butter chicken?

Indian butter chicken got its name because it is usually prepared in a makhani gravy, or butter gravy. It’s cooked in butter and cream, so the sauce has a buttery flavor – hence the name.

How to make butter chicken (marinade)

  1. Combine spices and ingredients. In a bowl, mix together the yogurt, garlic, and ginger along with the other spices for the marinade. Make sure everything is well incorporated.
  2. Marinate the chicken. Place the chicken thighs in the marinade and make sure that all sides are covered.
  3. Let sit. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for about 4 hours.
  4. Bake the chicken. After the chicken has finished marinating, place the thighs on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, turn the oven to broil for 4-5 minutes.
  5. Cool and cut. Once the chicken has cooled down, collect all the drippings and set them aside. Then, cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes.

Indian Butter Chicken Recipe (2)

How to make butter chicken sauce

  1. Dice the tomatoes and onions. Dice the onions and tomatoes then set aside.
  2. Cook the cumin seeds. In a large skillet, melt the butter with the avocado oil over high heat. When the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and stir for 1 minute.
  3. Add the garlic, ginger, and onion. Add the garlic cloves, ginger, and diced onion to the oil and cook until the onion becomes translucent.
  4. Then add the tomatoes. Add the diced tomatoes to the butter sauce and cook for 3 minutes. Then, add the tomato sauce.
  5. Add the rest of the spices. Once the sauce has cooked for a few minutes, add in the rest of the spices on the ingredient list. Stir well.
  6. Add the chicken. Place the cooked and cubed chicken into the butter sauce.
  7. Add the heavy cream. Pour in the heavy cream and allow to cook for about 5 minutes before taking it off the heat.

Indian Butter Chicken Recipe (3)

What to serve it with

  • Naan bread
  • pilaf or basmati rice
  • sauteed or stir-fried vegetables seasoned with Indian spices.

How long will this dish keep?

This Indian butter chicken will last up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you are just storing the sauce alone, then you can keep that in a lidded container for about 4 days in the fridge.

Butter chicken vs chicken tikka masala

Butter chicken has a lot of similarities to chicken tikka masala. The main differences are that butter chicken is more creamy, and not as tomato-ey. Also, because chicken tikka is cooked in a tandoor, it is drier than the moister and saucier butter chicken.

Indian Butter Chicken Recipe (4)

Full Recipe Instructions

Indian Butter Chicken Recipe (5)

Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Creamy and buttery, this Indian Butter Chicken is mouth-wateringly delicious. The mix of spices with juicy chicken make this dish taste oh so good.

5 from 3 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Prep Time: 35 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes

Marinating time: 4 hours hours

Total Time: 5 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Calories: 296kcal

Author: Dina

Ingredients

Marinade

  • 2 cloves garlic pressed
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1/8 tsp ginger
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 2 tsp chili
  • 2 tsp tandoori masala
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp curry
  • 1 tsp cayenne
  • 2 1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs

Butter Chicken Sauce

  • 3 tbsp avocado oil
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 1/2 onions
  • 1/4 tsp ginger
  • 2 tomatoes
  • 1 cup tomatoes sauce
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp chili
  • 1.5 tsp tandoori masala spice
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp curry
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup juice from chicken
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

Marinate the chicken

  • In a bowl combine the Greek yogurt, 2 cloves of pressed garlic, and 1/8 tsp ginger along with all of the spices listed under the marinade.

  • Add the chicken thighs into the marinade. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for about 4 hours.

Bake chicken in the oven

  • Once the chicken has marinated, line a baking sheet with foil and lay the chicken on top. Preheat the oven to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 20 minutes. Then turn the oven onto broil and bake for another 4-5 minutes.

  • 4. After the chicken cools down, collect all the drippingsfrom the chicken and set it aside. Then cut into 1-inch cubes.

Make the sauce

  • Dice the tomato and onion and set aside.

  • In a large skillet heat butter and avocado oil over high heat. When the oil becomes hot add the cumin seeds and stir for about 1 minute.

  • Add 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 tsp of ginger, and the diced onion to the oil and cook until the onion becomes translucent.

  • Add the diced tomatoes and cook for about 3 minutes. Then add the tomato sauce.

  • After the sauce has cooked for a few minutes add the rest of the spices listed below the sauce ingredients.

Add chicken back in + heavy cream

  • Add the chicken back into the sauce and pour in the heavy cream. Let the flavors blend for another 5 minutes then remove from heat.

Notes

How long will butter chicken keep?

This Indian butter chicken will last up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you are just storing the sauce alone, then you can keep that in a lidded container for about 4 days in the fridge.

What to serve it with

  • Naan bread
  • pilaf or basmati rice
  • sauteed or stir-fried vegetables seasoned with Indian spices.

Nutrition

Calories: 296kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 150mg | Sodium: 873mg | Potassium: 530mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 816IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 2mg

Did you make this recipe? Snap a photo of it and tag me on Instagram @simplyhomecooked or use the hashtag #simplyhomecooked so I can see it and feature it!

This recipe was originally published on July 17, 2015, but it has been updated since.

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Hi, I’m Dina, so glad you stopped by! I believe life is too short for bad coffee and boring meals. With my easy to follow step-by-step recipes, you’ll be surprised at how quickly a wholesome and delicious meal can come together. I hope you find something you enjoy!

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  1. Myra Zocher says

    Indian Butter Chicken Recipe (8)
    Dina, I made your butter chicken recipe the other day, and I was blown away by how good it was. I didn’t have time to marinate the chicken for 4 hours, but I didn’t let that stop me. I think everything else was pretty much on point as far as directions, and wow, it was fantastic – I couldn’t get enough. I served it with garlic naan, riata, and rice. I am so glad I have this recipe, because I plan to make it over and over. Thank you!!!

    Reply

    • Dina says

      Myra, that is amazing! I am so happy that you stumbled upon my recipe! Thank you so much for your kind feedback 🙂

      Reply

  2. Teresa Czaja says

    One of the ingredients is chili. Do you mean chili powder?

    Reply

    • simplyhomecooked says

      Yes, chili powder 🙂

      Reply

  3. Lucy says

    Ok I gotta try this first 😊

    Reply

    • simplyhomecooked says

      Hi Lucy, I hope you enjoy this recipe!

      Reply

  4. Liliya Guyvoronsky says

    Indian Butter Chicken Recipe (9)
    My favorite recipe from your website. My boys and husband always ask me to make it. Not too spicy and better than any Indian places that we tried:)

    Reply

    • simplyhomecooked says

      Wow Liliya, that’s awesome! I’m so happy to hear that your family loves this Indian butter chicken recipe 🙂

      Reply

  5. tori says

    What is juice from chicken?

    Reply

    • simplyhomecooked says

      Hi Tori, I just updated the recipe. I meant to say “chicken drippings”. That’s the juice that collects in the baking sheet after the chicken is done baking.

      Reply

  6. Irina says

    Hi. Thank you for the recipe. I’m excited to make this. How spicy is this dish?

    Reply

    • simplyhomecooked says

      Hi Irina, its pretty mild. My kids can eat it without a problem. Hope that helps 🙂

      Reply

  7. Larisa says

    Indian Butter Chicken Recipe (10)
    Love this recipe! This is a huge hit with my family- one of my husbands favorite meals! Thank you for this simple but tasty recipe.

    Reply

    • simplyhomecooked says

      Thank you for your kind review Larisa!

      Reply

Indian Butter Chicken Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is butter chicken sauce made of? ›

Water, Tomato, Cream, Unsalted butter, Vegetable oil, Sugar, Modified corn starch, Concentrated tomato purée, Spices, Dried onion, Ginger, Garlic, Salt, Lactic acid (acidulant), Paprika extract, Citric acid (acidulant), Dried fenugreek leaf.

What's the difference between tikka masala and butter chicken? ›

Butter chicken is a traditional Indian dish that is rich and creamy with a subtle smoky flavor. At the same time, tikka masala is a British Indian dish with a more complex flavor profile with tangy and spicy notes. Butter chicken is generally sweeter and milder in spiciness, while tikka masala is tangy and spicy.

How is butter chicken different from curry? ›

Butter chicken tends to be creamier and sweeter than chicken curry, with heavier spices. On the other hand, Tikka masala tends to focus more on heat and spice. The two dishes often use similar ingredients: tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, and different types of chilies—but they're not quite interchangeable.

Is butter chicken an authentic Indian dish? ›

Butter chicken, traditionally known as murgh makhani (pronounced [mʊrɣ ˈməkʰaːni]), is an Indian dish originating in Delhi. It is a type of curry made from chicken with a spiced tomato and butter (makhan) sauce.

Why does butter chicken taste so good? ›

With its sweetly spiced tomato and cream-based gravy, butter chicken is a comforting, warming dish that feels decadent thanks to its silky-smooth richness. It's a dish that can be cooked with either breast meat or chicken thighs, with bones or without.

What is healthier butter chicken or tikka masala? ›

Butter chicken is a healthier option than tikka masala. Tikka masala has a shocking 400–500 calories per serving on average, but a serving of butter chicken may have 438 calories. If you're concerned with the amount of fat it has, you can always switch to low-fat substitutes for butter and heavy cream.

Is butter chicken healthier than chicken tikka? ›

Although both dishes have high levels of saturated fat, chicken remains the preferred choice for maintaining good health. Compared to other meats, chicken dishes tend to be more nutritious. Chicken tikka masala is a healthier option than butter chicken as it contains less fat (7 grams vs. 4 grams) and more protein.

What curry is similar to butter chicken? ›

Some popular options include: Chicken Tikka Masala: This dish is made with marinated chicken pieces that are grilled and then simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce. It has a similar flavor to Butter Chicken, but is slightly spicier. Murgh Makhani: This is another dish that is similar to Butter Chicken.

Why does my butter chicken taste like curry? ›

Butter chicken is a curry

At its very core, a curry is a dish cooked using a blend of spices and aromatics. There are, like, hundreds of spices in Indian cuisine, and it still blows my mind how restaurants expertly balance all of these nuanced flavors.

What is butter chicken called at Indian restaurant? ›

Butter Chicken also known as Chicken Makhani is a classic Indian dish that's made by simmering marinated & grilled chicken (Tandoori chicken) in a spicy, aromatic, buttery and creamy tomato gravy. This lip-smacking and delicious dish is hugely popular among the Indian food lovers across the world.

Is korma the same as butter chicken? ›

Butter Chicken has a tangy and slightly sweet taste due to the tomatoes and cream, while Chicken Korma offers a milder and nuttier flavor profile. Butter Chicken is generally more affluent and creamier, whereas Chicken Korma has a more delicate and aromatic taste.

Why is Indian butter chicken red? ›

The Spices for Butter Chicken

Kashmiri Lal Mirch: Butter chicken gets its bright color and its name from Kashmiri Lal Mirch, a variety of red chile from the northern region of Kashmir. I usually buy mine from our local Indian store but online retailers carry great varieties, too.

Is butter chicken Indian food healthy? ›

Butter chicken consists of approximately 30 grams of protein per serving. As a result, one serving of butter chicken makes up more than half of your daily protein consumption. Is butter chicken healthy? Butter chicken is high in fat and protein and, so, a keto-friendly recipe.

Does butter chicken contain onions? ›

Onions and Tomato puree make the base of gravy for Butter Chicken. It is very important to add onions and it is not optional.

What does butter chicken sauce taste like? ›

Butter Chicken is the most popular Indian dish ordered in restaurants. Like Chicken Tikka Masala, chunks of chicken are simmered in a yogurt and tomato sauce. It is creamy, tangy, and buttery of course.

Is butter chicken the same as butter chicken tikka? ›

The main difference between butter chicken and tandoori chicken tikka masala is the level of creaminess; butter chicken is much creamier, whereas chicken tikka masala relies on tomatoes and other spices, giving it its earthy and spicy flavor profile.

Does butter chicken contain cream? ›

Heavy cream is an important ingredient, and butter adds a final silkiness to the finished sauce (and is why this curry is called Butter Chicken!).

What is butter based sauce? ›

: a sauce made of butter, water or broth, and seasonings, thickened with flour, and used also as a basis for the making of other sauces (such as caper sauce or shrimp sauce) by the addition of special ingredients.

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