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Delicious and creamy Butter Chicken, a popular Indian dish, served as a featured image for the recipe article.

Best Easy Butter Chicken Recipe

This recipe delivers authentic, restaurant-quality Butter Chicken easily at home. The key lies in the precise execution of a few key processes: searing the chicken, blooming the spices, and emulsifying the sauce with heavy cream.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup plain yogurt, full fat
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder adjust to taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup cashew paste optional, for extra richness
  • 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves kasuri methi
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • whisk
  • Large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • spatula or wooden spoon
  • Grill or large skillet
  • tongs
  • Serving plates or bowls

Method
 

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine all marinade ingredients. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: Heat butter and oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Bloom the Spices: Add garam masala, cumin powder, and red chili powder to the pot. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the spices.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  5. Cook the Chicken: While the sauce simmers, preheat a grill or large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill or sear in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
  6. Combine and Finish: Add the cooked chicken to the simmering tomato sauce. Stir in the heavy cream, cashew paste (if using), and sugar (or honey). Season with salt to taste. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
  7. Final Touches: Stir in the crushed dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi). Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving. Serve hot with naan bread or rice.

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken overnight. Adjust the amount of red chili powder to your preferred level of spiciness. If you don't have cashew paste, you can substitute with almond paste or simply omit it. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.