Best Butter Chicken Curry Recipe

Indian cuisine is a treasure trove of rich flavors, vibrant spices, and heartwarming dishes. Among its many iconic recipes, the Butter Chicken Curry Recipe holds a special place. Known for its velvety, tomato-based sauce and melt-in-your-mouth chicken, this dish has become a favorite not just in India but all over the world.

Whether you’re on the hunt for an Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe or want to learn how to make butter chicken as creamy and delicious as a restaurant’s, you’re in the right place. This guide offers a comprehensive, foolproof recipe that ensures you’ll be able to recreate the best butter chicken curry recipe effortlessly in your own kitchen. Let’s get started.

Butter chicken, traditionally called Murgh Makhani, is one of India’s most cherished dishes. Its origins trace back to the lively streets of Delhi, where chefs crafted this masterpiece to use leftover tandoori chicken in a rich, buttery tomato sauce. The result was a dish that perfectly blended smoky, spiced chicken with a luscious, creamy gravy a combination that is nothing short of culinary magic.

At its core, butter chicken combines succulent tandoori-style chicken pieces with a sauce made from tomatoes, butter, cream, and an aromatic mix of spices. Its distinctive balance of richness, sweetness, and gentle heat makes it an absolute crowd-pleaser for all palates.

Why This Recipe is the Best ?

This recipe is meticulously designed to give you a restaurant-quality experience right at home. Here’s what sets it apart:

1. Authenticity: This recipe stays true to its roots, offering a genuinely authentic butter chicken recipe with the perfect balance of traditional flavors.
2. Ease: Making this dish doesn’t have to be intimidating. With this guide, you’ll discover just how simple it is to prepare easy butter chicken at home without compromising on taste.
3. Flavor Explosion: The smoky, charred flavor of grilled chicken, combined with the creamy, spiced sauce, creates a dish that’s indulgent and unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It uses fresh, wholesome ingredients to create a dish that tastes as good as (if not better than) your favorite Indian restaurant.
• The recipe breaks down each step into simple instructions, so even beginners can master it.
• The final result is a silky, flavorful curry that pairs beautifully with naan or rice.

A Timeless Classic

The Butter Chicken Curry Recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavor and tradition. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or simply to impress your guests, this recipe guarantees success every time.

Ready to elevate your cooking skills? Follow along as we dive into the detailed steps of creating this creamy, dreamy butter chicken masterpiece.

Delicious

Best Butter Chicken Curry Recipe

Author: Andrea Cooking Method: Grilling, Simmering Cuisine: Indian Courses: Dinner, Lunch Recipe Keys: High-Protein

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 2 hrs Cook Time 45 mins Total Time 2 hrs 45 mins

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 22

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

What are you waiting for? Dive into the world of easy butter chicken at home and impress your family and friends with your cooking skills!

Ingredients for the Best Butter Chicken Curry Recipe

Cook Mode Cooking Mode Disabled

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 500 g boneless chicken (thighs or breasts), cut into chunks (500g = (1 lb))

• ¹⁄₂ cup plain yogurt

• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

• 1 tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp garam masala

• 1 tsp cumin powder

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• pinch of Salt to taste

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

• 3 tbsp butter (unsalted)

• 2 medium onions, finely chopped

• 3 large tomatoes, pureed

• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

• 1 tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)

• 1 tsp coriander powder

• 1 tsp garam masala

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 tbsp sugar (optional)

• pinch of Salt to taste

• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Butter Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken

   • In a large bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and the spices listed under the marinade.
   • Add chicken pieces and coat them well. Cover and let it marinate for at least 2 hours (overnight for the best results).
   

2. Cook the Chicken

   • Heat a grill pan or skillet with a splash of oil.
   • Cook the marinated chicken on high heat until slightly charred and cooked through. Set aside.
   

3. Prepare the Sauce

   • Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
   • Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.
   • Stir in pureed tomatoes and cook until the mixture thickens and the oil starts separating from the sides.
   • Add turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.

4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce

   • Add the grilled chicken to the sauce. Stir to coat the pieces evenly.
   • Pour in heavy cream and mix gently, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust the seasoning with salt and sugar if needed.

5. Final Touch

   • Simmer for 5–7 minutes on low heat to bring out the rich flavors.
   • Garnish with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of cream.
   

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

---

Amount Per Serving

Calories 500kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 35g54%

Saturated Fat 20g100%

Cholesterol 120mg40%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 15g5%

Dietary Fiber 3g12%

Sugars 9g

Protein 32g64%

---

Vitamin A 2850 IU

Vitamin C 12 mg

Calcium 75 mg

Iron 1.9 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Expert Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken

• Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
  • The secret to juicy, flavorful chicken lies in the marinade. Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal. The yogurt and spices tenderize the chicken and infuse it with incredible depth of flavor.
• Use Fresh, Quality Ingredients
  • Opt for fresh tomatoes or a high-quality canned tomato puree for a vibrant, rich sauce. Freshly ground spices also make a world of difference in taste.
• Balance the Spice Levels
  • Butter chicken is traditionally mild, but you can adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chili powder. For a smoky kick, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika.
• Char the Chicken
  • Grill or sear the marinated chicken pieces on high heat to achieve that smoky, slightly charred flavor reminiscent of tandoori chicken. If possible, cook it on a grill or under a broiler for the best results.
• Don’t Skimp on the Butter and Cream
  • True to its name, butter chicken requires a generous amount of butter and cream for that signature silky texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider substituting cream with coconut milk or cashew paste, but expect slight changes in flavor.
• Cook the Sauce Slowly
  • Allow the tomato-based sauce to simmer gently until the oil begins to separate. This step ensures the spices meld beautifully and the sauce develops a rich, deep flavor.
• Taste and Adjust
  • Always taste the sauce before combining it with the chicken. Add a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are too tangy or more salt to enhance the flavors.
• Use Boneless Chicken Thighs
  • While you can use chicken breasts, thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them the ideal choice for this dish.
• Garnish for Extra Flair
  • A drizzle of heavy cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro not only enhance the dish’s visual appeal but also add extra layers of flavor.
• Serve Hot and Fresh

• Butter chicken is best enjoyed fresh, served hot with naan or steamed basmati rice. If reheating leftovers, do so gently on the stove to preserve the creaminess.

Try this delicious Baked Brie in Puff Pastry:

Keywords: Butter Chicken Curry Recipe, Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe, how to make butter chicken, best butter chicken curry recipe,

Rate this recipe: