Easy Butter Chicken Recipe: Creamy, Rich and Full of Flavor

Butter chicken is one of those dishes that can turn an ordinary dinner into something special. Tender chicken cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce, finished with butter and aromatic spices, makes it a favorite far beyond India.

The good news is that you don’t need complicated ingredients or professional cooking skills to make a delicious version at home.

Ingredients

• 500 g boneless chicken
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

How to Make Butter Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, a few hours in the refrigerator will give the chicken even more flavor.

Cook the marinated chicken in a hot pan until lightly charred and cooked through. Set it aside.

In the same pan, add butter and tomato puree. Cook until the tomato mixture becomes thicker and loses its raw taste. Add a little water if needed.

Add the cooked chicken and simmer gently for several minutes. Stir in the cream and honey, then finish with crushed dried fenugreek leaves.

Taste and adjust the salt and spices.

What to Serve With Butter Chicken

Butter chicken works beautifully with naan, garlic naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice. A simple cucumber and onion salad also adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce.

Final Tip

For the best texture, avoid boiling the sauce aggressively after adding cream. Gentle cooking keeps the gravy smooth and rich.

Whether you’re cooking for family or planning a weekend dinner, homemade butter chicken is a comforting dish that rarely disappoints.