Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe
Few dishes capture the soul of Indian cuisine Main Course. Lush, creamy, and aromatic, every bite combines juicy pieces of chicken with a tomato-infused sauce that’s downright irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a comforting homemade meal, this recipe lets you recreate restaurant-style flavors at home — and, trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing. Once you try it, you’ll see why this Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe deserves a starring role in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With a blend of pantry staples and a handful of vibrant spices, you’ll find that none of the ingredients are tricky, but each one plays an important role in building flavor, texture, and that signature color of the Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe. Line up these essentials, and you’re halfway to magic.
- Chicken Thighs: These stay juicy and tender even after simmering, making them perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Plain Yogurt: Acts as a marinade base, tenderizing the chicken and adding gentle tang.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens up the flavors and helps infuse the marinade into the chicken.
- Ginger-Garlic Paste: The double dose brings warmth and fragrant depth to both marinade and sauce.
- Ground Turmeric: Lends a golden hue and earthy flavor to the chicken.
- Ground Cumin: Adds toasty, nutty undertones throughout the dish.
- Garam Masala: This spice blend ties together the warming spices, boosting aromatic complexity.
- Chili Powder: Brings adjustable heat that you can tweak to suit your spice preference.
- Salt: Essential for rounding out all the flavors.
- Unsalted Butter: The heart of the dish! It enriches the sauce with creaminess and a touch of indulgence.
- Vegetable Oil: Lets you sear the chicken at a high temp without burning the butter.
- Onion: Creates a sweet, caramelized flavor base for the sauce.
- Ground Coriander: Adds citrusy notes that lift the tomato sauce.
- Paprika: More than just color, it gives a mellow, smoky background.
- Tomato Puree: The sauce’s soul — brings tang, body, and a deep red color.
- Heavy Cream: Swirls the sauce into silkiness and brings that restaurant-style creamy texture.
- Sugar (optional): A pinch balances the tang of tomatoes, so add it if you like a slightly mellow finish.
- Fresh Cilantro: A final sprinkle that wakes up the whole dish with color and freshness.
How to Make Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Gather up your chicken thigh pieces and toss them into a big bowl. Add plain yogurt, fresh lemon juice, a heaping spoonful of ginger-garlic paste, plus turmeric, cumin, garam masala, chili powder, and salt. Mix everything so the chicken is thoroughly coated — this step is where all that flavor really seeps in. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least an hour, but if you can swing it, overnight is even better. The extra time lets every piece become ultra tender and loaded with flavor, which is the secret to an Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe that rivals your favorite restaurant.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
When your chicken is marinated and ready, heat a tablespoon of butter and some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches (don’t crowd the pan), sear the chicken pieces on both sides until lightly browned. It’s OK if they’re not completely cooked at this stage — you’ll finish them in the sauce later. As each batch is browned, set it aside on a plate. That quick sear locks in the marinade and brings a subtle char that’s central to the Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe’s flavor.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Using the same skillet (hello, flavor!), melt the rest of the butter and add your finely chopped onion. Let it cook until soft and golden, which draws out a gentle sweetness. Stir in more ginger-garlic paste, then add the ground cumin, coriander, paprika, and an extra sprinkle of chili powder. Cook for a minute or two until your kitchen smells incredible and the spices are toasty. Add the tomato puree and let it bubble away, uncovered, for about ten minutes. This creates a thick, savory sauce base, setting the stage for the next creamy addition.
Step 4: Cream and Spice
Once the tomato sauce has deepened, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Sprinkle in a teaspoon of garam masala and, if you enjoy a slightly sweeter note, a tablespoon of sugar. Stir until everything merges into a dreamy, sunset-colored sauce. Here’s where the Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe transforms into silk — velvety, rich, and dotted with all those browned spices.
Step 5: Simmer Chicken to Perfection
Return your browned chicken (including any juices on the plate) into the sauce. Gently simmer for 8–10 minutes. The chicken finishes cooking and becomes impossibly tender, absorbing all that luscious buttery sauce. Give a final taste and adjust salt or spice if needed. As everything melds together, you’ll notice the sauce thickens up a bit, which is exactly what you want for scooping with naan or spooning over rice.
How to Serve Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
No bowl of butter chicken is complete without a flourish of fresh cilantro. Chop a handful and scatter it over the top just before serving — it adds a pop of color and a burst of garden-fresh flavor that perfectly contrasts the rich sauce.
Side Dishes
The classic pairings are soft, pillowy naan bread or fluffy basmati rice. Naan is fantastic for scooping up every bit of buttery sauce, while rice gives you a cool, gentle base to soak in all those flavors. For a special twist, try serving with cumin-scented jeera rice or a side of quick cucumber raita for something cooling.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a little fancy, serve the Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe in a copper bowl or small cast iron skillet for a restaurant-style experience at home. For gatherings, try ladling it into individual ramekins as part of an Indian-inspired dinner platter with assorted breads and chutneys. Even a simple swirl of cream on top, or a wedge of lemon on the side, can make your presentation pop.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Like many curries, the flavors in this Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe deepen overnight. Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, but it’ll still taste fantastic — sometimes even better!
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Let the butter chicken cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to a month. For my own kitchen, I like to portion individual servings so I can reheat just what I need for lunches or quick dinners.
Reheating
Simply thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened more than you’d like. Stir well and heat until the chicken is hot all the way through, and dinner is ready in no time.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast can be used, though it’s a bit leaner and may not be quite as juicy after simmering. Just keep an eye on cook time to avoid drying out the meat, and your Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe will still shine.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier or milder?
Definitely! Adjust the chili powder to suit your taste. If you want more heat, toss in an extra pinch or add fresh chopped chilies. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder, or use a mild paprika for color without fire.
What’s the purpose of marinating the chicken?
Marination is key for two reasons: it tenderizes the chicken and infuses flavor deep into every piece. The yogurt, acids, and spices break down the meat fibers, creating the melt-in-your-mouth results so central to an Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can! Swap plain yogurt for a non-dairy yogurt in the marinade, and use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative in the sauce. The dish will be a bit different in taste, but still delicious and satisfying.
What if I don’t have garam masala?
If you can’t find garam masala, you can make a quick homemade blend with ground coriander, cumin, cinnamon, and a pinch of cloves and cardamom. It won’t be identical, but your Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe will still be packed with flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason the Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe has become such a global sensation. When you make it at home, the warmth, aroma, and flavor are truly special — and surprisingly easy to achieve. Give it a try, enjoy every creamy bite, and don’t forget to share this little piece of culinary joy with friends and family. You’ll be glad you did!
Print
Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes plus marinating time
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of this authentic Indian Butter Chicken recipe. Tender marinated chicken cooked in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce, topped with fresh cilantro. Perfect served with naan or basmati rice.
Ingredients
For the Marinated Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 1/2 cups tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, cumin, garam masala, chili powder, and salt. Add chicken, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Cook the Chicken: Sear marinated chicken in butter and oil until browned. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, cook onion, spices, and tomato puree. Add cream, garam masala, and sugar. Simmer, then add chicken back to the pan.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro and enjoy hot with naan or rice.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, grill or bake the marinated chicken before adding it to the sauce.
- Adjust chili powder to suit your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes plus marinating time
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 940 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
