This Famous Butter Chicken is rich, creamy, perfectly spiced, and unbelievably comforting.
Made with tender marinated chicken simmered in a silky tomato-butter sauce, this authentic Indian butter chicken recipe delivers bold flavor with simple, home-friendly steps.

If you’ve ever wondered how restaurants get butter chicken so smooth, glossy, and addictive — this is the method.

⭐ Why This Butter Chicken Recipe is a family favorite

• Authentic restaurant flavor using easy home techniques

• Ultra-creamy sauce with balanced spices (never overpowering)

• Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or special occasions

• High-protein, naturally gluten-free, and customizable heat level

⏱️ Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Marinating Time: 30 minutes (overnight recommended)

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Servings: 4–6

🛒 Ingredients

Chicken Marinade

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1½-inch pieces

• ¾ cup plain full-fat yogurt

• 1½ tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp ginger paste

• 1 tbsp garlic paste

• 2 tsp garam masala

• 2 tsp Kashmiri chili powder (or paprika for mild heat)

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp neutral oil

Butter Chicken Sauce

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided

• 1 tbsp neutral oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1½ tbsp ginger paste

• 1½ tbsp garlic paste

• 1½ tsp ground coriander

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp paprika or Kashmiri chili powder

• 14 oz crushed tomatoes or tomato purée

• ¾ cup heavy cream

• 1 tsp sugar or honey

• 1 tsp garam masala

• Salt to taste

Garnish

• Fresh cilantro

• Extra cream drizzle

• Small knob of butter

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, spices, salt, and oil.
Add chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes (up to overnight).

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken in batches until lightly charred and just cooked through, 3–4 minutes per side.
Set aside.

3. Start the Sauce

In a wide pan, heat 2 tbsp butter + oil over medium heat.
Cook onions until soft and lightly golden, 8–10 minutes.

Add ginger and garlic paste; cook 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Build Flavor

Add coriander, cumin, and chili powder. Toast 30 seconds.
Stir in crushed tomatoes and salt.
Simmer uncovered 12–15 minutes, until thick and glossy.

5. Blend for Signature Smoothness

Blend the sauce until completely smooth using an immersion blender or countertop blender.
Return to low heat.

6. Finish the Butter Chicken

Add cooked chicken, cream, sugar, remaining butter, and garam masala.
Simmer gently 8–10 minutes until tender and luxurious.

Taste and adjust salt.

🍽️ How to Serve Butter Chicken

• Steamed basmati rice

• Garlic naan or butter roti

• Cucumber salad or pickled onions

🔥 Pro-Tip for Next-Level Butter Chicken

Let the finished dish rest off heat for 10 minutes before serving.
This allows the butter and cream to fully emulsify, giving you that restaurant-quality silky finish.

For authenticity, crush a pinch of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) between your palms and stir in just before serving.