After trying butter chicken, it quickly became one of the most loved and requested meals in my home. If you have not tried Butter Chicken yet, then you are missing out big time! This is one of the simplest butter chicken recipes you can try. It’s rich, comforting, and full of flavor yet surprisingly easy to make. This is a recipe that works for every occasion; whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy family meal, or a special weekend dish when you want something a little extra comforting.
Also known as Murgh Makhani, butter chicken is a classic dish from North India, first created in 1948. As the name implies, butter chicken is made with tender chicken cooked in a creamy, buttery tomato sauce that is perfectly spiced and incredibly satisfying. While I’ve simplified the process to make it beginner-friendly, I’ve made sure not to lose the essence and bold flavors that make this dish so special.
What makes this version easy?
To make this butter chicken extra tender and flavorful, I start by marinating the chicken in Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and a blend of warm spices. This helps the flavors fully soak in and keeps the chicken juicy and soft. It’s then simmered in a rich, buttery tomato cream sauce that’s smooth, comforting, and full of flavor.
Most traditional butter chicken recipes call for a long list of ingredients, which can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to cooking. To make things easier, I’ve simplified this version by removing ingredients like cashews and fenugreek leaves, while still keeping the rich, creamy flavor that makes this dish so special.
BUTTER CHICKEN VIDEO
Butter Chicken Ingredients
Here is a quick breakdown of the ingredients you need for this easy Butter chicken Recipe.
- Chicken breast – The base of the dish. You can also use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Butter – Adds richness and creates the base of the sauce.
- Spices – Salt, Garlic, Ginger, Garam masala, Turmeric, Chili powder, Black pepper, Cinnamon stick & Bay leaf
- Greek yogurt – Helps tenderize the chicken and adds creaminess.
- Tomato paste + canned tomatoes – Gives the sauce its deep color and tangy flavor.
- Double cream – Makes the sauce silky, creamy, and smooth
- Lemon juice – Adds light acidity and helps soften the meat.
- Onion
How to Make Butter in Easy Steps
- Marinate the butter chicken for 2-3 hours before or (best overnight).
- Cook chicken until golden brown.
- blend base
- Make sauce
What Do I Serve With Butter Chicken?
You can enjoy butter
- White rice
- Naan bread
- Chapati
- Steamed vegetables
Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
CHICKEN MARINADE
- 1 250g chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tsp ginger powder
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp seasoning powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ cup yogurt
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
BUTTER CHICKEN SAUCE
- 2 -3 tbsp butter
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp chopped garlic
- 1/2 tsp chopped ginger
- 1 onion diced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 400 g diced tomatoes 1 can
- Chili pepper
- 1/2 tsp seasoning powder optional
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup double cream
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Add all spices, yogurt, and lemon juice.
- Mix well and marinate for 30 minutes or overnight.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat a pan on medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until golden brown.
- Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce Base
- In the same pan, add butter, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf.
- Add diced onion and cook until translucent.
- Add salt, garam masala, and tomato paste. Cook for 5 minutes.
Add Tomatoes
- Add diced tomatoes and chili pepper.
- Cover and cook for 25 minutes or until thick and reduced.
Blend
- Remove bay leaf and cinnamon stick.
- Blend the sauce until smooth.
- Add a little water to the blender and pour it back into the pan.
Finish
- Simmer the sauce for a few minutes.
- Add double cream.
- Add chicken back in and bring to a gentle boil.
Serve
- Serve with naan bread or rice.
Notes
- You can add little water when blending.
- Chicken thighs can also work for this recipe too if you are not a fan of chicken breast.
- ecause of the yogurt in the marinade, reduce the stove heat to ensure your chicken does’nt burn.