Are you craving a creamy, flavorful Indian curry that melts in your mouth? Look no further! This easy butter chicken recipe is your ticket to restaurant-quality Murgha Makhana right at home. Packed with aromatic spices, tender chicken, and a velvety tomato-butter sauce, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that’ll impress your family and friends.Easy Butter Chicken Recipe Best of all, it’s beginner-friendly, uses simple pantry staples, and comes together in just 30 minutes. Easy Butter Chicken Recipe Say goodbye to takeout and hello to homemade bliss!
Butter chicken, or Murgha Makhana, originated in Delhi, India, in the 1950s as a way to use leftover tandoori chicken in a rich gravy.Easy Butter Chicken Recipe It’s now a global favorite, loved for its mild spice level and indulgent creaminess. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a seasoned pro, this simplified version captures that authentic taste without the hassle.
Why choose this recipe? It’s quick, uses one pan for minimal cleanup, and delivers bold flavors that rival your favorite Indian restaurant.Easy Butter Chicken Recipe Plus, it’s customizable for dietary needs – think dairy-free or extra spicy.Easy Butter Chicken Recipe Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients for Easy Butter Chicken
You’ll need basic ingredients you probably already have or can grab from any grocery store. This recipe serves 4 and keeps things straightforward for maximum ease.
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works great for extra thickness)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste (or 1 tsp each minced ginger and garlic)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust for heat)
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
For the Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or puree
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika or Kashmiri red chili powder for color
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pro tip: For the best flavor, use fresh spices.Easy Butter Chicken Recipe If you’re short on time, pre-made ginger-garlic paste from the store is a lifesaver!
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Easy Butter Chicken
Follow these simple steps for foolproof results.Easy Butter Chicken Recipe We’ve broken it down with visuals to make it even easier.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, chili powder, turmeric, and salt. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor). This tenderizes the meat and infuses it with spices.
- Sauté the Base: Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in the remaining ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build the Sauce: Add the tomato sauce, garam masala, cumin, paprika, and sugar. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. If it splatters, cover partially.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Finish with Creaminess: Stir in the remaining 2 tbsp butter and heavy cream. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or more spices.
- Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot. Pair it with basmati rice or naan for the ultimate meal.
Total time: 30 minutes. Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min.
This one-pan wonder minimizes dishes while maximizing taste – perfect for busy nights!
Tips for the Perfect Butter Chicken Every Time
- Make it Spicier: Amp up the chili powder or add fresh green chilies for a kick.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap butter for ghee or oil, and cream for coconut milk.Easy Butter Chicken Recipe It adds a subtle tropical twist!
- Meal Prep Magic: This recipe reheats beautifully. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for a month.
- Authentic Touch: If you have a tandoor or grill, char the marinated chicken first for that smoky flavor, like traditional recipes.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t overcook the chicken – it should be juicy, not dry.Easy Butter Chicken Recipe Also, use unsalted butter to control the salt level.
For more cooking hacks, check out our internal guide on essential Indian spices.
Delicious Variations to Try
Butter chicken is versatile – experiment to keep things exciting!
- Vegetarian Butter Paneer: Replace chicken with paneer cheese cubes for a meat-free option.
- Butter Chicken Pasta: Toss the sauce with cooked pasta for an Indo-Italian fusion.
- Slow Cooker Version: Marinate the chicken, then dump everything in a slow cooker on low for 4 hours. Easy peas!
- Healthy Twist: Use low-fat yogurt and half the butter for a lighter take without sacrificing flavor.
Link to our vegetarian curry recipes for more inspiration.
Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Meal
Serve this butter chicken with fluffy basmati rice to soak up the sauce, or warm naan bread for dipping. Add a side of cucumber raita to cool things down,Easy Butter Chicken Recipe or roasted vegetables for extra nutrition.
Pro pairing: Try it with our easy homemade naan recipe or perfect basmati rice. For drinks, a chilled mango lassi complements the richness perfectly.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (approx. 1 cup):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
This dish is a good source of protein and vitamins from the tomatoes and spices. For detailed nutrition facts, visit USDA Food Data Central.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is butter chicken the same as chicken tikka masala?
No, while similar, butter chicken is milder and creamier, focusing on butter and tomato gravy, whereas tikka masala is tangier with more yogurt.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Prepare the sauce in advance and add chicken when ready to eat.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you check your spices and tomato sauce for hidden gluten.
How spicy is it?
Mild by default – customize the chili to your taste.
For more FAQs on Indian recipes, explore BBC Good Food’s Indian Cuisine Guide.
