Luscious & Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe | Easy Restaurant-Style Murgh Makhani

Craving the rich, creamy flavors of your favorite Indian restaurant at home? This butter chicken recipe (also known as Murgh Makhani) delivers tender chicken in a velvety, spiced tomato sauce you’ll want to scoop up with every last piece of naan. Crafted for both SEO and human connection, this post highlights essential keywords and approachable steps for all levels of home cooks.

Butter Chicken Recipe

✨ Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken

• Creamy, luscious sauce with tender, marinated chicken

• Authentic flavor with everyday ingredients

• Easy restaurant-style results at home

• Naturally gluten-free and family-friendly

• Always a crowd-pleaser—perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions

📋 Ingredients for the Best Butter Chicken

For Chicken Marinade:

• 500g boneless chicken (breast or thigh), cut into chunks

• 1/2 cup yogurt

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste

• 1 teaspoon red chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• Salt, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter (plus extra for finishing)

• 1 tablespoon oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2 teaspoons ginger garlic paste

• 2–3 large tomatoes, pureed (or 1 cup tomato puree)

• 1–2 teaspoons red chili powder (Kashmiri for color, regular for spice)

• 1 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity)

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• Salt, to taste

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons cashew paste (optional for richness)

• Fresh coriander for garnish

👩🍳 How to Make Butter Chicken at Home – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, ginger garlic paste, chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and salt. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight for maximum flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet or grill pan, add a little oil, and sear marinated chicken on high heat until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside. This helps lock in juiciness and authentic smokiness.

Step 3: Make the Butter Chicken Sauce

In a large pan, melt butter and oil. Sauté onions until translucent. Add ginger garlic paste and cook until fragrant. Stir in pureed tomatoes, red chili powder, garam masala, sugar, and salt. Simmer for 12–15 minutes, until oil separates and sauce deepens in color.

Pro Tip: For an ultra-smooth sauce, blend the tomato-onion base before adding chicken.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

Add cooked chicken to the sauce. Mix in cashew paste (if using) and heavy cream. Simmer 5–10 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce thickens. Stir in a final pat of butter for glossy richness.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a swirl of cream. Serve hot with naan, basmati rice, or roti.

🍗 Tips for Restaurant-Style Butter Chicken

• Use Kashmiri red chili powder for vibrant color with mild heat.

• Marinating overnight makes chicken extra flavorful.

• Blending the sauce yields that signature, silkiness.

• Always finish with extra butter and cream for the richest taste.

🥣 Serving & Storage

• Best enjoyed fresh but keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring in a splash of cream to revive the sauce.

• Freezes well—let it cool, transfer to an airtight container, and freeze up to 1 month.

📝 Recipe Variations

• Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream.

• Paneer Butter Masala: Swap chicken for paneer cubes for a vegetarian favorite.

• Spicy Version: Add green chilies with the onions for extra heat.

🔍 SEO Keywords

Butter Chicken Recipe, Easy Butter Chicken, Authentic Murgh Makhani, Restaurant Style Butter Chicken, Indian Butter Chicken, Creamy Chicken Curry, Best Butter Chicken at Home, Gluten Free Indian Curry

💬 Did You Make This Butter Chicken?

Share your butter chicken success in the comments below! What’s your favorite way to enjoy this classic? Tag your kitchen creations with #ButterChickenMagic on social media and inspire others to savor this creamy, beloved dish.